Sarcoidosis Causes, Symptoms and Herbal Treatment
Abstract
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory granulomatous condition that is characterized by the presence of granulomas in different parts of the body, especially in the lungs and lymph nodes. Granulomas are inflammatory nodules that are rich in macrophages. There is no known cause of sarcoidosis. It affects various organs of the body.
Introduction
Sarcoidosis is a medical condition characterized by the presence of granulomas (tiny collections of inflammatory cells) in various parts of the body, especially the lungs and lymph nodes. The incidence of sarcoidosis is more in young adulthood and early 60s. It is more prevalent in women as compared to men. A person having a family history of Sarcoidosis is more likely to have Sarcoidosis. It impacts the lungs through Mediastinal Lymphadenopathy, Pulmonary nodules and Pulmonary Fibrosis. Liver cirrhosis and liver nodules are some of the lung manifestations associated with Sarcoidosis. It affects major organs of the body including Kidneys (Renal calculi, Nephritis), Heart (Pericarditis, Bundle Branch block), CNS (Encephalopathy), PNS (Bell’s palsy) etc. Patients with Sarcoidosis can also be presented with Lofgren’s syndrome which is a triad of Erythema nodosum, Bilateral lymphadenopathy and polyarthralgia. Due to the wide range of systemic symptoms, it can be confused with other diseases like Chronic cough, Lymphadenopathy, Lymphoma, Tuberculosis, HIV etc. Patients diagnosed with Sarcoidosis have raised inflammatory markers (), serum ACE, and serum calcium. Ayurveda plays a very major role in managing Sarcoidosis by treating the disease from the root level.
Causes
Idiopathic (Unknown Cause)
Symptoms
General symptoms
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Pain and swellings in joints
Lungs manifestation
- Dry cough
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest pain
Skin manifestation
- Erythema nodosum (Tender red nodules on shins)
- Lupus Pernio (Raised purple lesions on nose and checks)
Ocular Manifestation
- Uveitis
- Conjunctivitis
- Optic neuritis
Cardiac Manifestation
- Arrhythmias
Renal Manifestation
- Kidney stones
- Interstitial nephritis
CNS Manifestations
- Diabetes insipidus
- Encephalopathy
PNS Manifestations
- Bell’s palsy
Diagnosis
- Blood Investigations: Serum ACE, Serum Calcium, Inflammatory markers (CRP), LFT, RFT
- Bronchoscopy
- Imaging: USG, Chest X-Ray, High-Resolution CT, MRI, PET Scan
- Urine analysis
- ECG and Echocardiogram
- Ophthalmology examination
- Histology
Ayurvedic Overview
According to Ayurveda, Sarcoidosis is caused by the Kapha-Pitta imbalance in the body. Consuming Kapha aggravating foods disturbed eating patterns, lack of physical activity, day time sleep causes the formation of ama (toxins) in the body and leads to aggravation of Kapha dosha. Aggravated Kapha dosha causes an imbalance of pitta dosha. In this way increased Kapha dosha affects lymph nodes and vitiated Pitta dosha causes lymph nodes hardening resulting in Sarcoidosis. Dry cough, Shortness of breath, Wheezing, Chest pain, Enlarged lymph nodes, and Skin lesions are some of the symptoms seen in Sarcoidosis.
Treatment
In Ayurveda Sarcoidosis is managed with the help of Shodhan Chikitsa (Bio-cleansing therapy)and Shaman Chikitsa (Pacifying therapy). In order to treat Sarcoidosis ama (Toxins) should be treated first.
Shodhan Chikitsa
- Asthapana Basti
Shaman Chikitsa
- Ashwagandha rasayan
- Giloy ghan vati
- Arogyavardhini vati
- Triphala guggul
- Kaishore guggul
- Yograj Guggul
- Patolkaturohiniadi kwath
- Nimbadi kwath
- Dashmularishta
Other Herbs That Can Be Used
- Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum)
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
- Guggul (Commiohora sanctum)
- Kachnar Bark (Bauhinia variegata)
- Vasa (Adhathoda vasica)
- Haridra (Curcuma longa)
- Neem (Azadirachta indica)
Herbal Remedies for Sarcoidosis by Planet Ayurveda
Planet Ayurveda offers effective herbal remedies for the management of Sarcoidosis. The herbal products formulated by Planet Ayurveda are natural and are formulated under GMP guidelines. Planet Ayurveda products are free from chemicals, adulterants and preservatives. These herbal products are 100% natural, pure and are formulated by MD Doctors. Planet Ayurveda offers the following herbal remedies for the management of Sarcoidosis.
