Ayurvedic Treatment for Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)

Introduction

Immune Thrombocytopenia purpura (ITP) which is also known as idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura. It is a bleeding disorder where the blood does not clot when certain immune system cells produce antibodies against platelets. People suffering from this disease have less amount of platelets in the blood.Platelets are tiny blood cells that helps your body in the formation of clots to stop bleeding from damaged blood vessels. These unwanted antibodies gets attached to the platelet and body destroy these infected platelet. Now a days this disease is more common in children but it can occur at any stage of life.

Ayurveda and Immune Thrombocytopenia

In Ayurveda,ITP falls under the category of Tiryaga Raktapitta. Basically a disorder in which all tridosha(Vata, pitta, and kapha) are vitiated. In Ayurveda, there is a fundamental solution to this problem. Ayurvedic herbs help in balancing the main root cause along with cellular detoxification. This is the most prominent reason due to which people across the globe have huge faith in the Ayurvedic medicines and therapies.

Causes of Immune Thrombocytopenia (ITP)

The most common cause according to major proportion of doctors is that when the body’s defense system which is commonly known as immune system does not work properly. The antibodies which are present in human body instead of attacking infections starts destroying body’s platelets.Thrombocytopenia can run from one generation to other generation, but a person can also get it from some medical conditions. Sometimes ITP can cause from many risk factors which include autoimmune disorders like SLE (Systemic lupus erythematosus) and CLL(Chronic lymphocytic leukemia). In children ITP results from viral infections such as flu. However, in adults viral infections like Rubella, Small pox,Parvovirus, Hepatitis C, Epstein-Barr, HIV and Chicken pox are the leading cause behind thrombocytopenia. Some other causes include continuous exposure to harmful chemicals, pesticides as well as insecticides. In some cases, it is often seen that thrombocytopenia in new born infant is passed from infected mother to child during pregnancy.

Signs and Symptoms

Some people suffering from ITP have no symptoms but when they have then most common symptoms include:

• Bleeding– Individuals with thrombocytopenia may see blood in their urine as well as in stools and usually they experience bleeding from gums and nose. Females with this disorder may have long and heavier bleeding than normal menstruation bleeding. Furthermore, prolonged bleeding from wounds as well as cuts and excessive bleeding during surgery.
• Excessive fatigue- Person feels tired throughout the day despite of getting a good sleep at night. Many times, patient requires more sleep than normal and feels lack of energy for the day to day activities.
• Petechiae- Petechiae are the red bumps on skin that are small in size caused by bleeding under the skin and is one of the most common symptom in ITP patients. In initial stages, a person can see red rash but bumps can raise after sometime which further get spread in the sizeof tiny dots.
• Bruises- Bruisesare caused from internal injuries which leads to break the capillaries present under the surface of skin. Patient may see bruises which can be blue or purple in color and their color changes to yellow or green over some period of time.

Diagnosis

Some of the clinical examinations that are usually performed for confirmation are as follows:

1. Complete Blood Count: In this test, laboratory technician will measures the size, number and maturity of various blood cells in a specific amount of blood collected from patient body. This test is performed to measure platelet count in the blood.
2. Blood and Urine test: Some other blood tests are also performed in order to measure bleeding time and also detect the possible reasons behind the infections. Moreover, a specific blood test commonly known as ‘Anti-platelet Antibody Test’ is also carried out. While, urine test is used to detect blood in urine or stool of infected person
3. Bone Marrow aspiration: This test will examine the production of platelet in body and it is also used to detect the presence of any abnormal cells that the bone marrow may be producing that could  affect the platelet count in the body. Most of the times this test is performed in mild cases and especially for children.

