Sjogren’s Syndrome: Causes, Symptoms & its Ayurvedic Treatment

Sjogren’s syndrome is an autoimmune disorder — that is, a condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues and cells of the body. According to Ayurveda, autoimmune disorders are a result of disturbances in the three vital energies (doshas) of the body — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

In people suffering from Sjogren’s syndrome, the immune system specifically attacks the glands, which produce saliva and tears. However, it may also attack some other parts of the body, including the lungs, kidneys, liver, skin, blood vessels, joints, nerves, and digestive organs.

Sjogren’s syndrome is a disorder typically characterized by the dryness of the mouth and the dryness of the eyes. The condition develops when white blood cells penetrate into the saliva glands, tear glands, and other exocrine tissues; thereby reducing the production of saliva and tears. The disorder can also cause dryness in other parts of the body — like the nose, throat, and skin — which requires moisture.

The occurrence of Sjogren’s syndrome is usually associated with women aged 40 years and above. The condition is sometimes linked to other diseases like Rheumatoid arthritis, Systemic lupus erythematosus, and Primary biliary cholangitis.

Sjogren’s syndrome can lead to certain health complications, which generally include dental cavities, vision/eyesight problems, and yeast infections.

Sjogren’s Syndrome:

The exact cause behind the occurrence of Sjogren’s syndrome is not known. But, it is believed that certain genes increase the potential risk of this disorder in some people; provided that there is some trigger mechanism, such as an infection caused by a particular virus or strains of bacteria.

Ayurvedic texts have linked the occurrence of Sjogren’s syndrome to ‘turbulence’ in the Udaka Vaha Srotas, which leads to the dryness of the tongue, lips, and throat.

Sjogren’s Syndrome: Symptoms

Dry mouth and dry eyes are the two main symptoms of Sjogren’s syndrome. Apart from these symptoms, some of the other common indications related to the disorder are:

• Persistent dry cough
• Pain, swelling, and stiffness in joints
• Swollen salivary glands
• Dry skin
• Rashes
• Vaginal dryness
• Prolonged fatigue
• Irritation in eyes
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty speaking
• Tooth decay.

Sjogren’s Syndrome: Treatment

The treatment of Sjogren’s syndrome focuses on relieving the symptoms of the disorder with the help of medicines, particularly Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Other treatment options may include prescription eye drops, artificial tears for dye eyes, or curing dry mouth by increasing water intake and sucking sugar-free candy.

Sjogren’s syndrome can also be effectively managed with the help of alternative medicines. Planet Ayurveda herbal manufacturing company offers some extremely beneficial Ayurvedic products for managing the condition in a safe and natural manner.

Planet Ayurveda’s products for managing Sjogren’s syndrome are:

(1) Ashwagandha Capsules:

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of the ‘Ashwagandha’ herb (Withania somnifera), which is widely known in Ayurveda for its immense medicinal value and anti-inflammatory properties.

The use of these capsules is beneficial in managing Sjogren’s syndrome because of Ashwagandha’s ability to reduce metabolic imbalances, boost immunity, alleviate pain and inflammation, strengthen the muscles, reduce hypertension, rejuvenate the body, and balance the body’s Vata and Pitta doshas.

(2) Brahmi Capsules:

The preparation of these capsules involves the use of standardized extracts of ‘Brahmi’ herb (Bacopa Monneiri), which is considered an excellent health tonic, is an aphrodisiac and memory enhancer.

These capsules can benefit the patients of Sjogren’s syndrome because of Brahmi’s well-known properties of strengthening the nervous system, eliminating free radicals from the body, improving immunity, reducing stress and anxiety, and relieving inflammatory conditions.

(3) Amalaki Rasayan Capsules:

These capsules are prepared from the pure standardized herbal extract of ‘Amalaki’ herb (Emblica Officinalis), which is rich in iron, minerals, calcium, vitamins, antioxidants, and essential amino acids.

These capsules are useful in managing Sjogren’s syndrome because of the ability of the herbal ingredients to treat dryness, enhance the immune system, cure skin problems, support the digestive system, and balance the body’s Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas.

(4) Curcumin Capsules:

These capsules are prepared from the Curcumin, the main active compound of the Turmeric herb (Curcuma Longa), which is known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

The use of these capsules is beneficial in managing Sjogren’s syndrome because of Curcumin’s proven ability to treat muscle aches, manage to swell in joints, improve the immune system, reduce inflammation, relieve muscular disorders, and treat musculoskeletal conditions.

(5) Shilajit Capsules:

These capsules are prepared from the standardized extract of ‘Shilajit’ herb (Asphaltum), which is considered an excellent adaptogen, restorative, rejuvenate and ‘Rasayana’, and can prevent a number of diseases.

The use of these capsules is beneficial for patients suffering from Sjogren’s syndrome because Shilajit can support the immune system, keep the skin healthy, purify the blood, strengthen the muscles, rejuvenate brain cells, improve body metabolism, and eliminate toxins from the body.

Besides the above-mentioned products, Planet Ayurveda also offers the following Herbo-mineral combinations for managing Sjogren’s syndrome:

(1) Vrihat Vatchintamani Ras:

This herb -mineral combination — in tablet form — is prepared from beneficial natural ingredients including Swarna Bhasma (Calx of Gold), Rajata Bhasma (Calx of Silver), Abhraka Bhasma (Calx of Mica), Loha Bhasma (Calx of Iron), Pravala Bhasma (Calx of Coral), Mukta Bhasma (Calx of Pearl), and Suta Bhasma (a compound of purified and processed Mercury and Purified Sulphur). All ingredients are processed in the juice extract of Aloe Vera.

The use of these tablets can benefit the patients of Sjogren’s syndrome because the ingredients have the ability to support mental health, manage pain, maintain healthy functioning of the immune system, keep the nervous system healthy, and balance Vata and Pitta doshas.

(2) Ras Raj Ras:

The ingredients of this herbs-mineral combination include Ras Sindur (Red Sulphide of Mercury), Abhraka Bhasma (Calx of Mica), Swarna Bhasma (Calx of Gold), Loha Bhasma (Calx of Iron), Rajata Bhasma (Calx of Silver), Vanga Bhasma (Tin Calcined), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Jatipatri (Myritica fragrans), Lavanga (Syzygium aromaticum), Kshir Kakoli (Lillium polyphyllum). All ingredients are processed in Aloe Vera juice.

This herb mineral combination is beneficial for Sjogren’s syndrome patients because of the ability of the ingredients to treat Vata disorders, strengthen the body, enhance the digestive system, increase immunity, treat insomnia, and manage several disorders.

Conclusion:

Planet Ayurveda’s herbal products for managing Sjogren’s syndrome are completely safe to use, as they do not contain any chemicals, preservatives, additives, fillers, binders of artificial colours. However, it is recommended that the products should be used in consultation with an expert of Ayurveda practitioner.