Effective and Safe Management of Rheumatoid Arthritis with Ayurveda

ABSTRACT

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes pain, swelling and stiffness in the lining of joints (synovium). Joints inflammation over the time leads to destruction of Joints and loss of cartilages and bone erosion. RA with the symptoms duration of fewer than six months is considered as early RA and when the symptoms have been present for more than six months then it is considered as established RA. If RA is left untreated then it is progressive disease with morbidity and increased mortality. So, here we will discuss this more in detail with its ayurvedic point of view.

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis is a Systemic Autoimmune disease. It is characterised by inflammatory arthritis and extra-articular involvement. It is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by many factors such as genetic factors, environmental factors. RA primarily involves synovial joints. It typically starts from small peripheral joints,it is usually symmetric and progresses to involve proximal joints and then skin, heart and kidney. Joint inflammation over the time leads to destruction of joints with loss of cartilages and bone erosion. RA is a progressive disease with morbidity and increases mortality.Onset of the disease is usually from 35 to 60 years of age with remission and exacerbation.It can affect young childrens even before the age of 16 years, this is known as juvenile RA (JRA).

Causes

There is no exact cause of RA as it is an autoimmune disease. Several factors are thought to contribute to its development. That includes Genetics and environmental factors.

• Environmental factors: Cigarette smoking, Infections
• Sex: It is two to three times more common in women than in men.
• Weight: If a person is overweight, their BMI is more than 25, increasing their risk of RA.
• Hormonal factors: RA is more common in women than in men. Hormones may play a role in its development. Hormonal changes such as during pregnancy and menopause.
• Immune Defence Dysfunction: RA is an autoimmune disease. This immune system primarily targets the synovium, the lining of the joint that causes inflammation of joints.

Signs and Symptoms

The signs in RA are:

1. Joint pain
2. Joint swelling, redness and feeling of warmth
3. Morning stiffness that lasts up to 30 minutes

Other symptoms may include:

1. Fatigue
2. Poor appetite
3. Fever
4. Weight loss
5. Sweating
6. Dry eyes (As a result of inflammation)
7. Chest pain (As a result of inflammation)

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of RA is basically based on symptoms, physical examinations, blood scans and imaging tests.

There is a diagnostic criteria for Rheumatoid Arthritis. It includes 4 different domains, which are as follows:

2010 ACR/EULAR Classification Criteria for RA

• Elevated acute phase reactant (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate [ESR] or C-reactive protein [CRP]): 1 point
• Number and size of the involved joints:
  • 2-10 large joints = 1 point (Shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and ankles)
  • 4-10 small joints = 3 points
  • 1-3 small joints = 2 points (Proximal interphalangeal joints, metacarpophalangeal joints, second through fifth metatarsophalangeal joints, thumb interphalangeal joints, and wrists)
  • Greater than 10 joints (including at least 1 small joint) = 5 points
• Serological testing for rheumatoid factor or anti-citrullinated peptide/protein antibody:
  • High positive = 3 points
  • Low positive = 2 points
• Symptom duration of at least six weeks: 1 point

A total score greater than or equal to 6 classifies the patient as having RA.

The Blood Tests and Imaging Tests Include

1. Blood Tests

In blood tests, we look for inflammation and blood proteins (Antibodies) that are linked with RA.

• ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): Higher than normal value
• CRP (C-reactive Protein) levels: Higher than normal value
• Rheumatoid Factor: Antibody that is found in RA patients.

2. Imaging Tests

In X-rays, MRI, CT scans signs of erosions are found. If these signs don’t show up, that means RA is in early stage.

Treatment

Rheumatoid arthritis treatment includes one or more kinds of medications. And in some cases, surgery is recommended.

Medicines

• Disease modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs)
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Corticosteroids
• Biologics

Surgery

• Knee replacement
• Hip replacement
• Other surgeries to correct deformity

Ayurvedic Overview

According to Ayurveda, Rheumatoid Arthritis is correlated with Amavata. Amavata is vitiation of Vata and accumulation of Ama in joints. Amavata is not only a disorder of the locomotor system, but it is also a systemic disease. It is named after chief pathogenic constituents which are Ama and Vata. The main causative factor Ama is due to malfunctioning of the digestive and metabolic system.

Causes (Nidana)

• Viruddha Ahara (Mutually Incompatible food)
• Viruddha Chesta (Unwholesome lifetime practices)
• Mandagani (Low digestive fire)
• Nischala (Sedentary life activities)

Symptoms

Initially, symptoms are like indigestion and in this condition, the disease has just begun and morbidity did not reach joints. These symptoms include:

• Angamarda (Generalized body ache)
• Aruchi (Anorexia)
• Trishna (Thirst)
• Gawrav (Heaviness)
• Jwara (Fever)
• Apaka (Indigestion)
• Shinata (Numbness in body parts)

The later stage when the disease spreads to the joints, tissues, and symptoms of multiple organ and tissue damage occurs. These symptoms include:

• Saruja souph (Painful swelling in joints)
• Vrischik Danshwat peeda (Pain mimicking the scorpion sting)
• Agnidaurbalya (Sluggish digestion)
• Aruchi (Anorexia)
• Gauravam (Heaviness in body)
• Utsah haani (Lack of enthusiasm)
• Shool (Pain)
• Trishna (Thirst)
• Chardi (Vomiting)
• Bhram (Giddiness)
• Murcha (Fainting)
• Antra kunjana (Gurgling sound in abdomen)
• Anaha (Flatulence)

Treatment

According to Ayurveda, treatment of Amavata includes Shaman Chikitsa (Pacifying therapy) and Shodhana Chikitsa (Purifying therapy).

