Psoriatic Arthritis - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Psoriatic Arthritis - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people with psoriasis. Joint pain, swelling and inflammation, in addition to the symptoms of psoriasis, are characteristic of this disease, which tends to have alternating periods of exacerbation and remission. Both diseases are autoimmune diseases in which the body's immune system turns itself on and begins attacking healthy tissue. Genetics, environment and a tumor necrosis factor appear to play a positive role in psoriatic arthritis. This condition is more commonly seen between the ages of 30 and 50.

Ayurvedic treatment for psoriatic arthritis aims to treat the symptoms of both diseases and correct immune deficiency in the body. For pain and swelling in the joints medicines like Yograj-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Vish-Tinduk-Vati, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Dashmoolarishta and Nirgundi (Vitex negundo) are used. Local treatment includes local application of medication and medicinal steam treatment. Vishgarbha oil, Mahanarayan oil and Mahasaindhav oil are used for local application on the affected joints. This is followed by a procedure called 'Naadi-Sweda' in which the steam of the decoctions of Nirgundi-Qadha and Dashmool-Qadha is applied to the swollen and painful joints.

Once pain and swelling in the joints are controlled, further treatment is directed toward controlling both arthritis and psoriasis. Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Trayodashang-Guggulu and Kaishor-Guggulu are medicines that are equally effective in both arthritis and skin diseases such as psoriasis. In addition, other medicines are used to treat psoriasis such as Arogya-Vardhini, Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Saarivasav, Khadeerarishta, Gandhak-Rasayan, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus) and Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa).

Both arthritis and psoriasis are triggered by stress. To control this, drugs like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Sarpagandha (Raulwofia serpentina) and Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) are used. In addition, both diseases are caused by a disturbed immune system. To improve the immune status of the body, drugs such as Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Suvarna-Parpati, Suvarna-Raj-Vangeshwar-Ras, Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Bhrungraj (Eclipta alba) and Bala (Sida cordifolia) are used.

It is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle to adapt to this condition. Regular exercise and stress management are also very important. Yoga asanas and pranayam can help keep your body and mind fit and healthy. Some “Panchkarma” procedures like phlebotomy can also help in treating this condition.

Inspired by Abdulmubeen Mundewadi