Ayurvedic belief is that Pancha mahabhuta, which means "the five great elements" in Sanskrit, is the foundation of all living and non-living things. The individual elements are called tattvas in Sanskrit, a word that also means "reality," "truth," and "principle."The five elements of Ayurveda are:Space (Akash)- In Ayurveda, Space (Akasha) is the invisible, all-encompassing element linked to spirituality. In the body, it refers to internal space within organs like ears, mouth, nose, and joints. Combined with Air, it forms Vata dosha. Those with a high proportion of Ether are spiritual and etheric.Air (Vayu)- In Ayurveda it reflect mobility. It stands for all the forces in the universe that are capable of causing motion. The air principle governs gravity, thermodynamics, propulsion, lunar forces, and tides, among other phenomena. Although we cannot see air in the body, its effects are nonetheless visible. The air principle controls nerve signals, blood flow, joint motion, the flow of nutrients into and out of cells, and the removal of wasteFire (Agni)- The third element in Ayurveda is associated with Ether and Air, the first two elements, as Fire consumes both Space and Air. Fire is a symbol for digestion, energy, metabolism, and change. The human body produces energy, which is attributed to the element of Fire. It is also the component that helps the body absorb meals and regulates the stomach. The Pitta dosha is made up of the elements Fire and Water together.Water (Jala or Apas)- Water, also known as Apas or Jala, is the fourth element in Ayurveda. Since water is derived from the other three elements, it is related to them. Water regulates the bodily fluids. This component has a correlation with both emotion and nourishment. The body is protected by the Water element from the negative effects of the other elements, which makes it special. Water can be tasted and touched. Although water is calming to the body. It cleanses just like Fire. It affects the body's urethra organ. Individuals whose constitutions are dominated by Water will have a caring nature. On the other hand, an excess of Water element can also lead to weight growth.Earth (Prithvi)- The last or fifth element in Ayurveda, earth, or Prithvi, is a mixture of the previous four elements. Earth is cool and stable. This element represents energy that is grounded. It regulates one's sense of smell and affects the body's bulk, muscles, and bones. The components of Earth and Water come together to generate the Kapha constitution. The body controls the components of the Earth by eating and excreting. Individuals with deficiencies in the element Earth have to eat a lot of nuts and root vegetables.Source:-Parker, J. (2021, Feb 2). What Are The 5 Elements of Ayurveda And What Do They Mean? Retrieved from Mother Of Health : https://motherofhealth.com/the-5-elements-of-ayurveda Raman, D. S. (2023, september 11). A Comprehensive Guide to the Five Elements of Ayurveda. Retrieved from Mountain Top Clinic: https://mountaintopclinic.com/guide-to-the-five-elements-of-ayurveda/ Reist, P. (2018, november 26). The Basics of Ayurveda: A Brief History and Overview. Retrieved from The Art Of Living: https://www.artofliving.org/us-en/ayurveda-101-the-very-basic

Allopathic system is based on managing symptoms whereas, Ayurveda controls overall body balance by taking care of mental, emotional, and spiritual factors for complete recovery.Allopathic medicines are completely made by the use of chemicals by targeting one particular problem at a time, on the other hand Ayurveda uses natural remedies that nourish the body, mind, and emotions.Ayurveda strongly focus on the balance of food and nutrition, including elements such as flavour, body temperature, and dosha balance. While, Western medicine, completely focuses on treating symptoms,Ayurveda looks for the connection between physical, mental, and spiritual health and sees all illnesses as mind-body disorder. While, Western medicine mostly ignores the mind-body link and treats physical problems separately from emotional moods.Allopathic medicine, leads to excessive medical bills, while, Ayurveda gives patients practical and economical treatment solutions.Ayurvedic remedies are made of natural herbs, plants and herbs extracts, that do not cause any side-effects, whereas Allopathic medicines are prepared synthetically and cause severe to mild side effects.Source:-Ayur. (n.d.). 10 reasons why ayurveda is better than modern medicine. Retrieved from AyurCentral: https://www.ayurcentralonline.com/10-reasons-why-ayurveda-is-better-than-modern/

