cancer and longevity in ayurveda

1

An Insight into Pathogenesis and Treatment methods for Cancer in

Ayurveda

“Cancer is a disease as old as history. Its recognition as an entity goes back to the days of the

Vedas and Greeks, and I am surprised to find that in the Vedas, a principle of treatment had

been enunciated for one type of Cancer, which we use even today - only in a refined way”.

– Dr.S. Krishnamurthy, Madras Cancer Institute.

“The well-known Karkidagaroga mentioned in our ancient Ayurvedic literature is the same

disease which at present age goes by the name of Cancer.” – Dr. Subodh Mishra.

pañcīkṛtapañcamahābhūtaiḥ kṛtaṁ

satkarmajanyaṁ

sukhaduḥkhādibhogāyatanaṁ śarīram

asti jāyate vardhate vipariṇamate

apakṣīyate vinaśyatīti

ṣaḍvikāravadetatsthūlaśarīram |

- Tatvabodha 10.2

From the Indian Shaastras, we often come across the definition of the Gross body (Sthoola

sareera) –being composed of the five elements – Pancha Mahabhuthas – having undergone the

process of Panchikarana, is born as a result of the past good actions, for the experience of

pleasure, sorrow and the like, and that which is endowed with the six-fold modifications such as

- ‘is’, ‘is born’, ‘grows’,‘changes’, ‘decays’, ‘dies’.

Approaching from the modern perspective, let us recollect the various stages of growth of cells

within an organism – birth, proliferation by division and doubling, senescence and death. In

1961, Dr. Leonard Hayflick advanced the idea that the doubling capacity of any normal diploid

dividing cellis fixed - both in-vivo and in-vitro, which was referred to as the Finite Cell Doubling

Capacity (FCDC), or later known as the Hayflick limit. When this doubling capacity gets affected

from its natural course, it results in the corresponding cells becoming prematurely aged.

Within every cell, the molecular structure of chromosomes containing Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid

(DNA) serves the purpose of carrying information relating to the overall development,

functioning and reproduction of the organism. During cell division, the chromosomes are

duplicated by the process of DNA replication – which transfers all the so far inherited

information from the parent cell to the daughter cells.

In Indian thought, it is believed that it is entire the history of Karma of the organism that is

getting replicated during the cell division, i.e. the history of Paapam and Punyam that has been

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- തത+േബാധം 10.2

inherited or discharged until now.In the

itself - the history and the knowledge of its predecessors and thereby, knows what it would

become – or as the case may be – what not to become. This process of

embryo further into the replicating the similar cells into different functional tissues

dhathus – Rasam, Raktham, Maamsam, Medhas, Asthi, Majja, Sukram.

When the normal cells within these tissues

and their behavior lose their ability to differentiate and start dividing outing of control. The

abnormal growth of the cells without having influenced by the body

is known as the neoplasm. A neoplasm can be either benign or malignant. If it is malignant

senescence. The hallmarks of a malignant cell

invasion, metastasis, followed bysecondaries

The modern classification of cancer is mostly based on the region of occurrence, as in c

originating in cells linked to an organ

to the cells linking glands of the body

muscles, nerves, tendons, blood vessels, cartilages, bones, etc.

the pigment.

In adults, new blood cells are formed in the marrow of membranous bones such as Spine,

Sternum, Ribs and Pelvis. Cancer of these cells are known as Leukemia.

certain types of white blood cells, which produce antibodies. In case of Leukemia, cancer cells

are released into the blood and in the case of

Lymphoma refers to the cancer of the lymph

In Ayurveda literature, although we find many references to Arbudham, it has not been enlisted

among the Maharogas. More over in diagnosis and treatment of Charaka Samhi

Samhita, there is no separate chapter for it. It could either be due to the reason that it was not a

common disease as in the current day, or that the treatment for it was relatively easy.

In Charaka Samhita, Cancer is included in the

Grandhi-tumour treatment sections.

“Granthyarbhudaanamchayatho/visheshah

Pradeshehetvaakrithi doshadooshyaai

Thathaaschikithseth bhishakarbudaani

Vidhaanavith granthi chikisithena”

- Charaka Samhita – Chikitsa Sthanam 12

Shvayadhuchikitsitham

For Granthi and Arbudha - the locality, diagnosis, lakshana, dosha, dhooshya are very similar.

Henceforth the Vaidya knowing the methodology of treatment, follows the same for both cases.

the case of fertilization, the resultant embryo carries within

the history and the knowledge of its predecessors and thereby, knows what it would

what not to become. This process of differentiation

embryo further into the replicating the similar cells into different functional tissues

Rasam, Raktham, Maamsam, Medhas, Asthi, Majja, Sukram.

within these tissues become cancerous, they change their appearance


abnormal growth of the cells without having influenced by the body’s normal co

is known as the neoplasm. A neoplasm can be either benign or malignant. If it is malignant

of a malignant cell are poor differentiation, rapid growth r

econdaries.

