Antibacterial properties are found in many herbs and they are used in the preparation of medicines. Just like antibiotics are used as allopathic medicines, various medicated liquids and powders are derived form the minerals and herbs in Ayurveda. Maharishi Susrutha used medicated decoctions that were basically antibacterial in nature for post operative treatment of patients. The antibacterial properties of herbs were used successfully in Ayurveda to cure leprosy. There are different categories of antibacterial drugs for treatment of various diseases.
Herbal medicines are the most affordable treatment that poor people from remote places can have access to. This is the main reason why herbal drugs are widely used in primary healthcare in treating the rural populations. There is a growing resistance to antibiotic drugs in the case of bacterial infections and new solutions are becoming the need of the hour. In this scenario, Ayurvedic Antibacterial drugs can play a meaningful role in the treatment of a n umber of diseases caused by bacterial and viral infections.
Composition of Ayurvedic Drugs
Combination of herbs with minerals was used in Ayurvedic treatment for respiratory tract infection even at the serious stages. For tuberculosis a similar combination medicine named Sitopaladi Choorna, which is a powder is used. Ayurvedic drugs containing single or a combination of herbs are highly effective in general. They are classified into different categories according to ancient Ayurveda texts. The main categories are Saalasradi gnaa and Lakshadi gana and more.
Herbs used in Antibacterial Drugs in Ayurveda
Neem is the most commonly used herb in Ayuveda as it has antibacterial properties. It is used different ways depending on the severity of diseases. Priyanighantu, the drug book of Ayurveda hails need as a great medicine for the treatment of aggravated pitta conditions. Neem is not only antibacterial, but it is also an anti viral, anti fungal and antiseptic Ayurvedic drug. It is highly effective in blood purification and widely used in the treatment of skin diseases like acne and eczema and cold sores and malaria as well. Neem can be said to be a most commonly used Ayurvedic antibiotic for its versatile usability in the treatment of a number of bacterial infections.
Haridra is another herb used an antibiotic for curing skin disease and used locally. Panchasudha is an Antibacterial Ayurvedic drug which is available in both liquid and capsule form. The medicine works on the bacteria through triple action and provides instant relief. It contains herbs like satpudina, kapoor, and ajwain phool and nilgiri oils. The imbalance of doshas in the human body causes many diseases due to change in climates. Harmful virus and bacteria thrive in cool climates and cause many ailments such as acidity, nausea, giddiness, diarrhea, gastric problems and common cold. The Ayurvedic capsules works wonders in the case of these ailments including indigestion and colic pain etc. Asthma, pechith, sunstroke, heart disease, diarrhea and vomiting are some other health problems that can be cured by these drugs.
Research
A study conducted on the effectiveness of Ayurvedic herbal preparations reveal that Triphala Churna, Haritaki churna, Mahasudarshan churna and Lavanbhaskar churna have immense potential as antimicrobial agents that are very useful in the treatment of infectious diseases. Triphala and Haritaki have a high degree of anti bacterial activity that can be exploited for the preparation of newer medicines.