All About Multiple Myeloma and its Ayurvedic Treatment; Kirron Kher also Struggled with it
Abstract
India has quite a low incidence of Multiple myeloma. It is a kind of blood cancer that affects plasma cells of the blood. Globally, only around 50,000 cases are seen every year. This type of cancer is situated in plasma cells which are a type of white blood cells which are linked to the immune system of the body. The abnormality of plasma cells affects other parts of the body such as bones, kidneys and the healthy cell formation process. This article contains information about multiple myeloma, how it affects the body, its Ayurvedic outlook and how one can manage this condition through herbal medications.
Introduction
Multiple myeloma is also called Kahler’s disease. The production of plasma cells is affected in this condition. It is a type of blood cancer. Plasma cells aid the body in defense against infections by producing antibodies. In multiple myeloma, these plasma cells multiply and aggregate in the bone marrow. Healthy cells make antibodies but cancer cells create abnormal proteins (M proteins) in the body further leading to complications.
Causes
There is no certain cause of multiple myeloma. It occurs due to an abnormal stimulation that causes the plasma cells to divide uncontrollably thus affecting other organs such as bones, kidneys etc. Factors that increase the incidence of multiple myeloma:
- Sex – Found more commonly in men
- Familial History – Familial history increases the risk of incidence
- Age – Most cases are diagnosed late, after 60 years of age
- Radiation – Exposure to radiation has been linked to this condition
- Race – Black people are observed to be more commonly affected as compared to other races
- MGUS – This condition starts as monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance and then develops into multiple myeloma
- Conditions – Pre-existing inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or heart diseases can contribute to myeloma
Signs & Symptoms
- Increased thirst
- Bone pain, majorly in chest and in spine and hips
- Feeling of weakness in legs
- Easy bruising
- Gum bleeding
- Chronic fatigue
- Increased infections
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
- Increase in urine frequency
- Brain fog
- Confusion in mind
- Constipation
- Gastric issues like nausea
- Persistent unexplained fever
- Swelling in neck and abdomen
Diagnosis
- The first step to making a diagnosis is physical examination and asking questions about medical history and symptoms
- Blood profile to assess the amount of RBCs and WBCs
- Quantitative immunoglobulin test to measure the amount of antibodies in blood
- Bone Marrow biopsy will analyze the amount of abnormal plasma cells in the bone marrow
- Electrophoresis to detect M proteins in the blood
- Urine test to find out the presence of protein
- MRI to look for plasmacytomas
- PET for detecting plasmacytomas
Complications
- Recurrent infections
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
- Bone diseases with pain in bones and even broken bones. The broken bones release a lot of calcium in the blood that can lead to hypercalcemia.
- The M proteins formed can damage the kidneys
- Amyloidosis
- Hyperviscosity syndrome
Treatment
This condition can be managed well with Ayurveda but there is no permanent treatment in contemporary science. When talking about modern aspect, progression of cancer can be slowed down through the following measures:
- Administration of pain killers for bone pain
- Antibiotics for infections as the immune system is compromised
- Steroids to destroy cancer cells
- Chemotherapy to kill abnormal plasma cells
- Immunotherapy will stimulate the defense mechanism of the body to produce more cancer fighting cells
- Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells
- Bone marrow transplant entails the replacement of unhealthy stem cells with healthy stem cells
Ayurveda Concept
Multiple myeloma doesn’t have a direct translation in Ayurveda but it can be understood as severe imbalance in Vata and Pitta dosha. All types of cancer are correlated with Arbuda in Ayurveda. All the three doshas are involved in multiple myeloma with Vata Pitta predominance.
Factors like intake of unwholesome and contradictory food combinations (e.g. fish and milk together) along with excessive intake of sour, spicy and processed food without the previous one being digested will lead to accumulation of toxins. Excessive indulgence in non-vegetarian food also leads to obstruction in minute channels of the body. This leads to increased Pitta Dosha which causes inflammatory changes at cellular level. The increased Vata Dosha will impair the cell division process leading to uncontrollable growth. This disorder entails a derangement in blood (Rakta Dhatu) as well as bone marrow (Majja Dhatu) in addition to degradation in circulatory fluids (Rasa Dhatu), adipose tissue (Meda Dhatu) and bones (Asthi Dhatu).
Line Of Treatment
- Nidana Parivarjan (Renouncing causative factors)
- Panchkarma Shodhan (Purificatory treatment)
- Shaman [Pacification of Doshas through herbs and medicinal formulations like Kanchanar (Bauhinia variegata), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Turmeric (Curcuma longa) etc.
- Rasayana (Treatment through rejuvenative herbs)
Kirron Kher And Her Journey With Multiple Myeloma
Kirron Kher is a veteran actress and an MP. She had suffered an accident with a broken arm in 2020. It was then found out that she had multiple myeloma that has spread to her right shoulder and left arm. Due to her condition she took a back seat in political work and wasn’t a lot active on social media as well. Her son Sikander kept updating her fans about her health. She kept working even during her treatment course in the Mumbai hospital. After regular treatment it was made known that the cancer had receded from her shoulder and arm and is on her way towards recovery. She says that she isn’t happy about her condition but has learned to accept whatever life gives you as it is always going to be unpredictable.