The modern classification of cancer is mostly based on the region of occurrence, as in c

linked to an organ – Skin, Larynx, Lung, Stomach, etc. Adeno

s of the body. Sarcoma refers to cancer of the soft or connective tissues

muscles, nerves, tendons, blood vessels, cartilages, bones, etc. Melanoma refers to the c


nd Pelvis. Cancer of these cells are known as Leukemia. Myelomas

cells, which produce antibodies. In case of Leukemia, cancer cells

are released into the blood and in the case of Myeloma, most them remain in the bone.

ancer of the lymphatic system.


among the Maharogas. More over in diagnosis and treatment of Charaka Samhi



In Charaka Samhita, Cancer is included in the

tumour treatment sections.

chayatho/visheshah

Pradeshehetvaakrithi doshadooshyaai

Thathaaschikithseth bhishakarbudaani

Chikitsa Sthanam 12 -

the locality, diagnosis, lakshana, dosha, dhooshya are very similar.


case of fertilization, the resultant embryo carries within

the history and the knowledge of its predecessors and thereby, knows what it would

differentiation leads the

embryo further into the replicating the similar cells into different functional tissues – the 7

become cancerous, they change their appearance


s normal control mechanism

is known as the neoplasm. A neoplasm can be either benign or malignant. If it is malignant – it is

growth rate, local

The modern classification of cancer is mostly based on the region of occurrence, as in cancer

Larynx, Lung, Stomach, etc. Adeno carcinoma refers

the soft or connective tissues -

Melanoma refers to the cancer of


Myelomas are cancers of

cells, which produce antibodies. In case of Leukemia, cancer cells

, most them remain in the bone.


among the Maharogas. More over in diagnosis and treatment of Charaka Samhita nd Susrutha



the locality, diagnosis, lakshana, dosha, dhooshya are very similar.


In Susrutha Samhita,

“Gaathrapradeshe kvachidevadoshaah

Samoorchithaah maamsamathipradooshya

Vrithamsthiram mandarujam mahaantha

Manalpamoolam chiravridyapaakam

Koorvanthi maamsopachayam thu sopham

Thadarbudham saasthravidovadanthi

Vaathena Pithena Kaphenachaapi

Rakthena maamsena cha medhasaachah

Thatjaayathe thasya cha lakshanaani

Grandhe samaanaani sadhaa bhavanthi”

– Susrutha Samhita – Nidhana Sthanam

In Vitiated condition of doshas, leading to the vitiation

formation of tumours – with the following characterstics

growing in size, with deep roots, gradually enlarging without inflammation, and

accumulation of maamsa dhaathu. The six types of cancer originates from vitiation of

Pitha, Kapha and from these tissues -

The words Mahantham and Analapa moolam

and perhaps the reason why Acharya Susrutha never gave a chapter for this subject.

“Kaalasya parinaamena

jara mrityu nimithaaja

Rogaha swabhavikadrshta

swabhaavonishprathikriya”

- Charaka Samhita / Shareera

Sthana 1

“Swabhavikastuh kshuthpipaasah

Jaramrithyu nidraprabrthayah:”

- Susrutha Samhita / Soothra Sthana 1

The ageing of the tissues and the process of ageing itself is natural. As far as Ayurveda is

concerned, death itself is a natural disease.

the very Nature of a being.

A common thread connecting all types of cancer is

the senescence of the cells. There is an invisible recorder, recording all our

the DNA, and it is these activities resulting from the day

lifestyle that can alter or reverse the FCDC.

“Gaathrapradeshe kvachidevadoshaah

haah maamsamathipradooshya

Vrithamsthiram mandarujam mahaantha

Manalpamoolam chiravridyapaakam

Koorvanthi maamsopachayam thu sopham

Thadarbudham saasthravidovadanthi

Rakthena maamsena cha medhasaachah

a lakshanaani

Grandhe samaanaani sadhaa bhavanthi”

Nidhana Sthanam – 11 - Grandhiapachiarbudhagalagandanidhanam

leading to the vitiation mamsa dhaathu (muscle tissue),

with the following characterstics - round shape, permanent, less painful,

with deep roots, gradually enlarging without inflammation, and

accumulation of maamsa dhaathu. The six types of cancer originates from vitiation of

- Raktha, Mamsa and Medha.

The words Mahantham and Analapa moolam can be considered as a decisive hint for our study

why Acharya Susrutha never gave a chapter for this subject.

/ Soothra Sthana 1

e tissues and the process of ageing itself is natural. As far as Ayurveda is

concerned, death itself is a natural disease. Disease, Hunger, Thirst, Ageing, Death and Sleep are

all types of cancer is very evident from the ancient studies

the senescence of the cells. There is an invisible recorder, recording all our current

resulting from the day-to-day decisions we take about our

an alter or reverse the FCDC.

Grandhiapachiarbudhagalagandanidhanam

mamsa dhaathu (muscle tissue), and

round shape, permanent, less painful,

with deep roots, gradually enlarging without inflammation, and resulting in

accumulation of maamsa dhaathu. The six types of cancer originates from vitiation of Vatha,

can be considered as a decisive hint for our study

why Acharya Susrutha never gave a chapter for this subject.

e tissues and the process of ageing itself is natural. As far as Ayurveda is

Disease, Hunger, Thirst, Ageing, Death and Sleep are

very evident from the ancient studies – it is

current activities –

day decisions we take about our

4

A person having fulfilled his desires by completion of his duties - reaches the state of

renunciation, at which point he or she may choose to detach away from worldly life. In natural

condition, it is at this point in life that the living cells also may start showing the Cancer

tendency. In the olden days, Cancer was a disease only seen amongst true Sanyasins. Within

them, the cellular differentiation is affected, and as in the case with worldly life, even the

relationship amongst the various cells and tissues gets shattered, letting them slowly fade out

from existence.

