A review on common Ayurvedic herbs as adjuvant therapy in Osteoporosis for Children

Abstract

Osteoporosis is a phenomenon where weaken and porous bones are formed by decreasing the bone density. Decreased bone mass increases the risk of bone and joint related disorder which is most frequent health illness among the women, old aged peoples as well as paediatric population. The osteoporosis in children is not directly mentioned in Ayurveda but general principle of management is usually followed for children. Further Acharya Charak has mentioned about the general principles for the treatment of diseases in children and advised the use of Herbs with sweet taste (Madhur Rasa), Tasty, Palatable and Good smelling medicines with milk in small doses. He says that diseases of adults, also affect the children as Dosha and Dushya are the same and hence their treatment and herbs should be similar with certain modification in dosage. Asthi Kshaya and Asthi Saushariya are the two conditions explained in Ayurveda for decrease in bone tissue and later as porous bones which allies with the modern condition like osteoporosis in which the bones become porous, brittle and weak. It is bone health is been directly depended upon Vataja Dosha health status as well as Dhatu Poshan (Nutrition of tisssues). The line of treatment adopted mainly is always a holistic, multidimensional, balancing three doshas, improving Agni (metabolism) and functioning and cleaning of Srotas (channels) and also with specific herbs which work directly on Asthi Dhatu (Bone) like Asthi Shrinkala.  Principle of treatment adopted is always by Shaman Aushadhis (pacifying herbs and formulations) and Shodhana (bio-purification) by Pancharkarma. Thus, it prevents Asthi Dhatu Kshaya (loss) and strengthens the Asthi Dhatu – bone tissues. All these drugs are easily available, simple for administration and devoid of any adverse reactions. This article will be useful for food and drug companies to produce safe herbal products for children.