Reading about Kirror Kher’s journey gives one courage to try and conquer the hurdles presented by life no matter how scary they seem. Cancer is a scary disease but this problem does have a solution. Ayurveda is a science that provides answers to many questions of life. All one needs is to try to have a positive outlook towards the alternative approach and the path will definitely become easier.
Planet Ayurveda’s Herbal Formulations For Multiple Myeloma
Planet Ayurveda is a company practicing and encouraging pure traditional methods of treatment. It is GMP certified. They offer a whole bunch of herbal preparations and supplements for all kinds of conditions. The herbal remedies formulated by Planet Ayurveda focus on tapping the root cause of the disease as well as relieving associated symptoms. Cancer is a major challenge and to ease it out, Planet Ayurveda offers Crab Care Pack for Advanced Stages:
- Swarna Vasant Malti Ras
- Kanchnaar Guggul
- Curcumin Capsules
- Tumotrim Capsules
- Graviola Capsules
- Telomere Boostup
- Amalaki Rasayan
- Vikramprash
Products Description
1. Swarna Vasant Malti Ras
This tablet formulation is an Ayurveda classic. It consists of minerals and herbs like Swarna Bhasma (Gold calyx), Mukta Bhasma (Pearl calyx), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Tamra Bhasma (Copper calyx) etc. It exerts cytotoxic antitumor effects and directly facilitates the functions of immune cells. Cancer cells are evolved in numerous ways in order to escape recognition from the immune system of the body. This preparation reverses the immune escape potential of cancer thus enhancing anticancer activity. It is rejuvenating in nature and great for debility caused due to cancer.
Dosage: 1 tablet once a day should be chewed with ghee, after a meal.
2. Kanchnaar Guggul
This herbal preparation is in tablet form. It contains Kanchnar (Bauhinia variegata), Shunthi (Zinigiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Guggul (Commiphora mukul) etc. The pathology of cancer starts with channel obstruction. It is an excellent herbal formulation to clear out obstruction from the body and increase metabolism. It exhibits cytotoxic activity on malignant cells and reduces cell proliferation. The presence of Guggul will help in reducing pains and provide a healing effect in the body.
Dosage: 2 tablets thrice a day after meals with lukewarm water.
3. Curcumin Capsules
These capsules contain standardized extract of Haridra (Circuma longa). It will keep those regular infections at bay. Curcuminoids are known to interfere with multiple cell signaling pathways. This helps in slowing down cancer progression. It also reduces oxidative stress helping patients that are going through chemotherapy.
Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with water after meals.
4. Tumotrim Capsules
These herbal capsules contain standardized extracts Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) etc. These capsules help exert an anti-cancerous effect on the body. They have immuno-modulatory properties that help fight recurrent infections. They will help decrease weakness due to cancer as well as conventional treatment. They will increase metabolism and help prevent nausea. The anti-mutagenic properties of the capsules will inhibit malignant growth.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day after meals with water.
5. Graviola Capsules
This herbal remedy consists of standardized extract of Graviola (Annona muricata). Graviola is known to have anticancer properties. It aids in detoxifying the body. Kapha obstruction is always present in cancerous conditions. It will help clear out the obstruction and pave way for circulation. It is also helpful in reducing fever.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with water after meals.
6. Telomere Boostup
This herbal remedy by Planet Ayurveda consist of herbs that help to reduce malignancy such as Amla (Emblica officinalis), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Grapeseed (Vitis vinifera) etc. It will help conserve and reinstate body energy levels and lift up that constant fatigue. It has radio and chemoprotective properties. It will prevent organ damage and increase the efficiency of WBCs.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with water after meals.
7. Amalaki Rasayan
This capsule formula contains Amla (Emblica officinalis). Amla is a rejuvenator and is termed as anti-ageing. It will help increase longevity in cancer patients. It is known to have anti-mutagenic, antipyretic, laxative, and restorative properties. It has the ability to cross the blood-brain barrier and strengthen the nervous system. The neuroprotective properties will help reduce brain fog and confusion in myeloma patients.
Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.
8. Vikramprash
It is an herbal jam like formulation that contains numerous potent herbs like Agnimantha (Premna mucronata), Kashmarya (Gmelina arborea), Shalparni (Desmodium gengeticum), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Shringi (Pistacia chinensis), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Pippali (Long pepper) etc. This preparation will scavenge the free radicals damaging healthy tissues, inhibit cancer growth, increase red blood cells preventing the complication of anemia, help reduce pain, regenerate damaged body cells, increase body strength, enhance digestion, perform anti-microbial function thus preventing infections. It is full of rejuvenating properties (Rasayana).
Dosage: 1 teaspoonful twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.
Conclusion
Living with cancer can be challenging but this rough ride can be made smooth with the help of herbal remedies. Multiple myeloma is not a single but rather a collection of diseases based on cellular changes. Planet Ayurveda’s listed herbal formulations can help a great deal in inhibiting this cancer growth as well as in curbing the pertaining symptoms. A healthy diet filled with fresh fruits and vegetables will act as a pillar of support enhancing the effect of the herbs. A point worth noting is that a natural approach can never hurt anybody.