In order to lead a healthy and fruitful life, the Vedas urges us to yearn strongly to live upto a 100

years – “Jijivishechatham samah:”. It is very much about cultivating that strong desire to live and

enjoy life that would lead one away from the misery of diseases.

Theory of Ageing

Ageing mechanism is operating all the levels – cells, tissues, organ and body level with many

phases. Ecological, environmental, biological factors influence ageing. It has been studied that

changes happen across four main spheres :

(1) Physical changes

(2) Biological changes

(3) Intellectual changes

(4) Behavioural changes

Amongst the various theories about ageing, the prominent ones in acceptance today are the

extrinsic factor theory and the intrinsic cell ageing theory.

(1) The extrinsic factor theory puts vehemence upon the innumerable hormones and the

neural controlled mechanisms are responsible for cellular aging. Enzymes are considered

as catalyst to monitor specific reactions in the body. After a certain age, enzymes acting

may cease, which degrades cells and cause ageing.

(2) According to the intrinsic cell ageing theory, ageing is genetically programmed, which

involves functional changes in the genes, i.e. errors in the DNA or the protein synthesizing

machinery.

There is a possibility that the non-functioning of the genes necessary for continuation of

adulthood may bring about ageing, which could be accelerated by inadequate nutrition,

malnutrition and stress. Ageing may be an effect of reduced DNA activity. Endocrine system of

the brain comprising of hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Hypothalamus controls body

temperature, water balance, blood pressure, heart function, etc. The pituitary gland controls the

thyroid hormones that controls mental and physical growth.

(1) Impaired protein synthesis

(2) Free radical damages

(3) Anti-oxidants and free radical scavengers

(4) Cross linking of the oxidants and connective tissues

(5) Auto immunity

(6) Hormonal Control of ageing

5

Free Radicals

Free radicals are highly reactive chemicals that have the potential to harm cells. They are created

when an atom or a molecule either gains or loses an electron. Free radicals are formed naturally

in the body and play an important role in many normal cellular processes. At high

concentrations, however, free radicals can be hazardous to the body and damage all major

components of cells, including DNA, proteins, and cell membranes. The damage to cells caused

by free radicals, especially the damage to DNA, may play a role in the development of cancer and

other health conditions.

Free radical reactions are ubiquitous in living organisms, involved with the chemistry of

respiration and metabolism. Oxygen is the very essential element for sustaining life, yet at times

we have to consider Oxygen as a potentially dangerous friend. Observations have been made

that certain free radical reactions (modified by genetic and environmental factors) are

influencing the ageing process – i.e. the formation and activity of potentially harmful compounds

known as Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS). ROS is a collective term used to represent oxygen

radicals and non-radical oxidizing agents such as Hypocholorus Acid (HOCl), Hydrogen

Peroxide(H2O2), Ozone(O3), etc – which have a tendency to donate oxygen ions, than forming

stable compounds within the human body. These reactive entities lead to the initiation and

propagation of chain reaction within the cells, thereby damaging cellular macromolecules

including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids and nucleic acids.

The effects of free radicals reactions can be repaired by the presence of anti-oxidants such as

various enzymes, tocopherols [family of vitamin E compounds naturally found in vegetable oils,

nuts, fish and leafy green vegetables] - say Vitamin E, Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C),

Glutathione(C10H17N3O6S), Glutathion peroxidase(GPx), carotenoids [a class of more than 600 naturally

occurring pigments synthesized by plants, algae, and photosynthetic bacteria], which inhibit the cellular

damage mainly through free radical scavenging property.

The body makes some of the antioxidants it uses to neutralize free radicals. These antioxidants

are called endogenous antioxidants. However, the body relies on external (exogenous) sources,

primarily the diet, to obtain the rest of the antioxidants it needs. These exogenous antioxidants

are commonly called dietary antioxidants. Fruits, vegetables, and grains are rich sources of

dietary antioxidants.

Skin diseases, Cancer, Aging, Heart diseases, etc. can be considered in the light of Free Radical

theory. Free radicals are produced as a byproduct of the assimilation process of food. Due to

microbes entering in our body, free radicals are produced.[It is yet to be studied whether the

vaccines are producing free radicals in the body - resulting in all such diseases. ]

Normally 1 to 4% of the oxygen in the body is found as free radical. In our tissues, there is

Xanthine oxidase (C5H4N4O2), Aldehide Oxidase (CHO) – which are enzymes.

Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) + Xanthine Oxidase (C5H4N4O2) -> H2O + O- (Nascent oxygen) +

oncogenes ->Oncogenesis

This nascent oxygen will run for another electron, resulting in a chain reaction with so many

biochemical changes within the body. Such a change can result in these diseases

Diabetes, Sterility, Inflammatory diseases, Kidney diseases, Cataract, N

It is interesting to note that in Charaka Samhita, if we are intelligent enough, we come across

this knowledge.

“Deha dhaathu prathyaneeka bhoothani dravyaani

Daha dhaathubhir virodhamapradhyanthe

Paraspara guna virudhaanikaanichith

Desakala

maatharadibhischaparani

Thada svabhavaadaparaani”

- (Charakam –

Soothrasthanam : 26 –

Athreya

Bhadrakaapeeyam)

Dravyas having opposite guna of the Deha dhathus

opposing way. Some dravyas in combination cause this opposition, some by inherent samskara

of the dravya, some due to the location, time, amount, etc. Some dravyas have an opposing

tendency naturally.

