Tag: Systemic Sclerosis

Ayurvedic Treatment for Scleroderma – Symptoms, Causes , Types & Herbal Remedies

Abstract

The word “scleroderma” is derived from the Greek word “sclero” (hard) and “derma” (skin), referring to the thickening of skin. Scleroderma, also known as Systemic Sclerosis, is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the abnormal growth of connective tissue, leading to thickening and scarring (fibrosis) of the skin and internal organs. The exact cause of scleroderma is still not fully understood, but it is believed to involve autoimmune mechanisms, abnormal collagen production and vasculopathy. It is a rare disease, with an estimated prevalence ranging from 30 to 400 cases per million people. It is more common in women, with a female-to-male ratio of approximately 3:1. Most people are diagnosed with scleroderma between the ages of 30 and 50, though the condition can develop at any age. Early diagnosis is a key to manage this disease effectively.

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Introduction

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is a rare, chronic autoimmune disease characterized by the excessive production of collagen, resulting in the hardening and scarring (fibrosis) of the skin and internal organs. Scleroderma can range from mild to severe, and it can affect various parts of the body, including the skin, lungs, kidneys, heart, and digestive system. The symptoms and progression of the disease can vary widely between individuals, and its exact cause remains unclear, though genetic and environmental factors are believed to play a role. Early detection and proper management can help alleviate symptoms and improve quality of life.

Causes and Risk factors of Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

The exact cause of scleroderma is still not fully understood, but several factors are thought to contribute to its development, these include:

  1. Immune system dysfunction
  2. Family history of autoimmune diseases
  3. Abnormal Collagen Production
  4. Blood vessel damage
  5. Raynaud’s phenomenon
  6. Environmental triggers
  7. Women are more affected
  8. Medications

Types of Scleroderma

Scleroderma is primarily divided into two main types:

  1. Localized Scleroderma – It affects only the skin and sometimes underlying tissues. It includes Morphea, which causes round or oval patches of thickened skin; Linear Scleroderma, which creates bands of thickened skin, often on limbs or the face; and En coup de sabre, a form of linear scleroderma that affects the forehead, giving it a sword-like appearance. These types typically do not involve internal organs.
  2. Systemic Sclerosis (Systemic Scleroderma) – It is a more severe form of the disease that affects not only the skin but also a range of internal organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive system. The disease causes the immune system to attack connective tissue, resulting in fibrosis (scarring) and thickening in different parts of the body. It has two main types:
    • Limited Cutaneous Scleroderma – It is the most common type, affecting the skin on the fingers, hands, forearms, and face, with minimal internal organ damage. Most people have a normal life expectancy but may experience heartburn, severe Raynaud’s phenomenon, musculoskeletal pain, and in rare cases, pulmonary hypertension. One subtype of limited scleroderma is CREST syndrome, named after its main symptoms, including Calcinosis (calcium deposits), Raynaud’s phenomenon (color changes in fingers/toes), Esophageal dysmotility (heartburn), Sclerodactyly (skin thickening on fingers), and Telangiectasias (red spots from enlarged blood vessels).
    • Diffuse Cutaneous Scleroderma – It is a subtype where excessive collagen production leads to widespread skin thickening, typically on the fingers, hands, arms, trunk, legs, and face. This form can cause significant damage to organs such as the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, lungs, and heart.

Symptoms of Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

Scleroderma symptoms vary between individuals, depending on the type of the disease and the organs involved. They are as follow:

  • Thickening and tightness of the skin
  • Joint pain or stiffness
  • Puffy hands (swelling of fingers or hands)
  • Raynaud’s phenomenon (cold, numb, or tingling fingers/toes)
  • Pulmonary hypertension
  • Digestive problems
  • Skin discoloration
  • Joint pain or stiffness
  • Heartburn or acid reflux
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Muscles weakness or pain
  • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
  • Red spots on the skin (telangiectasias)

Pathology of Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

The pathological process in scleroderma involves overactive immune system that attacks the body’s connective tissues,causing inflammation and excessive collagen production.This leads to thickening and scarring (fibrosis) of the skin and internal organs, including the lungs, heart, kidneys, and digestive system. Blood vessels also get damaged, resulting in poor circulation and symptoms like Raynaud’s phenomenon (reduced blood flow to fingers and toes). This leads to the characteristic symptoms and organ complications such as difficulty breathing, heart problems, kidney damage, and digestive issues.

