Ulcerative Colitis: Ayurvedic Healing for Pittaja Grahani Roga

Abstract

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is more than a disease of the gut—it is a disorder of inner imbalance of the immune system and body. In modern science,  It is an autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease which affects the part of GI tract and has lots of symptoms while Ayurveda interprets it as the manifestation of Pitta-Vata Dushti leading to Raktatisara or Pittaja Grahani. Let’s learn about it in brief.

Introduction

IBD is defined as a group of chronic disorders that cause inflammation in the digestive tract and is of two types:

1. Crohn’s Disease: Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by transmural granulomatous inflammation that can involve any part of the gastrointestinal tract from mouth to anus, most commonly the terminal ileum, with skip lesions, strictures, fistulas, and perianal disease.

2. Ulcerative colitis: Is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) primarily affecting the colon and rectum, characterized by ulceration and continuous mucosal inflammation.

Causes

There is not any specific cause of ulcerative colitis. But Some how there are some suitable causes of UC are following :

• Immune system dysfunction
• Genetics factors
• Environmental factors
• Gut bacteria Imbalance
• Stress and diet

Sign & Symptoms

The symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) vary depending on the severity and extent of colon inflammation. The common symptoms include:

• Diarrhea with blood or mucus.
• Urgency of Bowel Movements (Tenesmus)
• Fatigue and Weakness
• Weight Loss
• Loss of Appetite and Nausea
• Fever and Malaise
• Dehydration
• Abdominal and Rectal pain

Diagnosis

• Complete Blood Count
• Stool Examination
• Fecal Calprotectin Test
• Colonoscopy
• Flexible Sigmoidoscopy

Modern Treatment

• Aminosalicylates: Mesalamine , Sulfasalazine, Balsalazide etc
• Corticosteroids: Budesonide, Hydrocortisone, Methylprednisolone, Prednisone etc
• Immunomodulators: Azathioprine, 6-MP, Cyclosporine etc
• Multivitamin and iron supplements can also be given.

Ayurvedic Overview

In Ayurvedic point of view UC is denoted with Raktatisara or Pittaja Grahani. By Intake of katu ras (Pungent taste), Having Long term Indigestion Issue, By Excessive use of Amla ras (Sour taste) and kshar (Alkali), By intake of excessive hot food the Pitta will raise and destroy the digestive fire (agni) by covering it.Vata will also get aggravated along with this and shows Symptoms such as Blood or mucus in stool , Undigested Bluish or yellowish loose stools, foul-smelling sour belching, heartburn, anorexia (Aruchi), Polydipsia.

In ayurveda the treatment is based on the Shodhan (Purification therapy) and Shaman Chikitsa (Pacification therapy). Pitta-vata shaman (balances pitta and vata) ,Varan Ropana (wound healing), Agni deepan (Appetizer), Srotoshodhana (purification of body channels ), Rasayan therapy (rejuvenating therapy). The Shaman Chikitsa (Pacification therapy) includes herbal formulations that decrease the vitiated symptoms.

Some Ayurvedic drugs and their uses are

Kutaj

(Holarrhena antidysenterica): This classical drug is used for Atisara (Diarrhea). It has sheeta (cooling) properties that help in soothing inflammation, burning sensation. It is strong grahi (absorbent) helps in absorbing excessive fluid and stambhan (astringent) makes stool firmer which helps in decreasing frequency of stool.

Bilav

(Aegle marmelos): It helps in repairing intestinal lining and heals ulcers, reduces swelling , reduces bleeding, burning sensation and soothes mucus membrane in colon and rectum. It also pacifies pitta dosha.

Yashtimadhu

(Glycyrrhiza glabra): It helps in Pittashaman (To Balance Pitta dosha), Varanropan (to heal the Ulcers), Rakatprasadan (Purify and Soothes Vitiated blood), Grahani Balya (Strengthen the colon ) Stambhana (Indirect Hemostasis).