Ringworm is commonly found fungal infection characterised by round red patches that appear like a ring. It can spread even through skin contact or sharing clothes. There are several natural ayurvedic remedies that can help such as:Applying crushed garlic mixed with coconut oil on the affected areas twice a day can be helpful due the antibacterial activity of garlic.Cleaning the affected part with apple cider vinegar soaked in a cotton ball can help treat ringworm due to its antifungal property.Applying aloevera on the rashes twice a day, can relieve from itchiness and swelling, due to it antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral properties.Applying a thick paste of turmeric mixed with coconut oil on the patches, atleast three times a day can be helpful due to its antibacterial and anti inflammatory properties.Using tea tree oil diluted with coconut oil or olive oil can provide relief due to antifungal and antibacterial properties.Source1:-Bayan, L., Koulivand, P. H., & Gorji, A. (2014). Garlic: a review of potential therapeutic effects.Avicenna journal of phytomedicine,4(1), 1–14.Source2:-Carson, C. F., Hammer, K. A., & Riley, T. V. (2006). Melaleuca alternifolia (Tea Tree) oil: a review of antimicrobial and other medicinal properties.Clinical microbiology reviews,19(1), 50–62. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.19.1.50-62.2006

In Ayurveda, the treatment of khalitya or alopecia is done using following steps:Shodhana (Purification Therapy): This treatment of alopecia involves an appropriate purva karma or preparatory actions, such as swedan that is sweating and snehan that is oleation before Shodhan Karma.Shodhan Karma is the first step of treating imbalance in Kapha, Pitta or Vata dosha. It involves using various processes like: Vaman (emesis), Virechan (purgation), or Shodhan Basti (enema) depending on the specified dosha imbalance. And is completed by (Sansarjan Karma) or post-cleansing food and lifestyle routine.Prachaan karma:- This treatment of alopecia involves using shikakai and water, to completely wash the scalp and clean the bald area using sterile cotton pad and an antiseptic solution, then using sterile needles or surgical knife to puncture the epidermal layer of the scalp and lastly cleaning the area again with antiseptic solution.Local Application: It involves using various lepa or pastes or oils described in Ayurvedic texts such as Gunjadi lepa, Bhalatak lepa, and Karveer rasa lepa which is applied in the morning before bathing. Oils like Vidarigandhadi tailum, Bhringraj oil, and Nilikaadi oil can also be massaged onto the scalp.Nasya (Nasal Therapy): It involves face massage or steam application followed by applying medicated oil like: Neem oil or Anu Taila into each nostril, followed by gargle with warm water.Siraveda (Blood-letting): It involves the removal of impurities from the blood. This therapy can be helpful in cases of Khalitya, as it can help eliminate toxins from the blood, improve blood circulation to the scalp, and nourish the hair follicles, promoting hair regrowthSource1:-Pal, S., Paradkar, H., Attar, S., & Pathrikar, A. (2023). Ayurvedic approach for managing Indralupta (Alopecia Areata): A Case Study. Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences, 8(11), 240-245.Source2:-Singhal, P., Vyas, V., Chhayani, P., Patel, M., & Gupta, S. N. (2022). Ayurvedic management of alopecia areata: A case report.Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine,13(3), 100604. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2022.100604Disclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment.Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h…https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in

ORS(Oral Rehydration Salt):Oral rehydration salt is a cure for dehydration. It is a beverage made of water, electrolytes and sugar. The aim of oral rehydration salt is to replenish the fluid levels of the body which gets disturbed during dehydration due todiarrhea,vomiting, dengue or other conditions.Suggested Read:Benefits Of ORS During DengueWhat are the benefits of ORS?People often lose large amounts of fluids during fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. ORS can help to retain these lost fluids and restore the body's balance of electrolytes.ORS is a simple, affordable, and convenient way to treat dehydration. It is available in powder form, which can be mixed with water, or in pre-packaged sachets and can be administered orally.ORS has been extensively tested and is considered safe for use in people of all ages. It is a World Health Organization (WHO) recommended treatment for reduced water levels in the body.ORS can help to prevent complications during excessive vomiting and diarrhea by rehydrating the body and restoring electrolyte balance.Read: 7 Home Remedies To Prevent DiarrheaHow do the ingredients of ORS work in the body?ORS contains a balanced combination of glucose, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and trisodium citrate in specific concentrations which enhances absorption of fluids in the body.In the gastrointestinal tract, glucose increases the absorption of fluids. Also, glucose is required for sodium to be properly absorbed. While the potassium chloride in ORS works by preventing loss of potassium and sodium chloride works to prevent excessive secretion of acid and promote the excretion of acid. Some ORS formulations also contain some amount of Zinc and probiotics that work by promoting intestinal absorption of the fluids.So ORS is a perfect combination of glucose and sodium replenishing the fluid levels in the body which gets depleted during vomiting and diarrhea.Read: Top 7 Home Remedies for Vomiting That Actually Work