Diagnosis of Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

Diagnosis of scleroderma involves

  1. Clinical evaluation
    • Medical history
    • Family history
    • Assessment of symptoms
  2. Blood test
    • Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) – Elevated
    • Anti-Scl-70 (topoisomerase I)
    • Anti-centromere antibodies
  3. Imaging studies
    • X-Rays
    • CT scan
    • Echocardiogram
  4. Pulmonary function test – To evaluate lung capacity and function
  5. Esophageal Manometry – To assess oesophagus swelling
  6. Capillaroscopy – To examine blood vessels at the base of the fingernails

Management of Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

The management of scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) focuses on controlling symptoms,preventing complications, and improving quality of life, they are as follow:

  • Regular monitoring
  • Physical therapy
  • Medication
    • Immunosuppressants
    • Corticosteroids
    • Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs)
    • Calcium channel blockers
    • Angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs)
    • ACE inhibitors
  • Management of Raynaud’s Phenomenon
  • Pulmonary Care
  • Gastrointestinal Care
  • Kidney Monitoring
  • Psychological Support

Complications of Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis)

The complications of scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) include:

  • Pulmonary Fibrosis
  • Pulmonary Hypertension
  • Kidney failure
  • Esophageal Dysmotility
  • Heart failure

Ayurvedic aspect

The Ayurvedic correlation of Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis) can be explained through Vata-dominant Uttana Vatarakta associated with twak gata vata, with a primary vitiation of Vata dosha affecting the rasa (plasma), Rakta (blood), and mamsa (muscle), leading to symptoms of dryness, inflammation, and stiffness, which resembles with the thickening and hardening of tissues seen in scleroderma. Vata dosha disrupts rasa dhatu, leading to twak parushyam (roughness of skin), twak-sankocha (stretching of skin) and nidra alpata (loss of appetite). Rakta dhatu impairment causes poor circulation and oxygenation, contributing to fibrosis and leading to symptoms such as twak karshnaya (blackening of skin), blisters on skin, kandu (itching), sarvanga shotha (swelling on body) and sira ayama (stretching in vessels). Mamsa dhatu disturbance results in hasta-anguli evum sandhi sankocha evum jadyam (fingers, joints stiffness, and rigidity) and sankocha janya ruja (pain on movement of joints).

स्वेदाभ्यङ्गावगाहाश्च हृद्यं चान्नं त्वगाश्रिते | शीताः प्रदेहा रक्तस्थे विरेको रक्तमोक्षणम् ||
विरेको मांसमेदःस्थे निरूहाः शमनानि च | बाह्याभ्यन्तरतः स्नेहैरस्थिमज्जगतं जयेत् || (Ch.chi. 28/92-93)

The verse describes the treatment principle of vata vitiated condition involving skin, blood, and tissues. In ayurveda, scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is treated by addressing vata dosha imbalances, particularly in the rasa (plasma), rakta (blood), and mamsa (muscle) dhatus (tissue). The two main treatment approaches are Shamana (palliative care) and Shodhana (detoxification). Vata shamana therapies and Vatarakta shamaka medicines help reduce pain, stiffness, and inflammation, promoting overall healing and balance. Key therapies include

  • Snehana (oleation) to soften tissues
  • Abhyanga (oil massage) for circulation
  • Swedana (sudation) to remove toxins
  • Basti (medicated enemas) to balance vata
  • Raktamokshana (bloodletting) to detoxify blood

Herbal Remedies for Scleroderma by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda offers high-quality herbal solutions, like the specially crafted Sclero Care Pack, designed to naturally support and aid in the healing of Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis). The remedies are made with carefully chosen ayurvedic herbs. Free from harmful chemicals, additives, and preservatives, these products are not only effective but also completely natural, vegetarian, and pure. With a strong commitment to quality and purity, Planet Ayurveda ensures each product provides a safe and holistic approach to improving health and overall well-being.

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Product description

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

These capsules are the herbal supplement made from the standardized extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a renowned herb in Ayurvedic medicine. It is a versatile herb that works to balance all three doshas, though it is especially effective in pacifying vata and kapha doshas. With its bitter and astringent taste, warming potency, and pungent effect after digestion, it helps promote brain health, cognitive function, and overall neurological stability. This makes it valuable in conditions like Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis), supporting long-term health and vitality.

Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day with warm water.