Herbal Remedies for ITP by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda provides three effective combination of herbal remedies which are prepared from high quality herbs for the treatment of thrombocytopenia. The name of the pack is ‘ITP Care pack’, prepared with the help of Ayurvedic methods under the surveillance of Ayurvedic doctors that strictly follow principles of Ayurveda. These products does not include any harmful chemicals such as preservatives, coloring agents and flavoring agents. Furthermore, these products are also free from any type of adverse reactions. There are three different types of ITP Care pack prescribed by the doctors at Planet Ayurveda on the basis of age of patient:

1. ITP Care Pack (for adults) :

The list of products of this pack along with their dosage regime is as follow:

• Immune Booster                 –   2 twice in a day
• Ashwagandha Capsules     –   2 twice in a day
• Giloy Capsules                     –   1 twice in a day
• Gandhak Rasayan              –   2 twice in a day
• Green Essentials                 –   2 twice in a day
• Kumar Kalyan Ras             –   1 twice in a day
• Brahmi Chyawanprash     –   1 teaspoonful twice in a day
• Suvarna Basant Malti Ras –   1 twice in a day

2. ITP Care Pack for Children (5 years to 14 years):

The list of products of this pack along with their dosage regime is as follow:

• Immune Booster                      –   2 twice in a day
• Ashwagandha Capsules           –   1 twice in a day
• Giloy Capsules                           –   1 twice in a day
• Gandhak Rasayan                     –   1 twice in a day
• Green Essentials                       –   1 twice in a day
• Kumar Kalyan Ras                   –   1 twice in a day
• Brahmi Chyawanprash           –   1 teaspoonful twice in a day
• Suvarna Basant Malti Ras     –   1 twice in a day
• Pitta Balance                            –    1 twice in a day

3. ITP Care Pack for Kids (less than 5 years):

The list of products of this pack along with their dosage regime is as follow:

• Immune Booster                 –    1 twice in a day
• Ashwagandha Capsules     –   1 twice in a day
• Giloy Capsules                     –   1 twice in a day
• Gandhak Rasayan              –   1 once in a day
• Kumar Kalyan Ras              –   1 once in a day
• Infee Syrup                           –   2 teaspoonful twice in a day
• Arvindasava Syrup             –   2 teaspoonful twice in a day
• Praval Panchamrit              –   1 twice in a day

Children face difficulty in swallowing the capsules and tablets so, doctors recommend parents to open the capsules and pour all the ingredients in a bowl and mix them with syrup. While, in case of tablets crush the tablets and mix the powder with syrup to overcome the problem of swallowing faced by children.

Product Descriptions

1. Immune Booster

Immune booster is a classical Ayurvedic remedy which have been formulated by Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Cow colostrum (Bovine colostrum), Bhumi Amla (Phyllanthus niruri) and Amalaki (Phylanthus emblica). This product is a great detoxifying agent and improves immune system. Bhumi amla or Indian gooseberry possess anti-oxidant properties which is beneficial in treating cold, cough, asthma and various liver disorders. Cow colostrum is enriched with vitamins, micronutrients, proteins etc. which makes it significant in improving immunity.

2. Ashwagandha Capsules

Planet Ayurveda has formulated Ashwagandha capsules with high quality traditional herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). This herb possess amazing phytochemical constituents like vitamins, glycosides etc. which makes it beneficial in reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, arthritis, insomnia and depression. These capsules work significantly as liver and kidney tonics along with reducing symptoms of Immune thrombocytopenic (ITP).

3. Giloy Capsules

Giloy capsules have been prepared from pure extracts of Giloy (Tinospora coridifolia) which is loaded with anti-inflammatory properties, anti-cancer and anti-oxidants properties. These capsules works efficiently in soothing inflammation in mucous membrane in digestive tract. Giloy is very beneficial in triggering blood platelets count naturally and treating symptoms of immune thrombocytopenic effectively.

4. Gandhak Rasayan

Gandhak Rasayan has been formulated by purified Sulphur (Shuddh Gandhak) possess antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-diuretic properties. Sulphur is a natural detoxifying agent which improves functioning of liver and treats skin disorders effectively.

5. Green Essentials

Green essentials which has been formulated by Grape seed (Vitis vinifera), Wheat grass (Triticulum aestivum), Spirulina (Spirulina platensis), Green tea (Camellia sinensis) and Amla (Emblica officnalis). These herbs works synergistically in treating various ailments like hypertension, arthritis, diabetes, dental disorders, anemia, Urinary tract infections (UTI) etc. Spirulina is a well-known anti-inflammatory agent full of vitamins and minerals. Green tea is a rich source of polyphenols and anti-oxidants which makes it beneficial in treating food poisoning, diabetes and other infections.

