Ayurvedic Treatment for Scleroderma

Treatment for Scleroderma: Scleroderma is a long-term and progressive disease of the skin, so there is a myth in people or created by another system of drugs that there is no treatment for scleroderma. But there is an alternative treatment for scleroderma that manages its symptoms and provides better treatment. This alternative treatment is Ayurvedic treatment for scleroderma. Yes, Ayurveda has treatment for scleroderma. It offers various herbs that manage the symptoms and treat the disease naturally.

Scleroderma is usually known as a group of skin disorders in which skin and connective tissues become tighten and harden. But it is more than other skin diseases as it affects the internal organs such as the liver, kidneys, lungs, heart, and the gastrointestinal tract. It is also known as an autoimmune disease because in scleroderma the immune system attacks the connective tissues and produces an excess of collagen which gets accumulated in the skin and organs.

Causes of Scleroderma

The exact cause behind the scleroderma is not clear. It occurs may be due to some factors like an abnormal immune system, hereditary and environmental factors.

1. Abnormal Immune System: It occurs when the immune system functions abnormally and starts to attack connective tissues. That’s why it is known as autoimmune diseases of the connective tissue.
2. Hereditary: It can be hereditary. It can run to families but usually, it is not seen as the reason for this disease.
3. Environmental Factors: It may occur due to the contact of a person to harmful chemicals (like urea-formaldehyde, polyvinyl chloride, etc.) some viruses, and medicines.

Complications of Scleroderma

Scleroderma affects the various organs of the body. It leads to various complications which may be mild or severe. It can also increase the risk of cancer.

The complications it includes are the following.

1. Raynaud’s disease
2. Lung complications
3. Kidney damage
4. Heart arrhythmias
5. Dental problems
6. Sexual problems
7. Hypothyroidism

Signs and Symptoms

1. Hardening of the skin
2. Swelling of hands, feet, and joints
3. Difficulty to move hands, feet and other joints
4. Dry skin and loss of sweating
5. Discoloration of the skin (maybe a light or dark skin) l
6. Red spots on the skin surface.
7. Breathlessness
8. Constipation
9. Weight loss
10. Fatigue
11. Heartburn
12. Accumulation of excessive calcium in the skin.

Diagnosis of Scleroderma

It is difficult to diagnose scleroderma because it affects many parts of the body such as joints, liver, kidneys, etc. Initially, the doctor performs a physical examination by evaluating symptoms, ask the patient about his family history because it can be due to genetic factors.

Some test is also performed to diagnose scleroderma such as:

1. Blood test
2. Pulmonary function tests
3. Echocardiogram
4. Kidney function

Ayurvedic Treatment for Scleroderma

According to Ayurveda, scleroderma considered under ‘Uttana Vatarakta’. This occurs due to the increased Vata dosha of the body. An imbalance of Vata causes abnormalities in the functions of the brain, nerves and immune system. Ayurveda provides herbs for scleroderma which helps to treat it naturally without causing side effects. These herbs help to manage this disease by improving digestion, improves the functioning of the immune system, brain, and nervous system and by detoxifying the body.

 Effective Herbs for the Treatment of Scleroderma

1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)

This herb helps to balance the three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) of the body. It improves the functioning of the body, it boosts the energy, physical and mental capabilities of the body. It supports the healthy immune system and makes the body able to combat infections. It also acts as a detoxifier and helps to remove the harmful toxins from the body. Ashwagandha possesses many properties such as anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, etc.

2. Curcumin (Curcuma longa)

It is the main constituent of Turmeric. Its common name is Haldi.  It has an anti-inflammatory property which makes it very effective against various bacteria and its antioxidant property reduces the production of free radicals. Curcumin increases the blood circulation in the joint and reduces inflammation and pain associated with scleroderma. It also supports the immune system of the body.

3. Gotukola (Centella asiatica)

This herb helps to protect the body from inflammation. It increases blood circulation and maintains healthy metabolism in the body. This herb supports the nervous system and reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. Gotukula is very beneficial to maintain the overall health of a person.

4. Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia)

This herb helps to balances the vitiated Pitta and Kapha dosha of the body. It acts as a blood detoxifier and helps to eliminate the toxins from the body. It has an anti-microbial, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory property. Its anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties help your body to fight bacterial infections and anti-inflammatory relieves inflammation and pain. It also helps to maintain the health of skin cells and tissues. Due to all these beneficial activities, this herb is effective to treat scleroderma.

5. Amla (Emblica Officinalis) 

This herb provides numerous health benefits to our body. It has rejuvenating property. It helps to improve the functioning of the various organ of the body such as the liver, heart, brain, and skin. In scleroderma, except skin other organs also get affected. So, due to the beneficial effect of amla on various organs, it becomes a useful herb for the treatment of scleroderma. It also detoxifies the liver and treats conditions related to stomach like indigestion, etc.

6. Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)

This herb helps to balance the three doshas of the body. It is very effective in the treatment of water retention due to which it supports the healthy functioning of the kidney, liver, and heart. It also maintains healthy skin and prevents various skin diseases. Due to its all above activities, this herb is useful to treat scleroderma.

7. Kachnar Bark (Bauhinia variegate)

This herb helps to detoxify the body and very effective in the treatment of scleroderma. It also provides effective results in many diseases such as skin diseases, atherosclerosis, arthritis, lower high cholesterol.