Shaman Chikitsa (Pacifying therapy)

• Shunthyadi Kwath (Decoction)
• Shatyadi Kwath
• Pippalyadi Kwath
• Dashmool Kwath
• Shunti-guduchi Kwath
• Shunthi Gudda
• Bhallatakadi Churana
• Phalatrikadi Churana
• Panchkola Churana

Shodhan Chikitsa (Purification therapy)

• Langhan (Fasting)
• Sweden (Sweating therapy)
• Tikta, Katu Deepan (Pungent and bitter digestion support medicines)
• Virechana (Purgation)
• Kshara Vasti (Enema)
• Abhyanga (Massage)
• Pinda Sweda (Medicated powder bolus)
• Upanaha (Poultice)

Herbal Remedies of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a GMP-certified company. They always provide a combination of the best herbal remedies. They prepare these formulations by following proper Ayurvedic principles. All these herbal remedies are 100% pure and vegan. All these medications are prepared under the supervision of MD scholars. These medicines are safe to use as they have no side effects. Planet Ayurveda provides a combination of effective herbal remedies for rheumatoid arthritis such as RA Care Pack. This pack includes:

1. Ashwagandha Capsules
2. Boswellia Curcumin
3. Aamvatantak Churna
4. RumoGin 5 Capsules
5. Joint Aid Plus
6. Yograj Guggul

Products Description

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha capsules are standardized extract of pure herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). As the name says – one that possesses the Gandha of Ashwa (smell of horse), it indicates that the herb imparts the strength of a horse. This herb helps to strengthen the immunity of the body. It is fruitful in neurological disorders and promotes overall wellness.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

2. Boswellia Curcumin

Boswellia Curcumin is a capsule blend of 2 herbs. It is a pure extract of Shallaki (Boswellia curcumin) and Haridra (Curcuma longa). Boswellia Curcumin is indicated in inflammatory and painful conditions and this works effectively in rheumatoid arthritis. It helps to relieve infection. It also helps to improve blood circulation and flexibility in joints.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

3. Aamvatantak Churna

Aamvatantak churna is a powerful powder that is a blend of herbs. The literal meaning of ‘Aam’ is endotoxins. This churna helps to digest ama (endotoxins/waste products) in the body. It contains the standardized extract of herbs – Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Meth (Trigonella Foenum graecum), Suranjan (Colchicum autumnale), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus), Sonth (Zingiber officinale). It helps you to improve metabolism and corrects liver functions. It also reduces local pain, stiffness, and swelling. It improves the blood flow of the effective joints.

Dosage: 1 tsp with warm water before meals.

4. RumoGin 5 Capsules

It is a capsule with pure herbal formulation. It comprises Curcumin, Saunth (Zingiber officinale), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Maricha (Piper nigrum), and Pippali (Piper longum). It works as an anti-inflammatory. It aids in managing Rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) due to its Vata balancing nature gives relief in joint pain.

Dosage: 1 capsule twice a day with lukewarm water after meals.

5. Joint Aid Plus

It is an herbal formulation in the form of a capsule. This is a powerful blend of many wonderful herbs. It is standardized pure extract of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Shallaki (Boswellia curcumin), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia), Guggulu (Commiphora mukul). As Shallaki (Boswellia curcumin) has Vata balancing nature so it gives relief in joint pain.

Dosage: 2 capsules twice daily with warm water, after meals.

6. Yograj Guggul

It is an Ayurvedic formulation in the form of tablets. These tablets of Yograj guggul are prepared from the herbs like Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Amla (Emblica officinalis), Pippali (Piper longum), Chavya (Piper chaba), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica) etc. All these ingredients help in maintaining proper digestion by stimulating the digestive fire. Rheumatoid arthritis can occur because of digestive problems so these herbs are very useful in RA. These herbs also work as anti-inflammatory. This classical formulation is very effective in musculoskeletal disorders. It specifically works on Vata dosha.

Dosage: 2 tablets twice daily with lukewarm water after meals.

Conclusion

Rheumatoid arthritis can be taken parallel to the Amavata in Ayurveda. Ayurveda provides the best solution for this disease. When treated with an Ayurvedic treatment schedule as described in Ayurveda according to the condition of the patient and the state of the disease, it showed the best results. Planet Ayurveda’s RA care pack has shown amazing transformation in many patients as these medications are a pure combination of the best drugs.