Dr. (Mrs) Lakshmi Ranga lives in Mumbai and is a B.A.M.S. by qualification. She has worked in Agarwal Ayurvedic charitable Trust and Ayurvedic Kamakoti dispensaries since 1984 where pure Ayurvedic treatment was administered for various ailments particularly Bronchial problems, Child asthma, Piles, Diabetes, Arthritis and Sinusitis. During her 3 years stay in England, Dr. Ranga attended Naturopathic courses which helped in guiding correct diet for patients with different health problems.

Q: My name is Anjana and I live in California. My problem started after a week from our camping trip to Mount Shasta. We went to see Shasta caverns and few caves. That was the only unusual thing we did. I fell sick after a week from trip. My problem started with blocking of nasal passages. I couldn't breathe through my nose at all. Whole day and night. Doctors here thought it must be allergies and gave all the allergy medications. Nothing seemed to help me. Allergist confirmed that skin test was negative and I don't have allergies but said I may have non-allergic rhinitis. I also got the CT scan done to eliminate the possibility of polyps in the nose. I don't have polyps. ENT doctor said the he could see the sinus infection in the CT scan. I have been suffering from Sep 2002. I have taken many antibiotics, cortisones nasal sprays and also cortisones tablets to shrink the nasal passages so that I can breathe. It did help me for 10 days while I was taking both Prednisone and Avelox (antibiotic). But now it's the same. I have mucus discharge from the nose all the time and also discharge from the back of the throat. I feel pressure in the face and eyes. Also cough. But now from past 4 days I have severe throat pain. Doctor said that my lymph glands are swollen. I have taken so many medications and nothing seems to help me. I feel tired all the time. Doctor here said I may have to undergo an operation. I would appreciate if you can suggest and diagnose what my problem is?

A: a. Dear Anjana, Thanks for your interest. Diet-please include indian goose berry (amla) jam daily. Even black currents are good for colds. For chlorophil intake start preparing chutneys with corriander, mint and basil leaves which will help in reducing congestion. High fibre food is required in the form of whole wheat flour and avoiding refined sugars and flours. Start your medication with deworming medicines like Sandu Bros. Krimivikarkada which will reduce the toxicity of worm infestation, which is the main cause of recurrence of colds. Since your problems are little serious , can I suggest , you send your personal address , so that i can post some economical herbal mixtures which you can make into fresh decoctions? These can be used for lymph swelling, cough , as well as for nasal congestion. Dr. Ranga, phone 022-25648904 India.

Q: I am suffering from sinusitis too. May I get the e-mail address of Dr. Laxmi Ranga Vaidya.

A: Thanks for your interest. I wish people can use either home remedies or ayurvedic for simple colds before they reach chronic ending up with sinus problems. Amla grated and added to equal quantity of candy sugar and boiled until it reaches jam consistency is a very good remedy for sinusitis.
1. It relieves constipation, mucus can be eliminated with evacuation.
2. Its vitamin.C loosens congestion.
3.It improves resistance against weak constitution by increasing iron and blood circulation. In initial stages of sinusitis Himalayas septalin with tulasi ghana can be tried out. Dr. Ranga. phone 022 25648904

Q: Dr. HELP I am 40 years old and suffer from all of the above. Sinus - I normally do steam inhalation with vicks Spondy - I wear a collar and take a flexon when the pain is bad. Normally the pain comes on when I am stressed out, and when I work too much, on computers. Thyroid - 1 Eltroxin tab a day. Because of this, I am suffering from hair loss, greying, absence of periods etc. since 97. Obesity - Mainly because of thyroid. I try and control my diet and am on my feet a lot. Uric acid - something new, being treated for this Shoulders pain - no idea why, please help Please reply J bhola

A. Dear Jbhola. Not just you, this is typical of so many others who surrender to modern system of medication where simple phlegm if not treated in the process of elimination, will collect and play havoc in the body. I suggest you procure these medicines first-1.krimimudgararas, 2.Sandu Bros- Krimivikarkada 3.Mahalaxivilas Ras 1 tab three times per day. 4. Your shoulder pain is again due to accumulated phlegm only which is called frozen shoulder. If interested you can contact me for this problem. We are preparing herbal tea pouches which can be boiled and taken at home. Dr. Ranga- 022- 25648904

Q. Dear Dr. I and my son are suffering from sinus and constipation. Pls suggest good ayurvedic antihelmintic and also other medicine for the same.

A. In initial stages of sinusitis amla jam. tulasi juice or tulsi ghana , for worms - krimimudgara ras - two tabs twice daily, followed by Sandu,s krimivikar kada thrice daily with warm water. Alll these will work. Dr. Ranga, 022-25648904

Q: I am a girl aged 14 years and suffering from Sinus due to which I cannot concentrate on my studies. Please advise me the treatment.

A: Dear Ishita , first you avoid taking curds and concentrate of milk products like chocolates pedas and burfi, shrikhand and cheese from your diet. Even bananas are cold causing. Next either take amla murabba thrice daily or when the season comes make amla jam at home, with grated amla and equal quanties of candy sugar. Krimimudgara ras and krimivikar kada (Sandu C0.) and tulasi ghana (ask in Ayurvedic shop) with Mahalaxmi vilas ras twice daily can be tried out. if in doubt please contact me at 022 25648904

Q:  My age is now 27 me & my mom had the same problem of heavy sinus & headache what to do? Medicines are temporarily effective but then after the story is same what to do? Now my daughter is 1.6 month old she is always having cough problem please tell me about this I am worried about my daughter.

A: Dear, If the problem is too severe I suggest you contact me personally, I am glad to help you. For your daughter you can try Sandu bros, krimivikar kada or firstcure pharmacy broncholide which is presently available in some stores in Bhandup, Mumbai. Broncholide contain tea bags which will give instant releif in cough. Dr. Ranga 022-25648904 P.S. Please check other mail too to find answers for your problem

Q: I am a sufferer from sinusitis and every morning and night some mucus flows from my nose. This situation is so painful. Can I get something to get rid of this.

A: You can try taking daily amla jam ,Himalayas septalin, tulasi ghana from any good pharmacy , for any queries please contact- 022 25648904.