Sarcoidosis Treatment In Ayurveda With Herbal Medicine

Abstract

Health is wealth. The maintenance of this wealth is an important thing. There are conditions that are autoimmune that hamper the functioning of the human body by affecting a number of systems and organs of the body. Among these conditions, Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation of healthy tissues and organs. The features of the disease depend on the affected organ and systems. Generally, the most commonly affected system is the respiratory one. In the following text, we shall discuss sarcoidosis, its symptoms and management. We shall also comment on the ayurvedic view and management of Sarcoidosis.

Introduction

Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune inflammatory condition that involves an abnormal group of inflammatory cells that causes lump formation, generally called granulomas. In the beginning, it starts in the lungs. There are instances when the disease progresses and affects other organs and systems. This makes Sarcoidosis a complicated disease where different types of organs are involved. Mainly symptoms are cough and shortness of breath that is common in various milder problems, which makes the condition go unnoticed. In the meantime, the condition deteriorates, resulting in unwelcoming disease. In Ayurveda, pranvaha sroto dushti is there that can be somewhat correlated with respiratory sarcoidosis. Let’s now have a look at the very causes, signs and symptoms and management of the Sarcoidosis in the modern system of medicine and ancient Indian medicinal system of Ayurveda.

Causes Of Sarcoidosis

• The exact cause of sarcoidosis is unknown. However, autoimmune involvement has been noticed.
• Infectious agents such as bacterial, viral and other microbial infections cannot be ruled out.
• Genetics play an important part. It has been noticed that genetics is a factor in the occurrence of the disease.

Signs And Symptoms Of Sarcoidosis

Usually the condition is asymptomatic but some of the symptoms given below can be seen.

• Fatigue
• Lethargy
• Weight loss
• Arthritis
• Dry eyes
• Blurry vision
• Swelling of the knees
• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough and blood can be seen in chronic condition
• Rashes
• Nodules

Targeted/Affected Organs

• Respiratory tract: Most common manifestation of the disease is seen in the lungs, cough , shortness of breath, blood in cough are rarely seen.
• Bone, Joints and Muscles: involvement can be there and cause locomotory dysfunctions.
• Blood : Most common – lymphopenia, anemia, leukopenia may be seen
• Genitourinary and Gastrointestinal: very less commonly involved. Most commonly the stomach is affected but all gastrointestinal tract may also be involved. Epididymis, prostate, testicles, uterus, fallopian tubes and ovaries may also be affected. Sarcoidosis can cause male infertility
• Exocrine and Endocrine: increased prolactin can cause nonpuerperal mastitis, amenorrhea and others. Parotid enlargement is also seen.
• Nervous system: involvement of nervous system is called neurosarcoidosis. Manifestation could be papilledema, optic nerve dysfunction, hearing abnormalities, myelopathy, pituitary and hypothalamic abnormalities, neuroendocrine abnormalities and others.
• Eye: the most common manifestation is uveitis. There can also be retinal inflammation that could result in loss of vision acuity.
• Heart: Scarring in the heart can cause thinning of cardiac muscles and dilation of heart cavities, anatomical variation can result in arrhythmia, heart block, ventricular arrhythmia, ventricular tachycardia when conduction system is hampered and lastly heart failure.
• Skin: Plaques, erythema nodosum, lupus pernio, maculopapular eruptions are seen in skin manifestation of the disease.

Investigations

• Chest Radiograph
• CT Scan
• PET Scan
• Biopsy

Management Of Sarcoidosis

• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or aspirin.
• Glucocorticoids, antimetabolites, biologic agents
• Corticosteroids, most commonly prednisone or prednisolone

Ayurvedic View And Management

Ayurveda is a life science that does not deal with disease management but also tells how to stay healthy and live a happy life. Ayurveda also helps with spiritual awakening. Ayurveda is based on three bodily doshas and two mansika dosha. Vitiated doshas represent diseased conditions whereas balanced doshas signifies healthy well being. Sarcoidosis is not directly related to any particular disease mentioned in ayurvedic texts. But the affected organs of the respiratory tract are related to pranavaha srotas dushti. The symptoms such as prolonged and increased respiration, dyspnea, wheezing/whistling sounds while breathing are some of the symptoms that mimic the condition of Sarcoidosis. The condition occurs due to vitiated kapha dosha but there is also involvement of other doshas. Depending on the dosha predominance, panchkarma therapies are advised. Ayurveda texts indicate that pranvaha sroto dushti should be managed as respiratory diseases.

Herbs such as vasa (Adhatoda vasica), haridra (Curcuma longa), yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra), taila parna (Eucalyptus globulus), kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata), kasmarda (Cassia occidentalis), pippali (Piper longum), kantkari (Solanum xanthocarpum), brahti (Solanum indicum), agastya (Sesbania grandiflora) and others are of great help in the management of Sarcoidosis and its symptoms. Medicated smoking with vasa is helpful. Whereas, other herbs can be used in powder form with mixing with honey.

