Autoimmune disorders are diseases in which the body’s immune system attacks normal healthy tissue, producing different disease symptoms. Nearly 160 diseases are listed as autoimmune disorders; the most common include rheumatoid arthritis, type 1 diabetes, psoriasis, alopecia areata, SLE, thyroiditis, Addison’s disease, pernicious anemia, celiac disease, multiple sclerosis, and Guillain Barre syndrome.

A genetic predisposition is usually required for the onset of autoimmune disorders, along with environmental triggers such as infections (bacteria, viruses), food allergies, toxins (drugs, smoking, hair dyes, and chemicals), and physical trauma. Common symptoms include joint and muscle pain, general muscle weakness, rashes, low-grade fever, poor concentration, weight loss, numbness and tingling, dry eyes, hair loss, shortness of breath, and palpitations. The hallmark of autoimmune disorders is inflammation, which can affect the heart, brain, lungs, nerves, muscles, skin, eyes, joints, kidneys, glands (thyroid, pancreas, etc.). ) and produce symptoms depending on the organ and tissue affected.

The modern system of treatment for autoimmune diseases consists of suppressing immunity with the use of steroidal or non-steroidal drugs, such as cyclophosphamide, and vaccines when possible. This treatment may work well in the short term, but it does not cure the autoimmune disease and can cause serious side effects later. Ayurvedic treatment scores positively in this regard because it causes immunomodulation so that the body’s defense system can take over and help cure the disease completely. This may take longer; immunosuppressants may cause symptom improvement in a few weeks to a few months, while Ayurvedic treatment may require months to years, depending on the severity and complexity of the disease.

As mentioned above, inflammation is the hallmark of all autoimmune diseases. Steroids can treat inflammation very well; however, the long-term side effects of steroids can be as serious, or probably more serious, than the disease itself. Ayurvedic herbal medicines can significantly reduce pain and inflammation in chronic rheumatoid arthritis. Itching and recurrence of psoriasis can be very well treated with an Ayurvedic treatment. Herbs can effectively treat inflammation of the glands, such as that which occurs in thyroiditis, or inflammation and destruction of the arteries, nerves, mucous membranes, muscles, connective tissue, and skin, such as that which occurs in SLE, celiac disease, scleroderma, multiple sclerosis, Guillain Barré syndrome, etc. .

While steroids and immunosuppressants are a common therapy for all autoimmune disorders, the Ayurvedic treatment for each autoimmune disease varies considerably depending on which organs or body systems are affected. The medical protocol for treatment will also vary considerably depending on the severity of the symptoms, as well as the response to treatment of the affected individuals. Most of the drugs that act on the tissues ‘Rakta’, ‘Mansa’, ‘Med’ and ‘Majja’ are effective in the treatment of autoimmune disorders. These include herbs such as Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), and Patol (Tricosanthe dioica). Immunomodulatory herbs are also very important for the treatment of autoimmune diseases and include Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis).

Most affected individuals taking immunosuppressants experience a relapse or flare after approximately 5 to 6 months of therapy. Ayurvedic treatment can produce improvement within 4 to 6 months; however, the slow improvement is worth it as the patient begins to go into complete remission and the disease can be fully controlled with regular therapy for 12 to 24 months. After this, the medications can be gradually reduced and stopped completely. Further treatment can be given as short courses as and when – or if – necessary. Therefore, Ayurvedic treatment can be successfully used to provide comprehensive treatment for most common autoimmune disorders.