Enimical Combination of Food items

• Meat and fish should not be taken together and sufficient gap between the two is

necessary so that the first item is fully digested and absorbed.

• Sour materials, black gram, fish, lemon, pineapple, gooseberry, jackfruit, rice washed

water, pigeon pea, prawns, mango fruits,

pulp, coconut water, leafy vegetables, jujube fruit, grain grass, oil cake, horse gram, rose

apple, pomegranate, tamarind

• Black gram, curd, honey, ghee, jaggery should not be

• Sesame, honey, jaggery, milk, germinated seeds, radish and black gram should not be

taken with beef and mutton.

• Fish, meat, ghee, buttermilk should not be taken with mushroom.

• Diff. types of meat should not be mixed

• Raw meat should never be mixed with even little of cooked meat

• Mustard oil should not be used for preparing mushroom dishes.

• Mixing of curd and chicken must be completely avoided.

• Buttermilk after milk payasam is to be avoided.

• Ghee kept in brass vessel beyond 10 days is not to be consumed.

• Drinking water immediately after consuming groundnut has to be avoided.


biochemical changes within the body. Such a change can result in these diseases

Diabetes, Sterility, Inflammatory diseases, Kidney diseases, Cataract, Neurological diseases, etc.


“Deha dhaathu prathyaneeka bhoothani dravyaani

ha dhaathubhir virodhamapradhyanthe

nikaanichithsamyogaath samskaradaparaani

Dravyas having opposite guna of the Deha dhathus (body tissues) react with each other in an



Enimical Combination of Food items

d not be taken together and sufficient gap between the two is

necessary so that the first item is fully digested and absorbed.

Sour materials, black gram, fish, lemon, pineapple, gooseberry, jackfruit, rice washed

water, pigeon pea, prawns, mango fruits, buttermilk, mutton, beef, mushroom, coconut


apple, pomegranate, tamarind – should not be consumed with Milk.

Black gram, curd, honey, ghee, jaggery should not be taken along with pineapple.

Sesame, honey, jaggery, milk, germinated seeds, radish and black gram should not be

Fish, meat, ghee, buttermilk should not be taken with mushroom.

types of meat should not be mixed eg. Stuffing of prawns with egg, chicken mutton.

Raw meat should never be mixed with even little of cooked meat – it is very poisonous.

Mustard oil should not be used for preparing mushroom dishes.

Mixing of curd and chicken must be completely avoided.

ttermilk after milk payasam is to be avoided.

Ghee kept in brass vessel beyond 10 days is not to be consumed.

Drinking water immediately after consuming groundnut has to be avoided.


biochemical changes within the body. Such a change can result in these diseases - Cancer,

eurological diseases, etc.


react with each other in an



d not be taken together and sufficient gap between the two is

Sour materials, black gram, fish, lemon, pineapple, gooseberry, jackfruit, rice washed

buttermilk, mutton, beef, mushroom, coconut


taken along with pineapple.

Sesame, honey, jaggery, milk, germinated seeds, radish and black gram should not be

egg, chicken mutton.

it is very poisonous.

Drinking water immediately after consuming groundnut has to be avoided.

7

An entire treatise about the enimical combinations of food items, that could lead to free radical

release in the body can be found in Charaka Samhita – Soothra Sthana : 26 – Athreya

Bhadrakapeeyam.

Role of DNA and Immune System in Ageing

Ageing is due to the changes in DNA. Under the influence of nutrition, stress and the

environmental factors – changes occur in the DNA structure.

Genetic information in Genes is transcribed into RNA and is translated into structural proteins

like collagen and keratine or functional proteins like enzymes and receptors. At a given time,

only a part of the information stored in the DNA is used by the cell, which is transferred to

messenger RNA by the process of transcription. This messenger RNA is translated to the protein

structure. The increased rate of mutation and loss of functional genes decrease the production

of functional proteins and cause cell death at a critical level – supporting the theory of somatic

mutations. X-rays and even the natural radiations shortens the life expentancy and increases

chromosomal aberrations.

The immune system protects the individual from a variety of potentially harmful substances and

organisms. Several organs such as bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes and spleen are involved

in the production of immunological response against the antigens (foreign bodies). Most

proteins - some polysaccharides and nucleic acids act as antigens. Among major type of cells vital

to an efficient immune response are T cells and B cells.

Lymphocytes are stored in the lymph nodes and spleen. T cells are the lymphocytes that are

responsible for cell mediated immune response which protect the body from pathogenic

microorganisms and also for rejecting foreign tissue grafts. B cell lymphocytes secrete

antibodies (immunoglobulins) which bind to antigens and thereby help to destroy them. When

the function of the thymus and T cells are reduced, the power of the immune system is

declining. The thymic epithelial cells produce a protein known as thymosin and it promotes T cell

maturation. When thymosin levels reduced, T cell ability is diminished to destroy antibodies. So

we can consider the thymosin as the measure of immunological ageing.

In his famous quote, Dr. Leonard Hayflick has confidently remarked that “Ageing is an artifact of

Civilization.Now we can see how much it resembles the words of Chakrapani when he interprets

Charaka Samhita – where he advances more spheres of thinking by providing the shining

example of Sage Chyavana.

Hayflick showed that the only immortal cells are abnormal ones, drawn from cancers in which

cell division has gone out of control forever. Normal cells will divide about 50 times and then die.

