Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) or ANAPHYLACTOID PURPURA is an inflammatory condition in which the body's immune system gets disturbed due to some infection or medication. It is a disorder because of which some of the small blood vessels in the body get inflamed, and cause bleeding in the skin, joints, abdomen, and kidneys. The sufferers of this disorder generally experience pain in the abdomen and the joints; and, in most cases, the condition improves on its own within a few weeks. However, in some cases, Henoch-Schonlein Purpura can lead to digestive tract problems, and can even cause serious damage to the kidneys. It is a form of inflammation of small blood vessels in which they get inflamed and bleed and turn into rashes known as Purpura.

The other name for HSP is allergic purpura or IgA vasculitis.

The most noticeable feature of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is a bruise-like, reddish-purple rash which is a result of the leaking small blood vessels -- in the skin, joints, abdomen, and kidneys -- due to inflammation. It is more common in children and mainly in boys.

The rash -- with several small protruding bruises -- typically develops on the legs, feet or buttocks. Most of the cases of this disorder are reported in spring, autumn, and winter.

According to Ayurveda, the pathology starts when "ama" is produced in the body due to faulty digestion. In Purpura, the dosha becomes distributed due to the fautly rasa dhatu. The imbalance of the three doshas causes the "Rasa vaha Strotas Dushti". There is deposition of Kapha in the blood vessels which cause them to be brittle. Finally, due to the aggravated vata, the pressure increases in the blood vessels, causing blood to ooze out from the capillaries and leads to purpura.

The treatment of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is mostly focused on medications for managing the common symptoms of the disorder like rashes, abdominal cramps and joint pain.

CAUSES OF HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA

This disorder occurs mainly after previous infection or an inappropriate response of the body's immune system to some specific triggers like upper respiratory tract infection or cold, a throat infection, vaccinations, chickenpox, hepatitis, and measles, steroids and some other medications which affect the platelet function.

Certain foods and chemicals or drugs and insect bites also trigger this disorder.

The immune system is activated to produce an antibody named IgG which mainly targets the blood vessels and causes inflammation of blood vessels. This condition is called Vasculitis.

SYMPTOMS OF HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA

There are four main indications which are considered to be the most common symptoms of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura. These indications are:.

• Appearance of Reddish purple rash or spots which generally develop on elbows, arms, feet, legs and buttocks.
• Abdominal pain and some other gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting, nausea, or bloody stools
• Pain and swelling around the joints, chiefly the joints of the knees and ankles.
• Effect on the kidneys, resulting in protein and blood in urine. Kidney impairment can occur easily.
• Fever and headache

DIAGNOSIS OF HSP

Imaging test, stool and urine tests can help determine the problem. Doctors can easily diagnose this if there is a rash on legs or buttocks along with some joint or abdominal pain.

COMPLICATIONS LINKED TO HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA

The most severe form of complications of HSP are:

• Damage to the kidneys: The patients may need dialysis or a kidney transplant, if the kidney damage is severe. The risk of kidney damage for Henoch-Schonlein Purpura patients is higher for adult patients suffering from this condition as compared to children.
• Bowel obstruction: Another complication related to Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is a condition of bowel obstruction. This condition, which rarely occurs in adults, causes a portion of the bowel to get folded like a telescope, thereby, obstructing matter from moving through the bowels.

TREATMENT OF HENOCH-SCHONLEIN PURPURA

There is no specific treatment for Henoch-Schonlein Purpura. As such, most patients go in for nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and certain over-the-counter medicines to get relief from the symptoms of this condition. In some cases, antibiotics are recommended. In other cases, painkillers, or corticosteroids are prescribed.

Ayurvedic or herbal treatment for HSP aim at reversing the pathology of the disease along with providing treatment for the existing symptoms in the patient. They suggest the use of some potent herbal formulations to Henoch-Schonlein Purpura patients to give strength to the connective tissue in the damaged part of the body and boost immunity of the body. These formulations are prepared from 100% pure and natural herbs, they include:

1. Pitta Balance Capsules:

Several beneficial pishtis are used for preparing Pitta Balance capsules which are useful in balancing the body's 'Pitta' dosha. These ingredients have proven effectiveness in maintaining the health of the digestive system, enhancing the body's immune system, and balancing the body's three energies --- Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

The ingredients from which these capsules are prepared are: Praval pishti (Coral calcium), Jahar mohra pishti (calcium compound), Mukta pishti (Pearl calcium), Akik pishti (Agate calcium), Giloy (Tinospora cardifola), and Kamdhudha rasa (calcium compound).

Dosage of Pitta Balance capsules for adults suffering from Henoch-Schonlein Purpura is two capsules twice a day; and for children, it is one capsule twice a day. The capsules should be taken with plain water, after meals.

2. Boswellia-Curcumin Capsules:

These capsules are from two powerful herbs: Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). These herbs have anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-oxidant, anti-viral properties; and they can prevent the breakdown of tissues.

Adult patients of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura should take two capsules twice daily; while children should be given one capsule twice a day. The capsules should be taken after meals, with plain water.

3. Arogyavardhini Vati:

This herbal formulation is prepared from a number of natural herbs which have several health benefits. These tablets are useful in treating indigestion, balancing the body’s three energies, and supporting the immune system as well as digestive system. The herbs used for preparing these tablets include: Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shudh Shilajit (Asphaltum), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Shudh guggulu (Commiphora mukul), Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), Chitrak mool (Plumbago zeylanica), and Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa).

For adults, the recommended dosage of Aarogyavardhini Vati tablets is two tablets twice a day; for children, it is one tablet twice a day. These tablets should be taken with lukewarm water after meals.

4. Amalaki Rasayan Capsules:

These herbal capsules are prepared from the extract of 'Indian Gooseberry' herb (Emblica officinalis). This herb is widely known for its medicinal value; and it i has excellent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties.

The recommended dosage of Amalaki Rasayan capsules for adult Henoch-Schonlein Purpura patients is two capsules twice daily; and for children, it is one capsule twice daily. The capsules should be taken with plain water, after meals.

DIET RECOMMENDATIONS

• More intake of raw foods, garlic, potatoes, parsley, asparagus, cucumbers, celery, pumpkin, sprouts, legumes, seeds, soybeans and fruits like banana, papaya, watermelon.
• One should avoid food rich in potassium, phosphates, meat, spinach, eggs, dairy and cocoa.
• Drink lots of water. Avoid smoking completely.
• Sun protection is a must.

CONCLUSION

Ayurvedic formulations have a soothing and anti-inflammatory action on the inflamed blood vessels -- and also on the body's other inflamed tissues -- of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura patients. These formulations can effectively reverse the pathology of the disease and also help in managing the symptoms associated with it.

WHERE TO BUY THESE HERBAL REMEDIES

Visit the Planet Ayurveda's Store link to buy these herbal remedies online - www.store.planetayurveda.com

INFORMATION SOURCE:-

www.alwaysayurveda.net

www.drvikram.com

www.planetayurveda.com