6. Kumar Kalyan Ras

Planet Ayurveda is offering herbal blend which have been formulated by Kumari rasa, Shudha parada, Abhraka bhasma, Mukta bhasma, Loha bhasma, Swarna bhasma and Makshika bhasma. This product works tremendously in treating Fever, asthma, jaundice, cough, indigestion, vomiting and improves digestive power.

7. Brahmi chyawanprash

This herbal supplement of Planet Ayurveda has more than twenty essential herbs which includes Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Dashmoola, Bala (Sida cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Jivanti (Leptadenia reticulata), Choti elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum), Dalchini (Cinnamomum Tamala) etc. This herbs works efficiently anxiety, depression, constipation, nausea and memory problems.

8. Suvarna Basant Malti Ras

Suvarna basant malti ras is an herbal and mineral based formulation which is composed of Gold bhasma, Pearl bhasma, Black pepper (Piper nigrum), Kharpara (Rasaka), Purified from of mercury, Sulphur, Trikatu (pepper, long pepper and ginger), Copper bhasma and Iron bhasma. This herbal supplement works significantly in treating multiple disorders like chronic fever, anemia, tuberculosis, goiter, fatigue, improves digestion and boosts RBC’s production.

9. Pitta Balance 

Pitta balance capsules has been prepared by combining Praval pishti (Coral calcium), Akik pishti (Agate calcium), Jawar Mohra pishti, Kamdudha ras, Mukta pishti and Giloy satv (Tinospora cordifolia). These capsules effectively eliminates certain symptoms like indigestion, blood pressure, inflammation, ulcers, acidity and gastritis. These herbs balances Tridosha i.e. Pitta, Kapha and Vata which is the root cause of all ailments.

10. Infee Syrup

Planet Ayurveda’s infee syrup works miraculously in boosting immunity, recovery and imparts healthy growth of infants.

11. Arvindasava Syrup

Arindasava syrup is a liquid formulation for reducing symptoms of Immune thrombocytopenic Aravinda (Nelumbo nucifera), Mansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Ela (Elettaria cardamomum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Mulethi (Glycyrrhiza glabra), Ushira (Vetiveria zizanioides), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica) etc. This combination is very beneficial in treating various ailments like indigestion, loss of appetite, improves immunity, diarrhea, laziness and weakness.

Dietary Guidelines

The patient who is suffering from thrombocytopenia has to follow strict diet plan in order to get rid of this life-threatening disease.

Diet in ITP

• The patient should take only those diets that are rich in natural grains, seeds, vegetables, fruits, corn, bread and wheat etc. Apart from this, Physicians suggest to drink Green juice as well as Red juice as both the juices are rich in nutrients that are effective against this disorder.
• Green Juicemainlyinclude juices obtain from fresh leaves of Spinach, Coriander, Fenugreek, Kale, Lettuce, Wheatgrass. Patient should also drink fresh juice of Amla (Indian gooseberry) and green grapes etc.
•  Red Juiceis mainly prepared from carrot, beetroot and pomegranate. Patient should use the ingredient on the basis on its availability and drink at least 100 ml of these juices every day.
• Patient should eat raw green leafy vegetables because such vegetables are rich in Fiber, Vitamins, Anti-oxidants as well as Phytochemicals.
• Ridge Gourd, Bottle Gourd, Round Gourd and Bitter Gourd are also recommended to ITP patient.

What to Avoid in ITP

• Individuals suffering from ITP should avoid Onion, Garlic, Ginger, Tomatoand Eggplant. Apart from this, citric acid containing fruits which are commonly known as citrus fruits such as Oranges, Lemons, Dark Grapes and Plum should be completely avoided.
• Patient should not use Red and Green chilies, Clove and Excess of table salt in their food.
• Many people often believe that it is necessary to drink milk of cow and buffalo in diseases which are characterize with low count of platelets.