Tag: Ulcerative Colitis Ayurvedic Treatment

Ulcerative Colitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Ayurvedic Treatment

Abstract

Ulcerative colitis is a Chronic Inflammatory Bowel Disease causing continuous mucosal inflammation, mucosal inflammation and ulcer in the colon & rectum (Auto-immune disorder). The global worldwide number of cases of ulcerative colitis is 5 million. In today’s world it has been increasing at a sky-rocking speed and the reason behind this is not exactly known as it’s an autoimmune disorder. Ayurveda says that Autoimmune disorders are caused due to accumulation of endotoxins (Ama) in the body. Why these endotoxins are forming in the body and why they are causing such chronic autoimmune diseases, Lets understand in this write up. Moreover we will also learn how ayurveda helps in managing such chronic autoimmune disorders. Let’s discuss!

ULCERATIVE COLITIS

Introduction

As we know Ulcerative Colitis is an autoimmune chronic inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) which cause inflammation and ulcer in the lining of the large intestine and rectum.The disease typically begins in the rectum and extends proximally in a condition pattern,affecting varying extents of the colon.Clinically, Ulcerative Colitis Presents with recurrent episode of bloody diarrhea, rectal bleeding, abdominal pain, urgency, tenesmus and varying degrees of systemic manifestations. If untreated, it may lead to complications such as severe haemorrhage, toxic megacolon,colorectal dysplasia and colorectal cancer. In the concept of ayurveda it is classified as Raktatisara (Hemorrhagic diarrhea) or at further stage of pittatisara (pitta aggravated diarrhea). And usually it is due to weak Agni,Aam Accumulation , colon tissue damage and aggravated vata in the body.According to Ayurveda, ulcerative colitis can be correlated with Raktatisara, which primarily results from the excessive consumption of Pitta-aggravating foods and dietary habits. The condition is characterized by the passage of blood-mixed stools, which may occur in large quantities. Clinical features resembling Jirnatisaara (chronic diarrhea) are commonly observed, along with rectal bleeding through the anal canal. Management is based on Rakta-stambhana (hemostatic therapy) and Pitta-shamana (pacification of aggravated Pitta), which are considered effective in controlling bleeding and alleviating the symptoms of the disease.

Causes

The exact cause of uc is not known but the risk factors are as follows:-

  • Auto-immune disorder
  • Gut Microbiome Imbalance
  • Genetics
  • Stress
  • Improper diet

Symptoms

  • Diarrhea
  • Blood in stool
  • Fatigue
  • General body weakness
  • Weight loos
  • Frequency of stool increased
  • Abdominal pain
  • urning sensation in rectum & while passing stool
  • Loss of appetite
  • Thirst increase
  • Mucus with stool

Diagnosis

Clinic Findings

  • Number of Bloody stool
  • Rectal examination
  • Urgency to pass stool
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Weight loos
  • Fatigue
  • Fevere

Physical examination

  • Abdominal tenderness
  • Sing of dehydration
  • Pale skin color

Laboratory Investigations

  • Complete blood count (CBC): Anemia, Elevated White Blood Cells
  • C-reactive protein (CRP): Elevated In Active Inflammation
  • Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): Increased
  • Serum electrolytes: Assess Dehydration
  • Liver function tests
  • Serum albumin: Often Decreased In Severe Disease

Stool test

  • Fecal calprotectin or fecal lactoferrin (markers of intestinal inflammation)

According to the ayurveda diagnosis of Ulcerative colitis

Ulcerative colitis is not described by the same name in classical Ayurvedic texts,but its features are commonly correlated with conditions such as Raktatisara, Pravahika and in chronic stages,Grahani involving predominantly pitta and vata imbalances. According to the ayurveda we can diagnose ulcerative colitis as per ashta prikisha

1. Nidana (Etiology Factors)

Assessment of causative factors:

  • Excessively spicy,sour or oily food
  • Irregular eating habits
  • Psychological stress
  • Suppression of natural urges
  • Poor digestion(Mandagni)
  • Seasonal influences

2. Dosha Assesment

  • Pitta– Bleeding,burning sensation,loose stools
  • Vata– Pain,urgency,tenesmus
  • Kapha–mucus in stool

3. Agni Examination

Assessment of digestive fire:

  • Vishamagni
  • Tikshnagni
  • Mandagni

4. Ama Assessment

In which there will be

  • Coated tongue
  • Indigestion
  • Heaviness
  • Foul smelling stools
  • Fatigue

5. Mala Pariksha (Examination of stool)

  • Frequency
  • Consistency
  • Presence of blood
  • Mucus
  • Color
  • Odor
  • Quantity

6. Dashavidha Praiksha (Tenfold Examination)

In which-

  • Prakriti (Systemic )
  • Vikriti (Current imbalance)
  • Sara (Physical & mental strength )
  • Samhanana (Structural build of the body )
  • Pramana (Measurement)
  • Satmya (Adaptability)
  • Satva (Purity )
  • Ahara shakti (Digestive fire )
  • Vyayama Shakti (Physical capacity )
  • Vaya (Age )

7. Ashtavidha Pariksha(eightfold examination)

In which

  • Pulse(Nadi)
  • Urine (Mutra)
  • Stool (mala)
  • Tongue (jihva)
  • Voice(Shabda)
  • Touch(Sparsha)
  • Eyes(Drik)
  • General appearance (Akriti)

8. Nadi Pariksha (Pulse examination)

Some Ayurvedic practitioners use pulse examination as part of an overall assessment of dosha imbalance. It is not considered a validated diagnostic test for ulcerative colitis in modern evidence based medicine.

Modern treatment

Modern management of Ulcerative Colitis (UC) follows a “treat-to-target” strategy aimed at achieving long-term, steroid-free endoscopic healing rather than just symptom control.