Hayflick limit is the last barrier to immortality. Also worth remembering at this juncture is the

celebrated experiment of 1912 on cellular senescence by Dr. Alexis Carrel, where he maintained

the living culture of a chicken fibroblast for around 34 years and had to leave behind the

experiment midway, facing challenges from the hypothesis put forward by Hayflick.

8

We had previously mentioned that the disease Cancer was a boon to Sanyasins and Yogis in

olden days. Now in modern era of booming materialistic consumption, we can derive certain

strong insights with the application of the Law of Diminishing Marginal Utility to our daily lives

and the relationships we nurture – or as the perspective demands, the bondages we tie

ourselves in. [The law of diminishing marginal utility is a law of economics stating that as a

person increases consumption of a product, while keeping consumption of other products

constant, there is a decline in the marginal utility that person derives from consuming each

additional unit of that product.]

Studying these observations in the light of our ancient literature on Rasayanas, what we

currently assume as devastating disease could actually be redefined as an Evolution in the

Cellular Level. Only by thorough study and experimentation with this hypothesis, we may be able

to change the fate of human beings by altering this perception of abnormality and rediscover the

age-old adage from the Book of Human Body [Secrets of the Human Cells] – “One of the most

fascinating nature of the cell is theirpotential immortality”and extend it further to new

horizons.

Rasayana Chikitsa

The Ayurvedic drugs under Rasayana chikitsa for anti-ageing are closely related with protein

synthesis. In Charaka Samhita, Rasayana Chikitsa is defined as a branch of Ayurveda, which deals

with the procedure of administering nourishments to Rasaadi saptha dhaathus for rejuvenation

and sanctification. As per Susrutha Samhita, it is the science of rejuvenation, for attainment of

longevity, possessing anabolic capacity improvement of mental faculty and gaining immunity for

overcoming any existing diseases.

Comprehensive classification of Rasayana Chikitsa is done in Susrutha Samhita, which has been

further improved by commentator Dalhana.

Classification of Rasayanas

- By mode of administering – (a) Kutipraveshika Rasayana (b) Vatatapika Rasayana

- According to utility – (a) Kamya (b) Naimittika (c) Ajasrika

- According to effect – (a) Samsodhana Rasayana (b) Samshamana Rasayana

- According to use – (a) Sarvophagatha shamaneeya (b) Medhaayushya Kameeya

(c) Swabhava vyadhi Pratishedhaniya (d) Nivrutta Santapeeya

While explaining this part of science, Chakrapani is of the opinion that :

“Nishprathikriyah ithi saatharana chikisthisaya

Raasayana varjaayaa na prathikriyathe

rasaayannenathu

Prathikriyathe eva asya prayogaath chyavanaha

Suvrddho/bhuth punaryuva ithyaadi

rasaayana prayogena samam na virodhah”

നിഷ്2തി3ിയഃ ഇതി സാധാരണചികി6യാ

രാസയന �വ 7ായാ ന 2തി3ിയേത

രസായേ8ന9

2തി3ിയേത എവ അസ� 2േയാഗാത് ച�വനഹ

സ�;േ"ാ/=ത ്പ� ന�യ�വാ ഇത�ാദി

രസായന2േയാേഗന സമം ന വിേരാധഃ“

With ordinary treatment it cannot be cured. But by R

example in front of us about

Chyavana.

“Druvaam thvarishte maranam

braahmanai sathathath

Kilamalai rasaayana thapojapya

thathparair va nivaaryathe”

– Susrutham – Soothrasthanam 28

When a person is showing rishta-lakshanas, it has to be assumed that he is nearing death. Yet

those who are enlightened, those who have been served with rasayanas

involved in meditation and chanting will not be affected.

Basthi for Longevity

Vatha dosha is the most responsible to cause ageing of the cells, tissues, organs and body. Mo

over Samhanana (collection) and Samvahana (transportation) of Pitha, Kapha, Rasa, Raktha,

Sweda, Mala, Moothra, etc are also under the control of Vayu. When Vayu gets aggravated,

there is no remedy other than Basthi. Therefore Basthi is considered as ha

therapeutic measures.

“Thasmath chikitsaardhamithi

brvanthi sarvaam chiktsaamapi vasthimeke”

Basthi prolongs life span by preventing diseases, arresting the ageing process, it enhances Agni

and may be administered at any age.

Vasthirvasthhaapayithaasukhaayurbalaagni

Medhaaswaravarnakrcha

Sarvaarthakaari Shishuvrddhayunam

Nirathyaya sarvangadaapahascha

In the Hethu vipareetha treatment –

described as follows:

“Ashtadasaashadkaan vastheenaam yo nishevathe

Vidhina naa yadhokthena sabhavedathajo/

Saharasayu sruthadhara veethapapamamraprabah

vaajisyadonaagabhalah sthirabhudhindreeyaanalah”

ith ordinary treatment it cannot be cured. But by Rasayana, it can be cured and there is an

Soothrasthanam 28 / Vipareethavipareetha Vrana vijnaneeyam

lakshanas, it has to be assumed that he is nearing death. Yet

those who are enlightened, those who have been served with rasayanas and those who are

involved in meditation and chanting will not be affected.

