ABSTRACT
Essential Tthrombocythemia is a rare disorder which is characterized by production of too many platelets. As platelets are the blood cells responsible for the formation of blood clots, hence too many platelets increase the risk of abnormal clotting of blood. Person suffering from essential thrombocythemia experiences fatigue, headaches, lightheadedness, and changes in vision. People above the age of 60 years are more prone to it and women get it more than men. This disorder is considered to be incurable, however there are certain herbal remedies offered by Planet Ayurveda which can help in management of the disease naturally.
INTRODUCTION
Essential Thrombocythemia is an uncommon, chronic and non reactive myeloproliferative disorder which results in proliferation of sustained megakaryocytes leading to abnormal increase in platelets in the circulatory system of the body. The good thing in this disorder is that the life expectancy of the patient suffering from Essential thrombocythemia is just as normal as any other person.
Platelets are one of the blood cells which are necessary for the body in order to clot blood in condition of injury or wherever required. The other two types of blood cells are white blood cells which help the body to fight against various diseases and infections while the red blood cells help in transfer of oxygen to all the parts of the body. Generally both the other blood cells are normal in number. However it is necessary to evaluate the reason for increased platelet count as there can be other reasons as well like infection, iron deficiency or generalized inflammation in the body.
SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS
In mild forms of disease there are usually no noticeable signs and symptoms. However as the disorder progresses patient starts to develop certain signs and symptoms (due to the formation of clot in different parts of the body like, feet, hand or brain)
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Headache
- Pain in chest
- Vertigo and fainting
- Temporary changes in vision
- Tingling or numbness sensation in feet and hands
- Redness of feet and hands
- Burning and throbbing pain in hands and feet
- Bruising
- Nosebleed
- Blood in stool
- Bleeding gums or from mouth
- Ringing in ears
CAUSES
Essential thrombocythemia is known as a type of chronic myeloproliferative disorder because in this the spongy tissue inside the bones, i.e. bone marrow produces abnormally too many certain types of cells like platelets. The exact cause behind this is not known, however in most of the cases there is reported mutation of certain gene causing Essential thrombocythemia to develop. There is also a secondary thrombocytosis in which the platelet count becomes high due to other underlying conditions like iron deficiency. However the risk of blood clots and bleeding is less in secondary thrombocytosis as compared to the essential thrombocythemia.
DIAGNOSIS
Initially on reporting to the doctor for the certain signs and symptoms mentioned, the basic blood tests will be suggested that will reveal the high platelet count. To confirm the diagnosis of Essential thrombocythemia, the doctor needs to rule out all other causes of high platelet count. During this the blood tests are done to check number and size of platelet counts, iron level, markers of inflammation and genetic testing to find out the flaws in JAK2, MPL or CALR genes.
TREATMENT
As the essential thrombocythemia is considered to be an incurable disorder, hence the treatment is aimed at controlling the signs and symptoms of the disease and prevents the complications. Conventionally various medicines are prescribed like Hydroxyurea, Anagrelide etc. But both the drugs have many side effects when given for long term use.
Ayurveda can here be a helping hand, as the herbs and herbal remedies used in this system of medicine do not cause any side effects along with managing the presenting complaints and preventing complications. This is so because these herbs possess natural therapeutic properties which annihilate the disease and its accompanying signs and symptoms.
Other than herbal remedies there are two therapeutic methods in Ayurveda which can help in management of essential thrombocythemia, i.e. Virechan and Rakt moshan.
1. Virechan
It is a Sanskrit word which literally means purging or laxative that refers to a particular substance which causes purging. It is an Ayurvedic procedure which is used to eliminate the accumulated toxins in the body. Similarly it helps in elimination of excessive platelets from the body bringing the count back to normal.
2. Raktamokshana
It is a blood purifying and cleansing Ayurvedic method which is therapeutic in nature. It is one of the five purification procedures used in Ayurveda. In this the vitiated blood is let out from the body. In this leech therapy is considered to be convenient and easy to execute the technique. Leeches (6- poisonous and 6- non poisonous) are planted on the body after clearing the area with antiseptic. They fall off themselves after completing the blood sucking of vitiated blood. Then turmeric is rubbed on this area to stop bleeding from the leech bitten site.
HERBAL REMEDIES for Essential Thrombocythemia BY PLANET AYURVEDA
Planet Ayurveda is a well recognized herbal pharmaceutical brand and company which deals with the production of herbal products and medicines that are further prescribed to the patients by expert Ayurveda doctors to treat and manage the disease. Owing to the fact that there are no chemicals, preservatives, additives, dye, binders, colors, fillers or yeast in these products, the efficacy and safety rises up more. All the formulations are prepared using classical references from Ayurveda texts and under the strict supervision of MD Ayurveda doctors. For Essential thrombocythemia Planet Ayurveda offers a combination of herbal remedies that can help in management of the disorder.
Products List
- Arogyavardhini vati
- Kaishore guggul
Products Description
1. Arogyavardhini Vati
Herbs like Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula), Shilajit ( Asphaltum), Bibhitaki ( Terminalia bellerica), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Katuki ( Picrorhiza kurroa), and mineral compounds like Shuddha parade (Purified mercury), Shuddha gandhaka (Purified sulphur), etc. Arogyavardhini vati helps in balancing all three doshas and hence preventing the development of the disease and its eradication. It also possesses anti inflammatory, anti viral, anti bacterial etc properties.
Dosage - Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water
2. Kaishore Guggul
It is the herbal combination of Amalaki ( Emblica officinalis), Haritaki ( Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki ( Terminalia bellerica), Giloy ( Tinospora cordifolia), Shunthi ( Zingiber officinale), Maricha ( Piper nirgum), Pippali ( Piper longum) etc. Kaishore guggul helps in clearing the toxins from the blood and boosts immunity. It helps in treating various inflammatory disorders and diseases caused due to high Pitta in the body.
Dosage - Take 2 tablets twice daily after meals with plain water
CONCLUSION
Essential thrombocythemia is an uncommon disorder which is caused due to abnormal mutation in certain genes. In this platelet count grows too high than the normal causing signs and symptoms and complications. Herbal remedies mentioned here can help in management of the condition without causing any harm to the body even if taken for long term.