  • For mild-to-moderate disease, treatment centers on 5-ASA anti-inflammatories (mesalamine) given orally or topically.
  • For moderate-to-severe cases, or when 5-ASAs fail, therapy relies on targeted advanced therapies: injectable biologics—such as gut-selective anti-integrins (vedolizumab), IL-23 inhibitors (risankizumab, mirikizumab, guselkumab), and anti-TNFs (infliximab)—or fast-acting oral small molecules like JAK inhibitors (upadacitinib, tofacitinib) and S1P receptor modulators (ozanimod).
  • Systemic corticosteroids (like prednisone) are strictly used short-term to bridge flares during induction, while surgery (colectomy) remains a curative option for refractory or complicated cases.

Ayurvedic Overview

According to the Ayurvedic concept, ulcerative colitis can be effectively managed and may improve significantly with proper treatment and lifestyle modifications. The first and most important step is to maintain a healthy and suitable diet (Ahar) by avoiding foods that may aggravate the condition and choosing easily digestible, nutritious meals. Along with dietary precautions, proper lifestyle practices (Vihar), such as maintaining a regular routine, managing stress, getting adequate sleep, and engaging in appropriate physical activity, are equally important. By following these dietary and lifestyle precautions consistently, along with Ayurvedic treatment, the symptoms of ulcerative colitis can be controlled and overall health can be improved.

Herbal Remedies For Ulcerative Colitis By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is an Indian herbal manufacturing and healthcare enterprise founded by Dr. Vikram Chauhan in Mohali, Punjab. The company specializes in producing 100% natural Ayurvedic herbal supplements made from carefully selected medicinal plants. Its product range includes standardized plant extract capsules, powders, herbal teas, and liquid formulations featuring herbs such as Ashwagandha, Curcumin, and Triphala. All products are manufactured without the use of chemicals, preservatives, artificial colors, or additives, ensuring purity and authenticity. In addition to manufacturing herbal products, the company offers Ayurvedic clinical consultations and exports its products to customers worldwide, promoting traditional Ayurvedic healthcare through natural, high-quality herbal formulations. Ayurvedic medicine for Ulcerative colitis are as follows:-

  1. Arjuna capsules
  2. Vatsakadi churna
  3. Pitta Balance
  4. Kutajghan vati

Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack

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Detailed description on medicines

1. Arjuna capsules

Arjuna capsules by Planet Ayurveda are prepared using standardised extract of Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). Its strong anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tissue-healing properties help in managing UC. This formulation possesses Astringent taste thus helps in managing Bleeding in stool and also helps in healing Ulcerations thus useful in managing symptoms of Ulcerative colitis.

Dose – 2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meal.

2. Vatsakadi Churna

This formulation is in Powder form and is prepared containing herbs like Kutaja (Holarrhena antidysenterica), Bilva (Aegle marmelos) and numerous other herbs. It is anti-diarrheal, antimicrobial and cooling in nature Thus helps in balancing Pitta dosha and improving symptoms.

Dose–1 teaspoonful twice daily with plain water after a meal or you can boil the powder – 1 teaspoonful in 400 ml water, keep it boiling until it remains 50 ml. Strain it and drink the water. Leave the residue. Do it twice daily. Make it fresh every time.

3. Pitta Balance

Pitta Balance is in capsule form and prepared usingJahar Mohra Pishti (Serpentine/Magnesium Silicate), Mukta Pishti (Pinctada margaritifera), Giloy Satva (Tinospora Cordifolia ) etc –It help in pitta management as its name indicates it helps in balancing pitts dosha and also its an amazing coolant thus possess astringent properties and helpful in controlling excess blood in stool.

Dose- 1 capsule twice daily with plain water after a meal

4. Kutajgha vati

Kutaj ghan vati is prepared using extract of Kutaj (Holarhena antidysentrica) which is anti-diarrheal in nature. Also it helps in Ama pachana (metabolization of endotoxins) and reducing the excess watery stools and managing diarrhea.

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

Home Remedies by Planet Ayurveda

1. Coconut water

It having a great healing property,it provide cooling effect to your body and help to maintain the digestive fire and vitiated ama in the body which is main reason for ulcerative colitis.

Take at least 1-2 glass of coconut water daily.

2. Pomegranate juice

It is used for reducing the symptoms of ulcerative colitis such as dysentery and diarrhea.Even tea made from leaves of these fruits also help in treating digestion related problems. It help in reducing inflammation in body.

Take at least 1 glass juice or a cup of tea once daily.

Diet in Ulcerative colitis

Avoid

  • Milk & Milk products
  • Cucumber
  • Brinjal
  • Ginger
  • Black gram
  • Cashew
  • Raisins
  • Non-veg
  • All citrics food & fruits 8.Red chillies

To Take

  • Fresh curd
  • Cow ghee
  • Patato, beans
  • Split moong daal
  • Soaked Almonds
  • Walnuts
  • Banana
  • Rice oil
  • Poha

Conclusion

At last we can say, Ulcerative colitis is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease that affects the colon and rectum,causing symptoms such as bloody diarrhea,abdominal pain,urgency and fatigue.Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment and essential to prevent complication and improve quality of life.Modern medicine focuses on controlling inflammation maintaining remission, while ayurveda correlates the condition with Rakrarisara and emphasizes balancing pitta and vata,improving agni and adopting proper Ahar(diet) and vihar (lifestyle). A combination of evidence- based medical care,healthy dietary habits and supporting Ayurvedic measures under qualified medical supervision can help achieve better symptoms control and long-term disease management

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 Ulcerative Colitis 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:

Ulcerative Colitis Care Pack

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.”