Brain tumour can be prevented with herb: Ayurvedic experts

The tumours which develop in the brain can be either malignant which contain cancer cells or benign. Brain tumours can occur at any age and the exact cause of brain tumours is not clear, say the modern medical practitioners. However, brain tumours can be prevented with a natural herb called wheat grass, say the Ayurvedic experts who add that it can be checked from growing further if the juice of this plant is used regularly. The Pioneer explores the alternative therapy using plants on the World Brain Tumour Day to be observed on June 8.

The reference of this disease comes in the ancient Ayurvedic scriptures. Charak and Sushrut Samhita, Ark Prakash have termed cancer as ‘Kark Rog’, ‘Galkand’, ‘Arbud’. Rishi Charak illustrates tumour as swelling in the body against which plants act as a natural healer. The most common symptoms of brain tumours include headaches, numbness or tingling in the arms or legs, memory problems, mood and personality changes, balance and walking problems aside from nausea, vomiting, changes in speech, vision or hearing.

Shalya Chikitsaks or Ayurvedic surgeons ascribe occurrence of such tumours  to ‘imbalance of three elements vata, pitta and kapha in body resulting in round glandular growth of blood and flesh on any part of the body.’ Sushruta Samhita also mentions cancer resulting from sugar defined as Sharkara Arbud. Nature has given two plants, wheat grass and Giloy which are very effective for the disease, say the Ayurveda experts. The high chlorophyll content in the easily home-grown herb, wheat grass (Gaehun ka jawara) matches up to 40 percent with human blood. A small quantity of wheat grass fills the deficiencies in the body being a rich source of vitamins and alkaline.

Speaking to The Pioneer, Ayurveda expert Acharya Bal Krishna of Patanjali Yog Peeth said, “We have seen miraculous results of wheat grass juice and Giloy on the cancer patients. These plants have components which increase the oxygen capacity of blood which is otherwise reduced in cancer patients. The antioxidants present in the wheat grass push up the absorption power of the cells in the body. Since the brain needs abundant supply of oxygen and consumes 25% of body’s oxygen, wheat grass and Giloy works wonders on brain tumours. The organs like liver and intestines which become sluggish and start functioning slow also get strength from the juices of these plants and prevent constipation which is the main cause in abdominal ulcers and cancers.” But a word of caution by the Ayurvedacharya, “Take the guidance of the doctor for the quantity intake since excess can result in stomach upset.”

Dr V K Agnihotri, senior Ayurvedic consultant, says, “Wheat grass is a proven natural life-saver. Just as wheat gives us tremendous strength and energy to fight against diseases small wheat plants known as wheat grass are extremely beneficial in fighting the deadly diseases. They enhance the body’s immunity system against diseases and strengthen our defence mechanism.  Organic scientists call it ‘green blood’ and we, the Ayurvedic practitioners, call it ‘Amrit’. Even Allopathic doctors have started prescribing its use in palliative care for terminally ill patients suffering from cancer in the last stage.” Besides, water kept in copper vessels for a night also nourishes the brain cells since it contains ionized water, he added.