Ayurvedic medicines such as Talisadi churna, Shatayadi churna, Haridradi churna, Sitopaladi churna, Vidangadi churna, Pippalyadi churna/ghrita, Shwas Kuthar Ras, Swarna Vasant Ras, Kanakasav, Pathadyasav, Vasarishta, Ghritarisht, Draksharist, Shwaskaas Ras, Vasavleha, Shrungyadi churna, Lauha bhasma, Praval bhasma, moti bhasm, shankh bhasma, chitrak haritaki, agastya haritaki, rasnadi yush, matulingadi yusha, mudga yusha, dashmuladi yavagu, kantakri ghrita, rasna ghrita, vidangadi leha, chitrakadi leha, manhashiladi dhuma, prapaundarikadi dhuma and others are helpful in management of Sarcoidosis.   

Herbal Remedies For Sarcoidosis By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a growing ayurvedic company and manufacturing unit. Planet Ayurveda has been dealing with chronic, complicated and other various health problems. The products of Planet Ayurveda are very pure and as per mentioned in the ayurvedic texts. Planet Ayurveda is pleased to present its Sarco Care Pack for the people suffering from Sarcoidosis. The medicines in this pack are highly effective in the management of this condition along with the symptoms associated with it. Let’s have a look at the medicines in this combo in some depth.

1. Curcumin Capsules
2. Kanchnaar Guggul
3. Aller-G Care
4. Punarnava Mandur
5. Chitrak Haritaki
6. Vasasav

Product Description

1. Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin capsules are composed of pure extract of haridra (Curcuma longa). Haridra’s benefits are world famous and used in everyday cooking in Indian kitchens. Haridra has anti-inflammatory, antiviral, blood purifying, skin enhancer and other disorders of respiratory tract and symptoms associated with the respiratory organs’ diseases. These properties are required in the management of Sarcoidosis by newing and establishing healthy tissues of the respiratory tracts.

Dosage: Two capsules twice a day with warm water after meals.

2. Kanchnaar Guggul

Kanchnaar Guggul is a classical herbal formulation which is composed of kachnaar (Bauhinia variegata), guggul (Commiphora mukul), varuna bark (Crataeva nurvala), haritaki (Terminalia chebula), bibhitaki (Terminalia billerica), amalaki (Embelica officianle) and others. Kanchnaar Guggul has anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it is used in all types of abnormal growths in the body. Therefore, Kanchnaar Guggul is one of the main herbal remedies to arrest the changing of the healthy cells to the abnormal ones.

Dosage: Two tablets, three times per day with warm water after meals.

3. Aller-G Care

Aller-G Care capsules are a patent product of Planet Ayurveda. Aller-G Care is made up of haridra (Curcuma longa), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), shirish (Albizia lebbeck) and neem (Azadirachta indica). All the herbs in this formulation are known for their normalising respiratory functions activity. Aller-G care is a perfect remedy that manages Sarcoidosis by stopping and reversing the scarring of the respiratory mucosa. This also alleviates the symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath etc.

Dosage:  Two capsules, two times in a day with warm water after meals.

4. Punarnava Mandur

Punarnava Mandur is a classical herbomineral formulation effective in blood disorders. Punarnava contains a number of healthy herbs that are known for their health providing properties. The formulation contains punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), shunthi (Zingiber officinale), maricha (Piper nigrum), chavya (Piper chaba), chitrak moola (Plumbago zeylanica), mandoor bhasma (Ferric oxide calx), haridra (Curcuma longa) and others. Punarnava Mandur balances Pitta and kapha dosha. Punarnava Mandur is indicated in respiratory condition due to its anti-inflammatory activity. It also alleviates blood and its constituents.

Dosage: Two tablets, two times per day with warm water after meals.

5. Chitrak Haritaki

Chitrak Haritaki is a classical herbal formulation. It contains a number of herbs including chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), maricha (Piper nigrum), ela (Elettaria cardamomum), guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), amla (Emblica officinalis) and other various herbs. Chitrak Haritaki in ayurvedic tests is indicated on all types of respiratory diseases including asthma, rhinitis, tuberculosis, bronchitis and sarcoidosis.

Dosage: One tsp two times per day.

6. Vasasav

Vasasav is a classical syrup used for respiratory and other problems. Vasasav is composed of number of herbs such as vasa (Adhatoda vasica), pippali (Piper longum), dalchini (Cinnamomum zeylanica), nagkesar (Mesua ferrea), dhatki pushpa (Woodfordia fruticosa) and others. Vasasav helps to manage sarcoidosis by its antiinflammatory properties. It decreases swelling inflammation and edema of the respiratory tract and checks the symptoms of Sarcoidosis.

Dosage: Two tsp two times per day.

Conclusion

Sarcoidosis is a complicated disorder that generally affects the respiratory tract but sometimes involves other glands and organs as well. The condition can be quite serious with time if it is not managed well in time. In the modern system of medicine, the management is symptomatic and temporary. As soon as medicines are stopped, the condition turns grave and comes with more scary symptoms. Whereas, in Ayurveda, the management is based on the dosha and srtoas involved. With herbal and herbomineral formulations, the condition of Sarcoidosis is managed quite well and the symptoms are also alleviated nicely. Planet Ayurveda’s Sarco Care Pack is exclusively in managing Sarcoidosis very well.