Alternative Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis or Scleroderma in Ayurveda

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis is a generalized form of scleroderma which affects multiple organs at a time and if not treated timely can cause various complications. Here in this article we will be learning about causes, pathogenesis, signs and symptoms, diagnosis and treatment in detail.

Introduction

Systemic Sclerosis (SS) is characterized as an autoimmune disorder, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks their own body system. It is a rare disease which involves hardening and tightening of the skin. It usually affects the skin but in some cases it causes harm beyond the skin such as, digestive tract, blood vessels and other internal organs. In Systemic sclerosis patients suffer with the changes in texture and appearance of the skin due to excessive collagen production, which is a component of connective tissue. The prevalence of this disease in women is  more in comparison to men. It is usually diagnosed in  the age group of 30-50s but can occur at any age.

Systemic Sclerosis is not, particularly with the skin changes only, it also affects:

• Digestive system
• Muscles
• Lungs
• Heart
• Blood vessels
• Kidneys

Systemic sclerosis is known as scleroderma or  progressive systemic sclerosis, or CREST syndrome.

“CREST” stands for:

• Calcinosis
• Raynaud’s phenomenon
• Esophageal dysmotility
• Sclerodactyly
• Telangiectasia

What Are The Symptoms Of Systemic Sclerosis?

The Signs and symptoms depend upon the affected part of the body.

• If SS affects skin – Hard and tight patches appear on the skin. These patches are oval in shape or sometimes straight lines. It mainly covers the area of limb and trunk. Skin may appear shiny like mouth, nose, fingers, and other bony areas because of the tightness of the skin and also movement of the affected area become difficult.
• If SS affects the digestive System – In this case there is a problem with absorbing nutrients because the intestinal muscles not moving properly.

Other Symptoms are:

• Calcium deposition or  lumps under the skin
• Pain in joint
• Breathlessness
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Abdominal bloating
• Restricted movements of the affected area
• Esophageal reflux
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Hair loss
• Dilated blood vessels under the skin surface

As the disease progresses, people experience spasms of the blood vessels in their fingers and toes.

What are the causes of systemic sclerosis?

Systemic sclerosis is the result of excessive secretion as well as accumulation of collagen in the connective tissues of the body. It is a fibrous protein called collagen that makes up connective tissues  including skin.  In  Scleroderma, immunity plays an important role in collagen production. The actual causes of SS is still not known. Researchers still not sure that what are the causes of over production of collagen. The factors may increase the chances of developing this condition is :

• Female
• African-American
• Certain chemotherapy drugs like Bleomycin
• Exposed to silica dust and organic solvents

What is the diagnosis of Systemic Sclerosis?

In physical examination doctor identifies with skin changes that are symptomatic to Systemic sclerosis. When Sclerosis affects the Kidneys, people may increase blood pressure. Some blood tests are also advised, like antibody testing, rheumatoid factor.

Other diagnostic tests are:

• Scanning (Chest X-ray)
• Urine test
• CT scan of the lungs
• Skin biopsies

What are the Potential Complications of Systemic Sclerosis?

In some people Scleroderma progression causes some complications like:

• Cardiac arrest
• Cancer
• Chronic kidney disease
• Hypertension

What is the treatment for Systemic Sclerosis?

Modern medical treatment help to reduce symptoms and slow disease progression, but not cure completely. Modern medicines to be given based on person’s symptoms:.

• Anti-inflammatory drugs
• Corticosteroids
• Immunosuppressants
• Blood pressure medication
• Physical therapy
• Nitroglycerin ointment

Systemic Sclerosis According To Ayurveda

As we all know the Scleroderma is not curable but we can improve the life span and quality of life of affected person. According to Ayurveda, systemic sclerosis occurs because of the  imbalance in all three doshas, Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Scleroderma also disrupts the skin, lymph, muscle and blood tissues. Ayurvedic Treatment of Systemic Sclerosis involves the balancing of vitiated doshas, which are responsible for all body ailments. No drugs have been cured the symptoms of Scleroderma in modern medicine, but Ayurveda has an answer for this rare disease too. In Ayurveda various herbs are involved to cure from the root and gives permanent relief to an individual without causing side-effects. Planet Ayurveda offers an effective treatment to cure Scleroderma. These herbal remedies are 100% pure extract of herbs without chemical additives or preservatives.

HERBAL REMEDIES  FOR SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS BY PLANET AYURVEDA

• Neem Capsules
• Gandhak Rasayan
• Ashwagandha Capsules
• Boswellia Curcumin
• Digestion Support
• Immune Booster

1. Gandhak Rasayan

This tablets are herbal formulation prepared in the house of Planet Ayurveda using pure sulphur and sharkara (sugar). This Gandhak is a very effective remedy for the skin problems as it retains healthy skin. It has anti-oxidant property as it helps the body to fight against infections,  reduces inflammation and white shiny patches. Hence, it is an effective remedy for Scleroderma.

Dosage2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

2. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha Capsules from the house of  Planet Ayurveda are prepared by using pure and stadndardized extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) herb. Ashwagandha enhances stamina and strengthen the body. It decreases fatigue caused due to over production of toxins in the body.

Dosage: Take 1-2 capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.

3. Arjuna Capsules

Arjuna Capsules are prepared from the pure and standardized extract of herb Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). Arjuna controls the vitiated pitta in the body by a detoxification process due to its astringent effect. Arjuna has  the potential to pacify all three doshas.

Dosage: Take 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. Boswellia Curcumin Capsules

Boswellia Curcumin capsules are prepared by using the pure standardized extracts of two important herbs  Boswellia serrate (Shallaki) and Curcuma longa (Curcumin). It is another effective herbal product used  in the herbal treatment of systemic sclerosis. These capsules are pain reliever  because it has effective compound curcumin.

Dosage:Take 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after meals.

5. Immune Booster:

Systemic sclerosis is a  skin disease which is associated with low immunity. Mostly Skin disease occurs due to weak immune system and Immune booster capsules are suitable remedy to control the symptoms of SS. It contains immunity boosting herbs like:

• Bhumi amla (Phyllanthus niruri)
• Grape seed (Vitis vinifera)
• Green tea (Camellia sinesis)
• Cow colostrum.

Dosage: Take 1 capsule twice daily.

Conclusion

Systemic sclerosis however is an autoimmune  disease which in modern medicine is termed as  incurable but with proper ayurvedic treatment it can be treated gradually and successfully.