Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment
Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis are inflammatory bowel diseases that can be painful and debilitating, and can sometimes lead to life-threatening complications. Common symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain and cramps, blood in the stool, ulcers, decreased appetite and weight loss, and fistula or abscess. Heredity and an abnormal immune system are thought to be common causes of these conditions. Risk factors for these conditions include: age 20 to 30 years, white race, family history, urban location, and a history of smoking or isotretinoin use. The difference between the two diseases is that ulcerative colitis affects the innermost lining of the large intestine and rectum in continuous sections; while Crohn’s disease occurs in patches anywhere in the digestive tract and often spreads deep into the layers of tissues.
Since the Ayurveda system classifies most diseases efficiently based on symptoms, it classifies both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis under the disease called ‘Pravaahika’ and thus these two conditions have been brought together. here for a common overview of their Ayurvedic treatment. Treatment is aimed at correcting the basic disease pathology, controlling symptoms, preventing or reducing complications, and boosting the body’s immune system.
Treatment of major symptoms includes medicines like Kutaj-Ghan-Vati, Kutaj-Parpati, Panchamrut-Parpati, Bilva-Avaleha, Sanjeevani-Vati, Bhallatak-Parpati, Jatiphaladi-Churna, Bol-Parpati and Bol-Baddha-Ras. Medicinal herbs useful in these conditions are: Vishwa (Zinziber officinalis), Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum), Bilva (Aegle marmelos), Udumbar (Ficus glomerata), Hing (Ferula narthex), Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) , Naagkeshar (Messua ferrea) and Bhallatak (Semicarpus anacardium).
To prevent bleeding, medicines such as Praval-Bhasma, Naagkeshar, Sphatik-Bhasma and Laxa (purified wax) are used. Castor oil has been given primary importance in the treatment of these conditions; and therefore products containing this medication, such as Gandharva-Haritaki and Sinhnaad-Guggulu, are used in conjunction with other medications. Refractory patients who do not respond satisfactorily are given a course of a special medicated enema known as ‘Pichha-Basti’ which consists of milk boiled with medicines such as Moch-Ras (Salmalia malabarica).
To reduce intestinal inflammation and prevent complications such as abscesses and fistulas, medications such as Kamdudha-Ras, Chandrakala-Ras, Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), and Haridra (Curcuma longa) are used in high doses for prolonged periods. Medications such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), and Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) are used to reduce stress. Suvarna-Parpati, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, and Panchamrut-Parpati are used to boost the body’s immune system and also reduce inflammation in the intestines.
It is important to note that appropriate lifestyle changes must be made to accommodate these chronic conditions. Appropriate dietary modifications and proper relaxation techniques are required. Buttermilk and pomegranate juice are especially recommended in both conditions. Due to the potential for serious complications, all of these patients should have long-term follow-up with a gastroenterologist.