Vatha dosha is the most responsible to cause ageing of the cells, tissues, organs and body. Mo



there is no remedy other than Basthi. Therefore Basthi is considered as half of the entire

brvanthi sarvaam chiktsaamapi vasthimeke”


and may be administered at any age.

Vasthirvasthhaapayithaasukhaayurbalaagni

ddhayunam

the theoretical treatment of Ayurveda about Vasti

“Ashtadasaashadkaan vastheenaam yo nishevathe

na sabhavedathajo/jarah

Saharasayu sruthadhara veethapapamamraprabah

sthirabhudhindreeyaanalah”

തസമ്ാചികി6ാ�"മിതി ?വ@ിസ

ചികി6ാമപി വസത്ിേമേക

വസത്ി�വസഥ്ാപയിതാസ�ഖായ��ബലാAി

േമധാസ+രവ�ണ്ണ�ചB

സ�Cാ�Dകാരി ശിE;"യ(നാം

നിരത�യ സ�CാംഗദാപഹF

asayana, it can be cured and there is an

Vrana vijnaneeyam

lakshanas, it has to be assumed that he is nearing death. Yet

and those who are

Vatha dosha is the most responsible to cause ageing of the cells, tissues, organs and body. More



lf of the entire


the theoretical treatment of Ayurveda about Vasti is

"മിതി ?വ@ിസ�Cാം

ബലാAി

Dകാരി ശിE;"യ(നാം

10

Those who are completing 18x18 = 324 times Basthi, he will escape from any ageing disease or

sorrow, and willlive for a thousand years, without forgetting what he hears, without affected by

any sins, equal to Gods, with strength and temper of a horse, steadiness and power of an

elephant, with firm senses and strong fire within.

Procedure for Basthi:

Anuvasana Basthi – also known as Snehabasti, in which Ghee, oil, fat, etc.are administered.

Niruha Basthi - also known as Asthapana Basti - Decoction Enema - Decoction mixed with salt,

honey or ghee is administered.

Karma basthi – 30 nos

• 1 Anuvasana Basthi [ Start ]

• 1 Niruha Basthi followed by 1 Anuvasana Basthi [12 times in tandem – total 24]

• 5 Anuvasana Basthi [End]

Kala Basthi- 16 nos




Yoga vasthi– 8 nos




അഷട്ദശാഷടക്ാ� വസത്ിനാം േയാ നിേഷവേത

വിധിനാ നാ യേഥാേHന സഭേവദതേജാ/ജരഃ

സഹIായ� ഃ J� തധരഃ വീതപാപK ാമര2ഭഃ

വാജിസ�േദാനാഗബലഃ സഥ്ിരബ�"ിLീയാനലഃ

11

Treatment – Medicines and Methods

Viral Cancers:

Human Papilloma Virus(HPV) / Cervical Cancer:

1. Mayoora jaghna [Peringalam (Mal); Clerodendrum Viscosum (Bot); Goddess Saraswathy

Plant (Eng)]

Root of the plant grinding with rice and make bread and give to the patient. It is helpful for all

squamous cell carcinomas. This is particularly useful for cervical cancer. In olden days mothers of

Kerala used this bread after delivery for 15 days with intention of escaping from HPV.

2. Kudaaliya [Nilamparanda; Desmodium Trifolium] (Wholesome plant) + Root of Krishna

Musli[Nilapanna kizhangu; Curculigo orchioides ] (Amla size) + Tavakasiri[Koova;Maranta

arundinacea; Arrowroot] Powder (1tsp) + Sugar candy (1tsp) + Poovan variety Banana (2) +

Kaala Draksha (1 handful) - Slosh and Mix.

This medicine is also good for Cervical cancer and Cervical Mucus (White discharge).

Hepatitis C Virus (HCV):

1. Kaduki [Kadurohini; Picrorrhiza kurroa] - Choornam

2. Thrivrith Lehyam

3. Kashayam [Kwath] from following herbs:

a. Vasa[Adalodakam; Adhatoda vasica]

b. Guluchi [Chitamruth; Tinospora cordifolia]

c. Thriphala [Nellika-Thanikka-Kadukka]

d. Nimba [Veppu;Azadirachta Indica]

e. Katuki[Kadurohini; Picrorrhiza kurroa]

f. Kirahathiktha [Kiriyaath; Andrographis paniculata]

4. Jeemuthaka [ Kaatupeechil; Luffa cylindrical] majja with Breast milk – Nasyam

5. Vasaguloochyadi Kashayam

6. Mango Juice (1 glass) +Pipali [Thippali;Piper Longum](1/2 tsp)+ Drumstick rootjuice (1 tsp)

7. Boomyamalaki [Nilaveppu; Phyllanthis niruri] - Kashayam

Hepatitis B Virus (HBV)

1. Kashayam (Kwath) from following herbs:

a. Boomyamalaki [Nilaveppu; Phyllanthis niruri]

b. Guluchi [Chitamruth; Tinospora cordifolia]

c. Katuki [Kadurohini; Picrorrhiza kurroa]

2. Mango Juice (1 glass) +Pipali [Thippali;Piper Longum](1/2 tsp)+ Drumstick root juice (1 tsp)

3. Inchi Lehyam

4. Thiruvrith Lehyam

12

Helicobactor Pylori Virus

1. Pulp of tender Vilwa fruit [Koovalam; Aegle marmelos] mixed with Sugar

2. Ashwagandha Choornam (1tsp) + Juice of Plantain Trunk (30ml)

3. Smear from Unripe Banana Fruit

4. Aparmarga [Cherukadalaadi; Cyathula prostrate] + Small onion - shallot (Cheriya ulli;

Allium Sepa] – to be cooked lightly in oil.

