Abstract
Readers are requested to read the chapter patiently without bouncing fast as it carries traditional and cultural rich medical proofs on treating many neurological diseases using simple life-style modifications and dietary supplements. Huntington's disease (HD), an inherited neurodegenerative disorder, being incurable and progressive, its management also remains highly complicated. Currently, only symptomatic drugs available for HD management and HD patients mainly depend on these drugs and support therapies in order to lead a better quality of life. Recently high interest shown by researchers towards herbs as an alternative option for the management of HD. Siddha medicine system also called as Tamil Medicine is in vogue since time immemorial and it is widely practiced in the Southern part of India particularly in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This system has very old history with richest evidences on the efficacy and safety of the medicines used in different neurological diseases. Interestingly, Siddha system recommends different herbs, food and life style changes as the major therapeutic strategy to patients depending upon their body's humor type (vaatham, pitham or kabam) and five elements (water, earth, air, fire and sky) composition. As the most common saying, Siddha system denotes Food is Medicine, stringent dietary manipulations will be recommended for patients, which should be practiced during the entire duration of the treatment period. Five thousand years before, Siddha medicine system categorised HD as a central nervous system disease and is classified under Nadukku Vaatham. Many evidences regarding the practical use of various herbs, vegetables, fruits, seeds, cereals and functional foods to treat HD are also obtained from ancient times and routine use of these edibles are highly recommended for HD patients. This chapter briefs about the use of herbs, and dietary supplements by HD patients as per the Siddha system of Medicine.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | Food for Huntington's Disease |
| Publisher | Nova Science Publishers, Inc. |
| Pages | 159-180 |
| Number of pages | 22 |
| ISBN (Electronic) | 9781536138559 |
| ISBN (Print) | 9781536138542 |
| Publication status | Published - Apr 16 2018 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- General Health Professions
- General Medicine