ORS, or oral rehydration solution, is a drink that is formulated to mimic the body's natural fluid and electrolyte balance. It contains electrolytes such as sodium and potassium and glucose in calculated amount required for body.It helps replenish lost fluids and electrolytes in the body and help in recovering from the effects of diarrhea, stomach flu, food poisoning, and excessive sweating or fluid loss during sports or heavy workouts.WHO recommendations for ORS are 75 millimol per liter of sodium and glucose for rehydration, while cold drinks have less amount of sodium which is 1 to 9 .9 millimol per liter and 0 to 0 .3 millimol per liter of potassium and higher levels of glucose approximately 550 millimol per liter which is 7 times the recommended amount.When we talk about hydration, cold drinks like soda, juice, and carbonated drinks may provide some fluid but they have high amount of sugar which can have harmful impact on the body such asFrequent urination and dehydration due to its diuretic effect.Tooth decay and cavities because sugar is a food source for harmful bacteria in the mouth.Insulin resistance, weight gain, and an increased risk of obesity by interfering with pancreas to release insulin.So every time you need an energy drink to rehydrate yourself, go for ORS instead of choosing sugary cold drinks.Source1:-BMJ-British Medical Journal. (2008, May 28). Flat Carbonated Drinks Not An Effective Alternative To Oral Rehydration Solution, Study Finds.ScienceDaily. Retrieved April 8, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/05/080527084303.htmSource2:-Freige C, Spry C. Oral Rehydration Solutions versus Drink of Choice in Children with Dehydration: A Review of Clinical Effectiveness [Internet]. Ottawa (ON): Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health; 2020 Mar 2. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK562935/Disclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment.Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h…https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in

Apart from taking oral and topical medications and herbal remedies, some of the dieatary considerations can also be beneficial for treating ringworm infection. Some of them are:Include vitamin A rich foods like: tomato, egg yolk, pumpkin, carrots, papaya and green leafy vegetables in your diet, which aids in killing fungal infections and regenerate new skin.Vitamin C rich foods like orange, lemon, spinach, gooseberries, etc can help fight fungal infections and treat the skin conditions.Eating garlic can also help treat fungal infections due to its potent antibacterial and antifungal activities.Taking natural probiotics like: curd, yoghurt, etc can help increase good bacteria in the body that help to treat skin conditions from within.Drinking turmeric milk can also be beneficial due to the antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric.Source1:-Jawhara S. Healthy Diet and Lifestyle Improve the Gut Microbiota and Help Combat Fungal Infection.Microorganisms. 2023; 11(6):1556. https://doi.org/10.3390/microorganisms11061556Source2:-Wu, Y., Hu, S., Wu, C., Gu, F., & Yang, Y. (2022). Probiotics: Potential Novel Therapeutics Against Fungal Infections.Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology,11, 793419. https://doi.org/10.3389/fcimb.2021.793419

Symptoms of cold can be treated by getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids, and using over-the-counter pain or cold and cough medicines. While the most common medicines used for cold are:Cetrizine/Levocetrizine: Cetirizine and levocetirizine are antihistamines used to relieve allergy symptoms. Levocetirizine is the second generation antihistamine. Both medications work by blocking histamine, a substance that causes allergic symptoms.Common brand names for Cetrizine: Cetzine, Zyrtec, and Allercet.Common brand names for Levocetrizine: Xyzal and LevrixDose: 5 mg for levocetirizine and 5-10 mg for cetirizine.Side effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, and rash.Chlorpheniramine: It is an antihistamine that reduces mucus production and relieves itching.Common brand names: Avil, Piriton.Dosage: Adults: 4 mg every 4-6 hours, not exceeding 24 mg per day.Side effects: Drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision.Vitamin C: It is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system by increasing T-lymphocyte function, leukocyte mobility, and reduce the duration and severity of cold symptoms.Common brand names: Celin, Limcee.Dose: Adults: 500-1000 mg per day.Side effects: None.Source1:-Common Cold. (n.d.). Common Cold. Retrieved February 16, 2024, from https://medlineplus.gov/commoncold.htmlSource2:-of drugs/medicine used for Common Cold. (2024, February 16). List of drugs/medicine used for Common Cold. https://www.medindia.net/drugs/medical-condition/commoncold.htmDisclaimer:-This information is not a substitute for medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment.Do not ignore or delay professional medical advice based on anything you have seen or read on Medwiki.Find us at:https://www.instagram.com/medwiki_/?h…https://twitter.com/medwiki_inchttps://www.facebook.com/medwiki.co.in