5. Dronapushpi [Thumba; Leucas_zeylanica] – wholesome plant - Kashayam (Kwath)

Multiple Myeloma – Leukemia – Lymphoma


a. Guggulu [Gulgulu; Commiphora mukul]

b. Nimba[Veppintholu;Azardirachta Indica]

c. Madhusnuhi [Paavu;Smilax china]

d. Vasa [Adalodakam; Adathoda beddomei]

e. Brhti [Cheruvazhuthina veru ;Solanum anguivi ]

f. Guduci [Amrthu ;Tinospora cordifolia]

g. Patola [Kattupadavalam; Trichosanthes lobata]


a. Guggulu [Gulgulu; Commiphora mukul]

b. Madhusnuhi [Paavu;Smilax china]

c. Nimba[Veppintholu;Azardirachta Indica]

d. Bhallatakah[Cherrkkuru; Semecarpus anacardium]

e. Upakuncika [Karinjcheerakam; Nigella sativa]

f. Cavyah [Kaattumulakin veru ;Piper brachystachyum]

g. Dusparsa [Kodithoova veru; Tragia involucrata]

h. Agnimanthah [Munja veru; Premna corymbosa]

i. Mundi [Adakyamaniyan veru; Sphaeranthus indicus]

j. Murva [Perukurumpa veru; Chonemorpha fragrans]

k. Anantamulah [Nannaarrikkizhangu ;Hemitesmus indicus]

l. Ulpalasariba [Paarvali kizhangu ;Ichnocarpus Frutescens ]

m. Bala [Kurrunthotti veru ;Sida rhombifolia]

n. Sahacarah[ Karimkurinji veru ;Nilgirianthus ciliatus ]

o. Devataram [Devathaaram; Cedrus deodara]

p. Guduci [Amrthu ;Tinospora cordifolia]

q. Vasa [Aatalotaka veru ;Justicia beddomei]

r. Brhti [Cheruvazhuthina veru ;Solanum anguivi ]

s. Sahadevi [Poovakurrunthala veru ;Vernonia Cinerea ]

t. Lajjalu [Thottaavati ;Mimosa pudica]

u. Sakralata [Uzhinja; Cardiospermum halicacabum]

13

v. Tekarajah [Kanjunni ;Eclipta Prostrata]

w. Niladurva [Karruka; Cynodon dactylon ]

x. Laksmana [Thirurathaali; Ipomoea sepiaria]

y. Vishnukrantah[ Vishnukranthi ; Evolvus Alsinoides]

z. Bhadra [Cherroola; Aerva lanata ]

3. Aatinthala (Goat Head) Soup – Preparation [ See Appendix I ]

Thyroid Cancer and PCOD

1. Varanadi Kashayam (Kwath) + Rasasindooram (Rice grain size)

2. Purified Chitraka [Koduveli; Plumbago indica] Choornam + Milk

3. Apamarga [Cherukadalaadi; Achyranthes aspera] (Wholesome plant) + Kudaaliya

[Nilamparanda; Desmodium Trifolium] (Wholesome plant) + Root of Krishna

Musli[Nilapanna kizhangu; Curculigo orchioides ] (Amla size) – Grinded and mixed with 1

ounce Milk.

Sarcoma

Varanadi Kashayam - Root of Kampilak [Kambipala Veru; Mallotus Philippinensis]Kashayam

Ashta Varga – Jivaniya gana–Vayasthapana Gana – Kakolyadi gana

Glioma

Sirograhanthaka Ras – Aatinthala (Goat Head) Soup - Thrayanthyadi Kashayam - Abhayarishtam

+ Punarnavasavam

Kapalamrutham Kashayam - Varanadi Ghritha

Various Kalpanas effective in Cancer Treatment

Arishta

Dasamoolarishta - Abhayarishta – Amrutharishta – Aswagandhadhyarishta—Draksharishta—

Partharishta—Pippalyasava – Balarishta—Rohithakarishta – Lohasava – Vasarishta –

Saraswatharishta

Arka

Karpuradyarka - Satha Pushparka

Lehya

Agasthya Hareethaki – Kousmandalavaleha- Chithra hareethaki- Narasimha Rasayana-

Rasabhallathaka gulam- Mahabhallathaka Gulam- Chyavanaprasa- Sathavari Gula- Brahma

Rasayana.