2. Gotu Kola Capsules

These capsules are herbal supplements made from a standardized extract of Mandookparni (Centella asiatica). It helps balance both vata and kapha doshas. This herb is renowned for its medhya (intelligence-enhancing) properties, promoting mental clarity and cognitive function. It helps support a healthy nervous system and improves the transmission of nerve signals, which can be especially helpful for managing conditions like Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis).

Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day with warm water.

3. Boswellia-Curcumin

These capsules combine two powerful herbs known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties: Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). Together, they help reduce inflammation in muscles, bones, tendons, and skin, while also supporting the management of allergic conditions. They help improve blood circulation, ensuring nutrients and oxygen are efficiently delivered to affected areas, while also offering powerful analgesic effects to relieve pain. These herbs are rich in antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties, which work together to promote healing and well-being.

Dosage: 2 capsules two times a day with warm water.

4. Sanjivani Vati

These tablets are crafted from a combination of herbs, including Pippali (Piper longum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), and Vacha (Acorus calamus) among others. These herbs are known for their primarily katu (pungent) and tikta (bitter) taste, as well as their laghu (light), tikshana (sharp), ruksha (dry), and hot potency. It works as an appetizer, promotes digestion, and assists in the elimination of ama (undigested toxins). These effects make it particularly helpful for managing conditions like Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis), where digestive support and toxin removal are key for improving overall health.

Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day with warm water.

4. Gandhak Rasayan

These tablets contain purified sulfur. This natural remedy is well-known for its powerful antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and detoxifying properties, which can be incredibly beneficial for addressing various skin concerns. These properties help soothe irritated skin, reduce itching, and ease inflammation linked to conditions like Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis), supporting the skin’s natural healing for improved comfort and health.

Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day with warm water.

6. Sinhnaad Guggul

It is an Ayurvedic formulation that includes powerful ingredients like Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Shuddha Gandhak (purified sulfur), and several other herbs. In the case of conditions like Scleroderma (Systemic Sclerosis), Sinhnaad Guggul can help reduce inflammation, support the body’s natural detoxification process, and promote the health of the skin and joints. These herbs are known for their powerful healing properties that work together to support overall health.

Dosage: 2 tablets two times a day with warm water.

Conclusion

In this article I have concluded about scleroderma (systemic sclerosis). We discussed causes or risk factors, symptoms, types, pathology, diagnosis, management, complications, ayurvedic aspect and herbal remedies by planet ayurveda. Ayurvedic treatments focus on rebalancing the doshas, enhancing immune function, and supporting overall health and vitality.

Diffused Systemic Sclerosis Treatment in Ayurveda

Diffused Systemic Sclerosis
Diffused systemic sclerosis is a type of systemic sclerosis or systemic scleroderma which causes the hardening of the skin and affects many organs of the body such as the heart, the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, and lungs. Systemic sclerosis is a term representing a group of chronic skin disorders occurs due to the over- activation of the immune system and it is the condition of connective tissue. That’s why known as the autoimmune condition of the connective tissue. It is of two types, Diffuses systemic sclerosis and limited systemic sclerosis. According to researches, it is a rare disease, with an estimated currency of 276- 300 cases per million in the United States and a limit of about 20 cases / million / year. It is most common in women with a rate of 4.6 to 1. Another finding suggests that the peak age of onset is in the fourth and fifth decades, and the total prevalence is 10 – 20 per 100,000. In which 30% of cases are diffuse cutaneous systemic sclerosis and 70% cases are limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis.

What are the Symptoms of Diffuses Systemic Sclerosis?

  1. Raynaud’s phenomenon
  2. Tightened skin
  3. Difficulty to bend fingers, hands, and other joints
  4. Inflammation of the joints, tendons, and muscles
  5. Red spots on hands and face Light or dark skin
  6. Muscle weakness
  7. Dryness of eyes or mouth
  8. Deposition of calcium in the connective tissue
  9. Bloating
  10. Diarrhea

What are the Causes of Diffuses Systemic Sclerosis?

The specific cause of systemic sclerosis or diffused systemic sclerosis is not clear. It occurs due to the overproduction of collagen in the body tissues. There are some risk factors also which cause systemic scleroses such as genetics and environmental and abnormal immune functioning.

  1. Genetic Factor: It can run in families.
  2. Environmental Factors: It may occur due to the exposure to some viruses, harmful chemicals and medicines.
  3. Abnormal Immune System: Scleroderma is known as an autoimmune disease. It may occur when the immune system of the body starts to attack the connective tissues.

