| Scleroderma, an autoimmune disease of the | | | | movement. These symptoms can be treated using |
| connective tissue, is characterized by the formation | | | | local ointments and medicines like Arogya Vardhini, |
| of scar tissue in the skin and organs of the body. | | | | Kaishor Guggulu, Yashtimadhuk, Manjishtha, Guduchi |
| While the cause of scleroderma is not known, genetic | | | | and Gokshur. Scleroderma causes acid reflux in the |
| and environmental factors are known to play an | | | | esophagus (food pipe) causing heartburn. This can be |
| important role in its occurrence. This disease, which is | | | | treated using medicines like Shankh Bhasma, |
| more frequent in females than in males, can be | | | | Kamdudha Vati and Laghu Sutshekhar, in addition to |
| divided into two major groups, diffuse and limited, | | | | taking appropriate preventive measures. |
| depending upon the degree and location of skin | | | | Scleroderma frequently causes Reynaud's |
| involvement. The diffuse type, also known as | | | | phenomenon, a condition in which the tips of fingers, |
| systemic sclerosis, is more widespread over the body | | | | toes, nose, tongue and ears turn blue, white and |
| and also involves internal organs. | | | | then red after exposure to cold, heat or even with |
| Autoimmune diseases are illnesses which occur when | | | | an emotional upset. Scleroderma also causes the |
| the body's tissues are attacked by its own immune | | | | capillaries of the face, lips, mouth and fingers to |
| system. The Ayurvedic treatment of scleroderma | | | | dilate, creating tiny, red, blanching spots called |
| hence first focuses on regulating the immune system | | | | telangiectasias. Both these conditions can be treated |
| by using medicines like Ashwagandha (Withania | | | | using medicines like Tapyadi Loha, Manjishtha and |
| somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), | | | | Saariva. A highly elevated blood pressure is best |
| Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Yashtimadhuk | | | | treated with modern anti-hypertensive medications. |
| (Glycerrhiza glabra), Pippali (Piper longum), Rasna | | | | Inflammation of the lungs can be treated using |
| (Pluchea lanceolata) and Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia). | | | | medicines like Kantakari (Solanum surattense), Brihat |
| Since fibrosis (scar formation) is the hallmark of this | | | | Kantakari (Solanum indicum), Behada (Terminalia |
| disease, the next obvious principle of treatment is | | | | bellerica), Yashtimadhuk, Pippali, Pushkarmool (Inula |
| reduction or reversal of fibrosis, wherever present in | | | | racemosa) and Sitopaadi Churna. By affecting the |
| the body. For this, medicines used are: Punarnavadi | | | | large bowel, scleroderma can cause either severe |
| Guggulu, Gokshuradi Guggulu, Rasayan Vati, Arogya | | | | constipation or diarrhea. These conditions can be |
| Vardhini, Yashtimadhuk, Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), | | | | treated using medicines like Triphala (Three fruits), |
| Guduchi, Gokshur (Tribulus terrestris), Kutaj | | | | Kutki, Psyllium (Plantago ovata), Musta and Kutaj. |
| (Holarrhina antidysentrica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), | | | | Scleroderma is a medical condition with a lot of |
| Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Musta (Cyperus | | | | unanswered questions. The conventional management |
| rotundus) and Patol (Tricosanthe dioica). | | | | of scleroderma is directed towards treating the |
| In addition, patients need to be treated for the | | | | individual features that are most troublesome. The |
| specific tissue, organ or system involvement that | | | | addition of Ayurvedic treatment can definitely help to |
| they are suffering from. Involvement of the skin | | | | reverse the basic pathology, and improve the overall |
| causes redness, swelling, itching and pain; and | | | | outlook of this disease. |
| gradually leads to skin hardening and limitation of | | | | |