Nagarmotha

(Cyperus rotundus): It helps in Balancing the kapha and pitta doshas, Healing ulcers, in reducing inflammation and bleeding and has astringent properties which helps in stool consolidation. It also helps in reducing dehydration in the body.

Durva 

(Cynodon dactylon): This helps best in Raktstambhan (hemostatic) and also in digestion and cooling effect in the body.

Arjuna

(Terminalia Arjuna): It helps as anti-Hemorrhagic (to stop bleeding) and in healing of intestinal lining.

The Shodhan Chikitsa ( Purification therapy) is also very effective and useful

• Mridu Virechana (Mild purgation)
  Eliminates accumulated Pitta and Ama from the intestines, Reducing Inflammation.
• Takra Basti (Medicated Buttermilk Enema)
  Highly effective in Pittaj and Raktaj disorders. The Cooling, Astringent, and Healing properties of Buttermilk help restore normal mucosa and prevent relapse.
• Pichha Basti (Mucilaginous Enema)
  Provides lubrication, heals ulcers, and reduces bleeding.

 Rasayana Chikitsa (Rejuvenation Therapy)

• Yashtimadhu Rasayan
• Guduchi Rasayan
• Kamdhuda and Panchamrit Parpati Rasayan.
• Amalki Rasayan
• Yoga and meditation:  Yoga balance Agni (Fire) and calms Pitta use asan (Pose) like :Vajrasana (Diamond or Thunderbolt pose), Pawanmuktasana (Wind releasing pose), Balasana (Childpose), Mandukasana (Frog pose).
• Pranayama:  Sheetkari (Hissing breath), Bhramari (Humming bee breath), and Anulom Vilom (Alternate nostril breathing).
• Meditation:  Daily 15 minutes of mindfulness.

Diet & Lifestyle Guidance

1. Recommended Diet (Pathya)
Boiled rice, Moong dal soup, Bottle gourd, and Pumpkin,Pomegranate, coconut water and ghee for gut healing.Warm water with a pinch of cumin powder.

2. To Avoid (Apathya)
Spicy, fried, and sour foods.Tea, coffee, alcohol and smoking.Anger, stress, and late-night work.

Herbal Remedies for UC by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda, under the expert guidance of Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD – Ayurveda), offers 100% pure, authentic, and GMP-certified herbal remedies. The Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack is a specially designed combination that heals the colon, balances doshas, and strengthens the digestive system. Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack Includes:

1. Kutajghan Vati: It is a classical tablet formulation that is made up of Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica) that naturally pacifies pitta and kapha dosha , Improves agni (digestive fire) and reduces ama (toxins), enhance absorption power in colon and act as a anti diarrheal.

Dose : 2 tablets twice daily with plain water after a meal.

2. Pitta Balance:  It is the capsule formulation made up with natural calcium compounds like Praval Pishti (Coral Calcium), Kamdudha Ras, and Mukta Pishti, that helps in pacifying pitta dosha by reducing internal heat, burning sensation, acidity, bleeding tendencies.

Dose : 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after a meal.

3. Vatsakadi Churna: It is the churna formulation which is a blend of herbs like Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Dhania (Coriandrum sativum),Saunf (Foeniculum Vulgare) and Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica). It helps in regulating bowel movements , Reducing inflammation, Balancing pitta and kapha dosha, helps in Mucosal healing and controls diarrhoea.

Dose: 1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water after meal

4. Arjuna Capsules:  This is the capsule formulation made up of Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) extract, these capsules help in wound healing (Varan Ropana), Reducing inflammation, pacifying pitta, controlling bleeding and helps in mucosal healing. It also has antioxidant properties, gut microbiota balance and acts as an immunomodulator.

Dose : 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after a meal.

Conclusion

Ulcerative Colitis is more than a disorder of the colon — it mirrors the inner heat, imbalance, and restlessness within. Ayurveda teaches that true healing begins when harmony is restored among body, mind, and soul. Ayurveda serves as a conduit between timeless Ayurvedic wisdom and contemporary healthcare, offering nature’ “When Pitta finds calm, the colon regains balance; when the mind attains peace, digestion flourishes.”