Ashmari is a condition described in Ayurveda that refers to kidney stones. According to Ayurveda for ashmari is caused by an imbalance of the three doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha – in the body. The condition is more commonly seen in people with a vata-predominant constitution.
Causes Of Ashmari
As per Ayurveda, the following factors can contribute to the development of ashmari or kidney stones:
- Imbalance of the three doshas: According to Ayurveda fro ashmari, an imbalance in the three doshas – vata, pitta, and kapha – can lead to the formation of ashmari. An excess of vata dosha can cause dryness and constriction in the kidneys, leading to the formation of stones.
- Poor diet: Eating a diet that is high in protein, salt, and oxalates (found in foods like spinach, chocolate, and nuts) can increase the risk of ashmari.
- Dehydration: Not drinking enough water can lead to concentrated urine, which can increase the risk of stone formation.
- Sedentary lifestyle: Lack of physical activity can contribute to the formation of ashmari.
- Genetic factors: Some people may be more prone to developing kidney stones due to genetic factors.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics, antacids, and calcium-based supplements, can increase the risk of stone formation.
- Infections: Chronic urinary tract infections or other kidney or bladder infections can increase the risk of ashmari formation.
- Obesity:Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of ashmari formation.
Symptoms of Ashmari
As per Ayurveda, the following symptoms may be present in ashmari or kidney stones:
- Pain: The most common symptom of ashmari is pain in the back, lower abdomen, or sides. The pain may be sharp, intense, and may come and go in waves. It may be accompanied by nausea and vomiting.
- Burning sensation: Ayurveda for ashmari suggests that some people with stones may experience a burning sensation while urinating.
- Difficulty in urination: Ashmari may cause difficulty in urination, including decreased urine output, frequent urination, or a strong urge to urinate.
- Blood in urine: In some cases, ashmari may cause blood in the urine, which may appear pink, red, or brown.
- Fever and chills: If ashmari causes an infection or inflammation, it may be accompanied by fever and chills.
- Foul-smelling urine: Ashmari may cause the urine to have a foul odor or be cloudy.
- Restlessness and anxiety: The pain and discomfort associated with ashmari may cause restlessness and anxiety in some people.
Common Ayurveda Medicines For Ashmari
Ayurvedic medicines for ashmari or kidney stones may vary depending on the type, size, and location of the stone, as well as the individual’s constitution. Here are some commonly used Ayurvedic medicines for ashmari:
- Chandraprabha Vati: This is a popular Ayurvedic formulation used to treat ashmari. It contains several herbs and minerals, including guggulu, shilajit, and triphala, which are believed to help dissolve kidney stones.
- Gokshuradi Guggulu: This is another Ayurvedic formulation that contains gokshura, a diuretic herb that is believed to help flush out kidney stones. It also contains other herbs like pippali and triphala, which can help improve kidney function and prevent the formation of stones. Gokshuradi guggulu is an Ayurvedic formulation that contains gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) and guggulu (Commiphora mukul) as its main ingredients. It is commonly used in treatment in Ayurveda for ashmari or kidney stones.
Gokshura is a diuretic herb that is believed to help flush out kidney stones by increasing urine output. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with Ayurveda for ashmari. Guggulu, on the other hand, is a resin that is believed to have anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and lipid-lowering properties.
When combined, gokshura and guggulu are believed to work synergistically to help dissolve kidney stones and improve kidney function. Gokshura guggulu is often prescribed in cases of ashmari caused by an excess of vata dosha, as it is believed to have a balancing effect on this dosha.
The recommended dosage of gokshura guggulu may vary depending on the individual’s condition and constitution. It is typically taken in the form of tablets or powder, and is often taken with warm water or milk.
- Punarnavadi Guggulu: This is a herbal formulation that contains punarnava, guggulu, and other herbs that are believed to have diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and stone-dissolving properties.
- Varunadi Kwath: This is an Ayurveda for ashmari remedy in which decoction made from herbs like varuna, gokshura, and punarnava, which are believed to have diuretic and stone-dissolving properties.
- Shilajit: This is a mineral-rich substance that is believed to help dissolve kidney stones and improve kidney function. It is also believed to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
- Kulthi (horse gram): Kulthi is a legume that is used in Ayurveda to treat ashmari. It is believed to have diuretic and stone-dissolving properties and is often recommended in the form of soup or as a powder.
Commonly used herbs in Ayurveda for ashmari include:
- Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris)
- Varuna (Crataeva nurvala)
- Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
- Shilajit (Asphaltum)
- Kulthi (Dolichos biflorus)
These herbs are believed to have diuretic, lithotriptic (stone-breaking), and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help dissolve kidney stones and prevent their formation.
Ayurveda Diet For Ashmari
In Ayurveda for ashmari, dietary modifications are an important part of the treatment for ashmari or kidney stones. Here are some dietary recommendations that may help:
- Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids is important to help flush out kidney stones. Water is the best choice, but you can also drink herbal teas, coconut water, and fresh fruit juices (without added sugar).
- Avoid foods that are high in oxalates: Oxalates are compounds that can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Foods that are high in oxalates include spinach, nuts, and chocolate. It is best to limit or avoid these foods if you have ashmari.
- Include diuretic foods in your diet: Ayurveda for ashmari advises that Diuretic foods can help increase urine output and flush out kidney stones. Some diuretic foods include cucumber, watermelon, parsley, and celery.
- Eat a balanced diet: A balanced diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein sources can help support overall kidney health.
- Avoid processed foods and refined sugars: Processed foods and refined sugars can increase inflammation in the body, which can exacerbate ashmari symptoms. As per Ayurveda for ashmari it is best to limit or avoid these foods.
- Use spices and herbs: Some spices and herbs, such as turmeric, cumin, and coriander, are believed to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties that can help support kidney health.
- Avoid excessive salt intake: Consuming too much salt can contribute to the formation of kidney stones. It is best to limit or avoid salty foods if you have ashmari.
Ayurveda for ashmari typically involves a combination of diet and lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and procedures like panchakarma (a set of Ayurvedic cleansing techniques).