Pulmonary fibrosis is a rare disease of lungs in which tissues present in the lungs become thick and scarred. These scars are termed as fibrosis. The word “Idiopathic” linked with “pulmonary fibrosis” means the cause of this disease is unknown yet. Thus it is called Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
It is a life-threatening condition affecting both the middle and old-aged individuals. Improper treatment of IPF may result in lung cancer, heart failure, pulmonary hypertension, respiratory failure and pulmonary embolism (formation of blood clots in arteries supplying nutrients to the lungs).
Men lying more than 50 years of age are more frequently infected with IPF as compared to women.
Symptoms of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
Symptoms of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may vary from person to person as per the severity of the disease. Some common signs and symptoms observed in the patients of IPF are:
- Persistent dry cough
- Difficulty in breathing
- Fatigue
- Tightness in chest
- Loss of weight
- Muscle ache and joint ache
- Clubbing of the fingertips
- Abnormal sound heard in the lungs
What Causes Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?
The exact cause behind the development of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is still a mystery. But the doctors assume that the exposure to several environmental factors and pollutants can highly increase the chances of being infected with IPF. Several factors such as excessive cigarette smoking, exposure to hay dust, silica, stone dust, wood dust, metal dust and agricultural products can predispose the occurrence of pulmonary fibrosis.
Over 25% of IPF patients have a family background of interstitial lung disease in any of their family member(s). So, the doctors believe that several hereditary factors are also the reason for IPF.
Some reports show that about 70% of IPF patients are also suffering from gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). But the link between both is not clear yet.
How to Diagnose Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis?
If you think you have symptoms of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, you need to diagnose it immediately by visiting a doctor’s clinic. The doctor will diagnose IPF on the basis of your physical exam, medical history and test reports such as CT scan, X-ray of chest, lung biopsy, exercise testing, pulse oximetry, lung function test and skin test for tuberculosis. These all testing methods will help to diagnose IPF as its symptoms mimics the symptoms of congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and asthma.
After the confirmation of IPF by your doctor, you need to take immediate treatment before it develops into a life-threatening condition.
Treatment of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis in Ayurveda?
The treatment of Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is mandatory to start immediately after the diagnosis. To treat this disease in an effective manner, herbs are very effective and show their action in a natural manner. Herbs are natural medicinal plants obtained from nature and helpful in the treatment of numerous diseases. Herbs can be used for managing any disease, but some of the herbs that are beneficial in relieving Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are:
- VASAKA (JUSTICIA ADHATODA)
Due to its expectorant, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties, Vasaka is helpful in managing Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cough, common cold, flu and also provide relief from excess mucus secretion, asthma, sinusitis, bronchitis and various other respiratory ailments.
- HALDI (CURCUMA LONGA)
Haldi is a well-known herb due to its multiple medicinal uses and present in almost every Indian kitchen for use as a spice. The active ingredient curcumin present in haldi is very beneficial for curing various health related disorders such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, sneezing, congestion, running nose, rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, etc.
- TULSI (OCIMUM TENUIFLORUM)
Tulsi is the holy plant of India and contains antioxidants, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, and many other health beneficial properties. Use of tulsi herb will reduce inflammation in the whole body, remove toxins from the body, boost the immune system, and relieve numerous disorders such as asthma, cold, cough idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, malaria, dengue, etc. Tulsi also provides strength to the immune system for working in an efficient manner.
- MULETHI (GLYCYRRHIZA GLABRA LINN)
Mulethi is considered as a one shot remedy for all complications of the respiratory system. These herbs contain antiasthmatic, antibiotic and anti-inflammatory properties which further play a pivotal role in treating flu, cough, cold, and various diseases of the respiratory system. Mulethi enhances the health of the lungs and rejuvenates the lung tissues.
- GINGER (ZINGIBER OFFICINALE)
Ginger possesses antimicrobial properties which invade both viral and bacterial infections. It is a natural expectorant which is advantageous for enhancing the working of lungs i.e. their expansion and contraction. You can use this herb for overall well-being of the lungs health.
- KAKARSINGI (PISTACIA INTEGERRIMA)
For various types of respiratory ailments, Kakarsingi herb is very good. It is pungent and bitter in taste and clear the mucus from trachea, lungs, bronchi and respiratory airways. This herb also provides strength to the inner linings of the respiratory membranes and inhibits the growth of various diseases in the lungs.
- LUNGWORT (PULMONARIA OFFICINALIS)
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, chronic bronchitis and asthma can be treated in an effective manner by using Lungwort herb. The antibiotic properties present in this herb support the inhibition of bacterial growth in various body parts.
By using all these herbs, Life Aveda formulated some herbal remedies which will treat your Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis in a natural manner without showing any adverse effect. All these herbal remedies are independent from chemical, preservative, color, binder, or any synthetic compound. Thus, they are totally pure and herbal. You can easily get rid of various respiratory ailments by consuming these remedies.
Herbal Remedies for IPF
As the name indicates, this formulation is prepared to secure the lungs from various diseases including Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, Asthma, etc. The best quality extract of Kakarsingi (Pistacia integerrima), Vasaka (Justicia adhatoda), Tulsi (Ocimum basilicum), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra linn), etc present in these capsules provide potential to treat various diseases of lungs and ensure their healthy functioning. Along with the well-being of lungs, these capsules also boost immunity, stop excessive mucus secretion, provide relief from cold, cough and fever, reduce itching, inflammation, sneezing and swelling of the skin.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with normal water after meals or as directed by a physician.
Life Aveda’s Tulsi drops contain the best quality extract of Ban tulsi, Sweet tulsi, Ram tulsi, Kali tulsi and Kapoor tulsi. These drops will eliminate harmful toxins from the body, keep the immunity system strengthened, maintain the normal functioning of all body systems, reduce stress, anxiety, depression and detoxify the blood. Tulsi is really a wonderful herb with various health beneficial properties.
Dosage: 5-6 drops twice a day with normal water after or before meals.
Curcumin capsules prepared in the house of Life Aveda consist of pure quality extract of Curcumin (Curcuma longa) herb with presence of 95% active alkaloid. Consumption of these capsules will enhance your overall health and treat Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis as well as numerous other body diseases. Curcumin capsules help the immune system to build stronger and defend the body against a variety of diseases.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with normal water after meals.
Other Preventable Measures
Along with the use of above mentioned herbal remedies, you must have to follow some preventable measure for paced recovery. These preventable measures are:
- Quit smoking immediately as continuous smoking can make your condition worse.
- Patients who have developed IPF with exposure to radiations must stay away from exposure to radiations and harmful toxic substances.
- Do exercise on a regular basis. This will improve the flow of blood and oxygen to your body cells.
- Consume the food items rich in vitamins, minerals and various other nutrients. It is highly advised to adapt a healthy lifestyle.
- Prevent excessive alcohol consumption.
Conclusion
Lungs are one of the most important body organs. Their healthy state is required for living in a healthy manner. We can breathe only if our lungs are healthy. Otherwise there is nothing except death. IPF is an extremely dangerous disease causing the patient to lack to breathe and even results in death. But there is no need to worry, above mentioned herbal remedies will help you to restore healthy lungs in a natural way. These remedies are totally natural and show their action without giving any side-effects.