14

Kashaya

Nayopayam -Kapalamrutham- Grandhyandhakam- Vidhradhyanthakam- Varanadi-

Thrayandhyadhi- Jeevanthyadi- Nimbadi- Panchathikthaka - Nimbadi

Bhasma

Abraka Bhasmam – Pravalam – Annabhedi – Loha – Vaikrantham – Swarnamaksheetham –

Harithalam - Vangam - Rasa sindhooram- Swarna bhasmam

Gulika

Kanchanaragulgulu- Mahavathagajankusam- Dhanwantharam- Mahadhanwantharam-

Marmmagulika- Mruthasanjeevani- Shukramathrika- Manasamithram- Prabhakara vati-

Makaradhwajam - Siva gulika

Thriphala Guggulu- Simhanada Guggulu - Thrayodasanga Gulgulu - Dhathri Lauham

Sapthamritha Lauham- RohithakaLauham - Punarnava mandooram - Mandoorvatakam

Gomoothra Ghana vati - Cows urine - Ghee – Honey - Gomoothra Ksharam - Silajith

Gritham

Amruthaprasam - Varanadi Ghritham – Amruthabhallathakam – Mahabhallathakam -

Thriphala Ghritham – Naarasimham - Lasunadi - Vidargadi – Sukumara – Vajraka –

Patadarvyadi – Neelidaladi

Rasa

Chathurbhuja Rasam - Chaturmukha Rasam – Vasanthakusumaham – Soothasekharam -

Kumarakalyana Rasam - Mahalakshmivilwaras –

Herbs good for Viral cancer in General

Lathakaranja [Kazhanji; Caesalpinia bonduc] - Avarthaki [Avaram; Cassia auriculata] –

Aragwadha[Kanikonna; Cassia fistula], Katuki [Kadurohini; Picrorrhiza kurroa],

Duruva[Karukapullu; Cynodon dactylon] - Chakramarala [Takara; Cassia Tora].

15

: Appendix I:

Aattin thala soup (Soup with Black Goat’s Head)

Ingredients:

Head of pure-black male goat (Teeth ,skin ,tongue ,horns should be discarded.Brain and

skull should not be discarded) sliced into tiny small pieces.

Ariyaaru(Elettaria cardamomum seeds(Elathari), Coriander Sativum seeds( kothamalli),

PsoraleaCorylifolia seeds(karkolari), Embelia Ribes Burn seeds (vizhalari), Celastrus

paniculatus Willd seeds(cherupunnayari, jyothishmathi), Holarrhena pubeseens seeds

(kutakappalayari) , Cuminum cyminumLinn seeds(jeerakam ), Nigella Sativum

seeds(karimjeerakam) , Centratherum Anthelminticum Linn (kaattujeerakam) , Gmelina

arborea (kumbil veru) , Aegle Marmelos Linn (kuvalathin veru), Stereospermum colais

(pathiri veru), Oroxylum indicum (payyazhantha veru), Premna Corymbosa (munja veru),

Desmodium gangeticum (orila veru), Pseudarthria viscida (muvila veru), Solanum

anguivi Lam (cheruvazhuthina veru) , Solanum melongena Linn (ven vazhuthina veru),

Tribulus terrestris Linn (njerinjil), Adathoda Beddomei (adalodaka veru), Tragia

Involucrata (kodithoova veru), Inula Racemosa (pushkaramoolam), Hemidesmus

Indicus (nannari kizhangu), Borassus flabelliformis (karimbana koombu), Boerhavia

Diffusa (thazhuthama veru), Solanum indicum linn (putharichunda veru), Plumbago

Rosealinn (kotuvelikizhangu), Curcuma Longa (varattumanjal), Piper Longun Linn

(kaattuthippali veru), Piper LongumLinn –China veriety(cheena thippali), Cinnamomum

zeylanicum (ilavarnga tholi), Cinnamomum TamalaNees (pachila), Mesua Ferrealinn

(nagapoovu), Vitis vinifera Linn (munthiringa), Glycyrrhiza glabraL (irattimadhuram),

Zingiber officinale Rosc (chukku), Piper Nigrum (kurumulaku).

Preparation:

Take these 37 medicines 6 grams each.

Wash these medicines and dry under sunlight. After that crush properly .The sliced head

and the powdered herbal mix are to be mixed properly. After mixing, boil in 8.5 litres of

water and reduce the amount to 2160ml. The boiling should be done in an earthen pot.

After reducing to desired quantity, the warmth of the pot has to be maintained for the

period of three days. From this 2160ml ,take 1/6th

(360ml) liquid and 1/6th

part of solids

(meat) portion and boil these together in a separate earthen pot and reduce the amount to

90ml. Discard the meat after squeezing properly.

16

Method of Consumption:

The soup should be taken during morning and evening along with 45ml honey and 10gm

kalkantam(non-bleached sugar crystal). For every medication time , the 90ml soup should

be prepared by taking 1/6th

part from the warmed earthen pot every time. The soup should

be taken around 7 to 8’o clock in the morning and 5 to 6’o clock in the evening. When

adding honey , the soup should be in normal - room temperature.

The soup in the big pot should be kept in warm in all the three days. The 2160 ml medicine

should be completed in three days’ (6 medication intervals) medication in the above said

manner.

Food should be taken only when hungry after taking the soup. As food, fried broken rice

gruel can only be taken. For taste, pepper, ginger, Potassium chloride (rock salt)[induppu]

can be mixed together and used. Boiled buttermilk (after removing butter) along with

turmeric power & curry leaves can be also be taken.

No other food varieties should be consumed in these 6 days. For quenching thirst, dry

ginger boiled water should be used. This food regimen should be strictly observed for the

three, soup giving, days and the consecutive three days (total 6 days).

In these days, use warm water for cleaning body (after urination/excretion) and teeth.

Normal or Oil bathing should be avoided. During this period of six days, all other medication

has to be stopped. From the 7th

day onwards the medicines can be restarted in half dose

vice.

Avoid sleeping in the day time and walking in the sunlight. Use covered footwear (with

socks) if moving around (even indoors) is required. Feet should not touch the ground and

avoid pressure on legs.

[For Clarifications, contact: [email protected]]

cancer and longevity in ayurveda

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