Diffused Systemic Sclerosis Treatment in Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, it occurs due to the increased Vata dosha of the body. The imbalance of this dosha creates the abnormality in functions of the brain, nerves and immune system

Ayurveda provides herbal treatment for Diffused Systemic sclerosis. There are various herbs and Ayurvedic combination which helps to improve digestion, detoxify the body, improves the functioning of the immune system, brain, and nervous system.

Planet Ayurveda offers the best Ayurvedic combination to treat Diffused Systemic sclerosis naturally. The products provided by Planet Ayurveda are 100% pure, chemicals free and safe to use. These do not produce any side effects. The Ayurvedic combination of herbal products given by Planet Ayurveda is the following:

  1. Ashwagandha capsules
  2. Gotukola Capsules
  3. Gandhak Rasayana
  4. Curcumin Capsules
  5. Manjishtha capsules
  6. Amalaki Rasayan
  7. Punarnava Capsules
  8. Kanchnaar Guggul

Diffused Systemic Sclerosis Pack

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1. Ashwagandha Capsules

These capsules of Planet Ayurveda are prepared by using a pure extract of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) herb. This herb helps to remove the toxin from the body by balancing the doshas of the body. It is very beneficial to boost energy and immunity of the body. It improves the reproductive and adrenal systems. Ashwagandha possesses antioxidant activity which helps to reduce stress and anxiety which directly affects the health of skin and hair.

Dosage: Two capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.

2. Gotukola Capsules

These capsules contain a standardized extract of the Gotukola (Centella asiatica) herb. It helps to maintain healthy blood circulation, healthy metabolism in the body. These capsules reduce anxiety, stress, and fatigue. It also helps to boosts up the energy level of the body. Gotukola capsules give effective results to relieve the symptoms of sclerosis.

Dosage: Two capsules twice a day with plain water after meals.

3. Gandhak Rasayan

These tablets are made up of purified sulfur (Shuddh Gandhak).

Gandhak Rasayan is very effective to treat diffused systemic sclerosis. It is beneficial in maintaining healthy skin complexion, and texture. It improves the immune system which makes the body able to combat infections and inflammation. These tablets act as an analgesic and strong blood purifier.

Dosage: Two tablets twice a day with plain water after meals.

4. Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin is the most active ingredient of Turmeric (Curcuma longa). Various researches show that turmeric is very effective to reduce inflammation. It also provides relief from pain. It acts as a good antiseptic and blood purifier. These capsules are very effective in various skin diseases and also in sclerosis.

Dosages: 1-2 capsules twice a day, with plain water, after meals.

5. Manjishtha Capsules

These capsules contain the pure extract of the Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) herb. This herb balances the impaired Pitta and Kapha dosha of the body. It helps to detoxify the blood and remove toxins from the body. It has an anti-microbial and anti-bacterial property which makes the body combat bacterial infections and it also has an anti-inflammatory property which helps to relieve inflammation. It also helps to maintain healthy skin cells and tissues which helps to treat skin disorders.

Dosage: Two capsules two times a day with water after meals. 

6. Amalaki Rasayan

Amalaki Rasayan capsules are made up of a standardized extract of the Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis) herb. This herb has rejuvenating nature due to which it provides various health benefits to the body. It is very effective to maintain the health of the liver, brain, heart, hair, and skin. It helps to balance the tridosha of the body. These capsules help to detoxify the liver and also very beneficial in stomach and skin disorder.

Dosage: Two capsules once or twice in a day with water after meals.

6. Punarnava Capsules

These capsules consist of a standardized extract of Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa) herb. Sclerosis can also affect the kidneys and Punarnava is a very effective herb to support kidney health. It is also beneficial in various diseases such as anemia, jaundice, splenomegaly, hepatitis, piles, abdominal distension, and skin diseases. So, these capsules are effective in the treatment of sclerosis.

Dosage: Two capsules two times a day with plain water after a meal.

8. Kanchnaar Guggul

These tablets consist of many herbs such as Kachnar bark (Bauhinia variegata), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Ginger (Zingiber Officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) and Varuna (Crataeva religiosa). These herbs help to detoxify the body and help to treat sclerosis. These tablets provide various health benefits and effective in many diseases such as arthritis, atherosclerosis, lower high cholesterol, and skin diseases.

Dosage: Two tablets twice or thrice a day with lukewarm water