Natural Healing of Chylous Ascites with Herbal Remedies

Abstract

Chylous ascites is the rarest occurrence which results in lipid rich leakage into the discharge of lipid rich lymph in the peritoneal or retroperitoneal cavities. It often happens because of rupture and trauma of the lymphatic system. The fluid has a milky appearance due to the presence of triglycerides. It may cause nutritional deficiencies and immune system related problems. Elevated serum albumin gradient is due to water and fluid accumulation leading to ascites. Worldwide, cirrhosis, tuberculosis and abdominal malignancy are the most common factors of chylous ascites in adults. So today we will read about the chylous ascites in brief in this article.

Introduction

Chylous ascites is that condition in which lipid rich lymph is discharged into the abdominal or peritoneal cavity because of collection of fluid from the interstitial and thoracic lymph. It leads to dehydration, malnutrition, electrolyte imbalance. Liver releases a limited fluid amount but if it releases excess fluid amount it leads to cause collection of fluid in the peritoneal cavity. This condition is very rare these days.

Causes

Following are the causes of chylous ascites

• Infection
• Post operative
• Obstruction
• Inflammation
• Injury or trauma
• Malignant
• Systemic disease
• Portal hypertension
• Acquired or congenital
• Inclined venous pressure 

Symptoms

Following are the symptoms of chylous ascites

• Abdominal pain
• A rounded, big belly
• Fullness
• Edema 
• Fever along with night sweats
• Anorexia
• Breathlessness
• Vomiting 
• Malaise
• Lymph nodes enlarged
• Weight gain
• Distended abdominal pressure
• Difficulty in eating
• Swelling in both legs

Diagnose

• Clinical examination and medical history
• Abdominal paracentesis
• CT abdomen
• X-ray
• Magnetic resonance imaging
• Peritoneal biopsy and cytology
• Lymphangiography
• Routine blood test
• Ascites fluid examination (Presence of triglycerides)
• Lipoprotein electrophoresis

Treatment

• Lymph angiography
• Diet:- rich protein diet with low fat
• Surgical intervention
• Nutrition 

Preventive measures

• Avoid alcohol
• Avoid excessive starch
• Drink minimum water
• Avoid salts

Ayurvedic overview

In Ayurveda, we can correlate the chylous ascites with jalodara which is described in charak samhita chikitsa sthana udara roga in chapter 13. Jalodar means accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. The accumulated doshas by blocking the channels carrying sweat and fluid and affecting prana vayu, agni (Fire) and apana vayu produce the abdominal diseases. There are eight abdominal diseases in which jalodara is one which is a very complicated condition and not easily treated. 

Causes

• Due to excessive intake of water 
• Unctuous food substance
• Poor digestion
• Wasting and emaciation

Pathogenesis

Due to above mentioned causative factors the digestive fire is extinguished and vata gets located in kloma (Pancreas) and kapha is aggravated by fluid due to obstruction in passage of channels and both contribute to accumulation of fluid from its normal place into the abdomen.

Symptoms

• Loss of desire for food
• Dyspnea
• Debility
• Discharge from anus
• Cough
• Pain
• Abdomen full of streaks and veins of various colors and on palpation has fluctuation like that in a bag full of water.

Treatment

• Fasting (Upwas)
• Intake of milk 
• Intake of kshara medicine (Cow urine)
• Surgical intervention (Shastra karma)
• Intake of medicated oil and ghee with saindhav lavan (Rock salt)

Herbal remedies for chylous ascites by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda made various formulations of ayurvedic medicine with various herbs which are pure, natural and potent in nature. These herbal remedies are GMP certified and totally vegetarian. They strictly follow all the principles of Ayurveda described in ancient textbooks of Ayurvedic Samhita. There are no artificial preservatives, color, starch, yeast, additives and any other chemicals used and are safe to consume with no side effects. Planet Ayurveda give a herbal remedy for the management of chylous ascites which is given below:-

1. Punarnava capsules
2. Shothari mandoor
3. Tribulus power
4. Indian echinacea
5. Yakrit plihantak churna 

1. Punarnava capsules

It is a single herbal capsule made from punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa). It pacifies vata, pitta and kapha dosha in the body and it is sweet, bitter and astringent in taste and dry, hot and light in effect. It acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory and reduces the inflammation or edema. It is a diuretic, helps in reducing spleen enlargement and also kills the worms inside the body. It is indicated in asthma, cough, low backache, joint pain, fibroids, urinary retention, weak digestive system, anemia, etc. It is also an anti-helminthic and cardiac stimulant. It has antipyretic, expectorant and laxative properties. It helps in blood formation and is considered as a rasayan

Dose:- 2 capsule twice daily after meal with water

2. Shothari mandoor

It is a classical ayurvedic medicine made from haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shuthi (Zingiber officinalis), Pippali (Piper longum), etc. It is sweet, bitter, sour and pungent in taste. It is dry, hot and light in effect. It pacifies pitta, vata and kapha. It is beneficial in all diseases and helps in gaining longevity. It is primarily digestive, laxative, and carminative in nature. It stimulates liver functions, corrects metabolism, kills intestinal worms and has a tonic effect on all body organs, including the lungs, heart and brain. It has anti inflammatory, wound healer, anti obesity, aphrodisiac and above all, rejuvenating properties. It is indicated in loss of appetite, constipation, jaundice, sinusitis, indigestion, abdominal gas, sprue and piles. It helps in dissolving glandular swellings.

Dose:- 2 Tablet twice daily after meal with water

3. Tribulus power:

It is a single herbal capsule made from gokshura (Tribulus terrestris). It is a powerful diuretic medicine. It is also indicated in hair loss, rheumatic pain, obesity, piles, neurological disorders, headaches, bedwetting, stress, eye problem, cough, asthma and edema. It has antimicrobial, aphrodisiac, anti-cancer and hypotensive properties. It has an anti-aging effect.

Dose:- 1 Capsule twice daily after meal with water

4. Indian Echinacea

It is a single herbal capsule made from indian echinacea (Andrographis paniculata). It balances the vata and kapha dosha in the body. It is an immune booster and treats sinusitis, allergies, and the common cold because it has immuno-modulatory and antimicrobial properties. It lowers the blood sugar level by secreting insulin secretion. It has anti-inflammatory, hepato-protective and antioxidant properties. It prevents the liver cells from free radicals. It enhances the strength and immunity of the body.

Dose:- 1 Capsule twice daily after meal with water

5. Yakrit plihantak churna

It is a polyherbal churna made from bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri), bhringraj (Eclipta alba), kalmegha (Andrographis paniculata), etc. It is bitter and pungent in taste. It is hot, light and dry in effect. It pacifies kapha and vata. It is beneficial for hair and salutary effects on the liver. It is also carminative, diuretic, laxative and digestive. It helps in blood formation and is a rejuvenator and a tonic. It is indicated in liver disorders. It is a potent medicine for anemia, ophthalmic diseases, migraine, non specific glandular swellings and hyperacidity. It is also useful in enlargement of the liver and spleen. It improves appetite and digestion too.

Dose:– 1 Tsp twice daily after meal with Luke warm water

Conclusion

Chylous ascites is a condition in which the effusion of lipid rich lymph into the abdominal cavity. In Ayurveda, we can correlate this condition with jalodara roga in which there is accumulation of fluid in the abdomen. It is a little complicated to treat but we can manage this condition by maintaining a proper diet and taking proper medications. Herbal medicines like punarnava capsules, yakrit plihantak churna, tribulus power etc are very powerful and effective in this condition.