Products List
- Curcumin capsules
- Kanchnaar Guggul
- Aller-G Care
- Punarnava Mandur
- Chitrak Haritaki
- Vasasav
Product Description
1. Curcumin capsules
Curcumin capsule is a standardised herbal formulation that contains Curcumin (Haridra extract). Curcumin has anti-inflammatory properties. It helps in reducing inflammation of enlarged lymph nodes around the lungs. It has analgesic properties and therefore helps in reducing chest pain associated with Sarcoidosis. Curcumin not only subsides lymph nodes inflammation but also helps in managing ocular and skin manifestations seen in Sarcoidosis.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water, after meals.
2. Kanchnaar Guggul
Kanchnaar guggul is a classical Ayurvedic formulation that contains Kachnar Bark (Bauhinia variegata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Trikatu (Zingiber officinale, Piper nigrum, Pier longum), Guggul (Commiphora mukul) and various other herbs. It contains Kanchnaar which has anti-inflammatory properties. This formulation is Ruksha (Dry), Laghu (Light), and Ushna (Hot) in potency. Due to its Kshaya rasa (astringent taste), Pitta and Kapha balancing properties, it helps in managing enlarged thyroid glands. Kanchnar guggul helps in drying excess Kapha and fluid from the body. It helps in cleansing lymphatic drainage. Kanchnar contains the ethanolic extract that causes shrinkage of granuloma present in various parts of the body. Guggul present in Kanchnar guggul balances all three doshas and helps in managing dry cough, shortness of breath, wheezing and other lung manifestations.
Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.
3. Aller-G Care
Aller-G Care is a herbal formulation that contains Haridra (Curcuma longa), Neem (Azadirachta indica), Shirish (Albezzia lebbock) and various other herbs. Haridra is considered as Kushtaghan (treat skin disorders) and it helps in reducing skin manifestations like Erythema nodosum, and Lupus Pernio. The neem present in the Aller-G care pack balances pitta and Kapha and helps in reducing conjunctivitis, uveitis, and optic neuritis seen in Sarcoidosis. In addition to all these, this pack also contains Shirish which has anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory properties.
Dosage: 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.
4. Punarnava Mandur
Punarnava Mandur is a herbal formulation that contains Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Shunti (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Pippali), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Mandoor Bhasma (Ferric oxide calx) and various other herbs. Punarnava helps in the detoxification of the blood and improves blood circulation in the body. Haritaki is considered a Rasayana (Rejuvenator) and tridoshahar (Balances all 3 doshas). Mandoor Bhasma is itself a rich source of iron. Punarnava mandur has hematogenic(helps in the formation of RBCs), hematinic (boosts hemoglobin levels), diuretic, and depurative (blood purification) properties. This formulation helps in the pacification of Kapha and Pitta. It helps in reducing enlarged lymph nodes in the body. It also provides relief in anemia.
Dosage: 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.
5. Chitrak Haritaki
Chitrak Haritaki is an ayurvedic formulation that contains Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amla (Emlica officinalis), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Maricha (Piper nigrum) and various other herbs. Chitak Haritaki has hot potency and balances Kapha and Vata in the body. It is a potent expectorant therefore it helps in removing excess mucus from the lungs. Chitrak Haritaki is also known for the digestion of ama (toxins / Undigested food) in the body and thereby increasing appetite. It helps in managing lung manifestations like wheezing, cough, and chest pain etc.
Dosage: 1-2 tablespoons after meals with milk once or twice a day.
6. Vasasav
Vasasav is a standardized herbal formulation that contains Vasa (Adhathoda vasica), Pippali (Piper longum), Choti elaichi (Elettaria cardamomum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Shital Chini (Cubeba fructus), Dhatki Pushpa (Woodfordia fruticosa) and various other herbs. It contains Vasa which is Tikta (Bitter) and Kashaya (Astringent) in rasa and cold in potency. It helps in balancing Kapha and Pitta. Vasa is exclusively used in respiratory disorders. Vasasav contains sonth which treats manda agni (decreased digestive fire). It also acts as an expectorant that cleans the throat.
Dosage: 3 tablespoons twice daily with an equal amount of water.
Contact Planet Ayurveda Support Team to provide you the costing / ordering and delivery information at – costing.planetayurveda@gmail.com or Call at 0172-521-4040 (India), +91-172-521-4040 (Outside India) or Whatsapp at (+91) 9915-593-604
Conclusion
Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory granulomatous condition. It is characterized by the presence of granulomas in various parts of the body. It mostly affects the lungs and lymph nodes. Other organs like the liver, heart, kidneys, and brain are also involved in some cases. It is very important to treat Sarcoidosis in time in order to avoid further complications. Ayurveda manages Sarcoidosis with the help of Shodhan Chikitsa and Shaman Chikitsa. Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and Guggul (Commiohora sanctum) are some of the herbs that can also be used in order to manage Sarcoidosis.