Systemic lupus erythematosus, also known as lupus or SLE, is an autoimmune disease in which a person’s immune system attacks various organs or cells in the body causing damage and dysfunction. This condition is more common in women than in men, it is a multisystemic disease and it is characterized by relapses and remissions. Genetics and environmental factors play an important role in the appearance of this disease.
Ayurvedic treatment of lupus depends on the presentation of symptoms and the involvement of different systems and organs. Being an autoimmune disease, first and foremost, it is important to try to restore the body’s immune function. Immunomodulatory treatment can be administered with drugs such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Pippali (Piper longum), Rasna (Pluchea lanceolata), and Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia). .
According to Ayurveda, the body is made up of seven “Dhatus” or tissues. It is important to see which of the body’s tissues is most affected in a patient with lupus. These tissues can then be treated with the appropriate medications to repair the damage done and restore optimal body function.
A specific Ayurvedic treatment can also be given depending on the system or organ affected.
Involvement of the musculoskeletal system causing joint and muscle pain and avascular necrosis (especially of the hip and knee joints) can be treated with medications such as Yograj Guggulu, Trayodashang Guggulu, Maharasnadi Qadha, Laxadi Guggulu, and Vishtinduk Vati. Skin rashes can be treated with appropriate local ointments and oral medications like Mahamanjishthadi Qadha, Arogya Vardhini and Saarivasava. Hair loss can also be treated with ointments and oral medications like Laxadi Guggulu, Praval Panchamrut, and Rasayan Vati.
Kidney involvement is very common in lupus and needs to be treated aggressively with medications such as Punarnavadi Qadha, Chandraprabha Vati, Gokshuradi Guggulu, and Gomutra Haritaki. Involvement of the heart and blood vessels, including the condition called Reynaud’s Syndrome, can be treated with medications such as Tapyadi Loha, Laxmi Vilas, Brihat Vata Chintamani, Arogya Vardhini, Medohar Guggulu, Laxadi Guggulu, Shrung Bhasma, Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) and Amalaki. (Emblica officinalis). Nervous system involvement can cause conditions such as seizures, paralysis, depression, and psychosis; and can be treated with medications such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), and Sarpagandha (Raulwofia serpentina).
Lung involvement can be treated with medications such as Yashtimadhuk, Pippali, Pushkarmool (Inula racemosa), and Sitopaadi Churna. Blood and lymphatic system involvement can be treated with Kanchnaar Guggulu, Punarnava Mandoor, Medohar Guggulu, Mahamanjishthadi Qadha, Naagkeshar (Mesua ferrea) and Bilva (Aegle marmelos). Affectation of the stomach and intestines can be treated with medicines such as Kamdudha Vati, Sutshekhar Rasa, Agnitundi Vati, Triphala (Three Fruits), and Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa). Although the eyes are rarely affected, the retina can be affected, especially in patients taking antimalarial drugs. Retinal involvement can be treated with Triphala, Shatavari and Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa).
In general, most lupus patients can be managed quite well with a judicious combination of modern and Ayurvedic medicines. It is important to note that all of these patients should be under the regular supervision and care of a qualified and experienced rheumatologist.