Tag: Ayurveda for autoimmune joint disorders

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by persistent immune mediated inflammation  which primarily involves the joints. It represents a systemic disease rather than a condition confined to a single tissue, reflecting complex interactions between genetic susceptibility, environmental factors and immune dysregulation. And it  constitutes a significant global health concern due to its chronic course and potential to influence overall physical function and long term health outcomes.

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis  is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the synovial lining of joints, leading to persistent inflammation, pain, swelling, stiffness and gradual joint destruction. It most commonly affects small joints of the hands and feet in a symmetrical pattern and is often associated with prolonged morning stiffness lasting more than one hour. Over time uncontrolled inflammation can cause joint deformities, reduced mobility and functional disability. It is not limited to joints alone and may involve extra articular organs such as the skin, eyes, lungs, heart and blood vessels. In Ayurveda, it is correlated with Amavata, a disorder caused by the accumulation of Ama (toxic metabolic by products) along with the vitiation of Vata Dosha. Due to weak Agni (digestive fire), Ama (toxic metabolites) forms and circulates in the body, eventually lodging in the sandhi (joints), where aggravated Vata carries it, resulting in its symptoms. Management of Amavata focuses on Ama Pachana (digestion of toxins), Agni Deepana (enhancing digestion), Vata Shamana (pacifying Vata) and Shodhana therapies (purification) along with appropriate dietary regulation and lifestyle modifications. Some of the herbs used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis are:

Herbs  for Rheumatoid arthritis

1. Haridra

Curcuma longa  has tikta and katu Rasa (bitter and pungent taste), laghu and ruksha Guna (light and dry qualities), ushna virya (hot potency) and katu vipaka (pungent post digestive effects), making it highly effective in Ama Pachana (digestion of metabolic toxins) and Agni Deepana (improving digestive fire). Its bioactive compound curcumin powerfully helps in inflammation by suppressing cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6 pathways thus easing joint pain, swelling, stiffness and progression. Its natural anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties help regulate abnormal immune responses and reduce inflammatory activity.

2. Shunthi

Zingiber officinale acts mainly as a Deepana and Pachana (digestive and carminative) agent. Its Ushna Virya (Hot potency) and katu rasa (pungent taste) helps to digest accumulated toxins (Ama), reduce Vata induced stiffness, improve circulation and provide mild anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Intake of its powder daily with warm water is very beneficial in relieving pain.

3. Shallaki

Boswellia serrata primarily works as an anti-inflammatory and analgesic herb. The active compounds like boswellic acids inhibit inflammatory enzymes and reduce joint swelling, pain and cartilage degradation. It directly supports joint integrity and mobility. It has strong Shothahara (anti-inflammatory), Vedanasthapana (analgesic) and Vata and Kapha Shamana (pacifying Vata and Kapha dosha) properties.

4. Maricha

Maricha or Piper nigrum acts as a Deepana and Pachana (digestive and carminative) and Yogavahi (bio enhancer) herb. It helps in proper digestion of Ama, enhances the effectiveness of other herbs and improves circulation, supporting reduction of stiffness and inflammation. It helps in enhancing Agni,  breaking down Ama (metabolic toxins) and improving micro circulation within the joints thereby reducing stiffness and heaviness.

5. Pippali

Piper longa functions as a Vata Shamana (Pacifying Vata dosha) and Deepana and Pachana (digestive and carminative) herb. It aids in digestion, promotes metabolism of Ama (metabolic waste), improves bioavailability of co-administered herbs and helps in relieving joint pain, stiffness and swelling by reducing systemic inflammation. Its key active compound piperine exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects.

Home remedies and lifestyle changes for Rheumatoid arthritis

1. Follow a warm, freshly cooked and easily digestible diet to support digestive fire and reduce toxin accumulation.
2. Perform gentle joint movements daily to keep flexibility without overstraining the joints.
3. Include mild spices like ginger, turmeric, cumin and black pepper in daily meals to maintain metabolic balance.
4. Drink warm water or herbal decoctions throughout the day instead of cold beverages.
5. Maintain regular meal timings to help stabilize digestion and metabolism.
6. Apply warm oil massage using sesame or medicated oils to nourish joints and pacify dryness.
7. Maintain a healthy body weight to reduce excess load on joints.
8. Ensure adequate rest while avoiding prolonged inactivity which can worsen stiffness.
9. Establish a regular sleep routine to support immune balance and tissue repair.
10. Stay consistent with lifestyle discipline as regularity plays a key role in long term joint well being.

Planet Ayurveda’s Remedies

Planet Ayurveda is a renowned Ayurvedic healthcare company dedicated to providing authentic, plant-based herbal formulations prepared according to classical Ayurvedic principles. The organization emphasizes the use of standardized herbal extracts, free from chemicals, preservatives, artificial colors, and heavy metals, ensuring safety and purity.Planet Ayurveda integrates traditional Ayurvedic wisdom with modern quality control practices to support holistic health management. Its formulation like the Rumogin 5 capsule is very helpful in rheumatoid arthritis.

Rumogin 5 Capsules

It is a capsule formulation of Planet Ayurveda which consists of Haridra (Curcuma longa), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Maricha (Piper nigrum) and Pippali (Piper longum). It is specially useful in rheumatoid arthritis by pacifying Vata and Kapha dosha , eliminating Ama (metabolic by products) toxins, lubricating joints and restoring mobility. It has Yogavahi (bioenhancer) and Deepana and Pachana (digestive and carminative) agents and facilitates deeper tissue penetration.

Dosage: 1 – 2 capsules two times in a day with plain water after meals.

Conclusion

causing systemic inflammation primarily affecting joints and leading to functional impairment. In Ayurveda, it is correlated with Amavata which results from the accumulation of Ama due to weak Agni and aggravated Vata Dosha and manifesting as joint pain, stiffness and systemic discomfort. Its management is primarily based on eliminating Ama (metabolic waste) from the body, Agni Deepana (enhancing digestion) and Vata Shamana through herbal formulations, Panchakarma therapies like Basti (enema therapy) and lifestyle modifications. Herbs such as Haridra (Curcuma longa), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) provide anti-inflammatory, analgesic and immune modulating effects and provide long term relief in patients.