Herbal Remedies for Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is a disease which is characterized by the growth of the tiny cells which are inflammatory in nature known as granulomas. These inflammatory cells can grow in any part of the body but they are most commonly seen in the lungs and lymph nodes. The other affected areas are eyes, skin, heart and other organs.

The constant inflammation turns into bumps in the lymph nodes and various organs such as lungs and skin. This disease is quite common all over the world and can occur at any age but often occurs between the ages of 20 and 60 years.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SARCOIDOSIS?

Sarcoidosis can affect any organ and show vague symptoms as per the involvement of a specific organ. Some of the symptoms of sarcoidosis include:

• Persistent dry cough
• Wheezing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Body ache
• Arthritis
• Dry eyes, blurred vision or blindness
• Skin lesions, rashes or nodules
• Weight loss
• Anemia
• Painless swollen lymph nodes
• When it affects the brain or in neurosarcoidosis, there are symptoms such as peripheral facial nerve palsy, palate dysfunction, chronic meningitis, peripheral neuropathy etc.

The signs and symptoms may vary depending on the organs that are affected. Symptoms may appear suddenly and then disappear quickly. The disease may have no symptoms and the disease may be discovered when a chest X-ray is done for any other disease.

It can affect the skin, heart, lungs, calcium metabolism, nervous system, liver, spleen, bones, joints, muscles, lymph nodes, kidneys etc. which develops long term complications if not treated early.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SARCOIDOSIS?

The causes of sarcoidosis according to modern medicine are still unknown. A disturbed immune system is believed to the cause of this disease. Researchers don't know the root cause, whether it's heredity, environment, or lifestyle affects the development, severity, or length of the disease.

WHAT IS THE ETIOLOGY OF SARCOIDOSIS ACCORDING TO AYURVEDA?

As per Ayurveda, sarcoidosis is caused due to the accumulation of Ama within the body. It is considered as an auto-immune disorder in Ayurveda. Endotoxins known as Ama accumulate in the body and move through the lymphatic and circulatory systems. This ama interferes with the functioning of the immune system which results in the accumulation of anti-bodies in the form of inflammatory lumps in different parts of the body.

Reference: Sushrut Samhita, Sharirsthanam, Chapter No. 9, Shlok No. 12

Meaning: According to this shloka, Pranvaha srotas are of two types which originate from heart and blood vessels and their vitiation can lead to shouting due to anger, loss of consciousness, vertigo, tremors and even death.

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

Sarcoidosis may be difficult to diagnose because in the early stages, there may be no symptoms present and when the symptoms appear, they may mimic those of other disorders.

Diagnosis is done by examining the lymph nodes for any inflammation, lungs, heart and skin lesions are also examined.

Diagnostic tests are also done to determine what body systems may be affected by sarcoidosis. Certain tests include:

• X-ray of the chest to check the lungs and heart.
• Eye examination to check for vision problems that may be caused by sarcoidosis.
• Blood and urine tests to assess the overall health and to know how well kidneys and liver are functioning.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) if sarcoidosis seems to affect the heart or central nervous system.

Modern medicine prescribed corticosteroids which are powerful anti-inflammatory drugs. Medications are also given to suppress the immune system

Herbal Remedies for Sarcoidosis by Planet Ayurveda include medicines which are quite effective in reducing inflammation, help in improving the immune system and help in reducing fibrosis or scarring.

Planet Ayurveda provides herbal remedies in the form of Sarco Care Pack which includes:

1. Punarnava Mandoor
2. Curcumin Capsules
3. Aller-G Care Capsules
4. Kanchnaar Guggul

Sarco Care Pack

1. Punarnava Mandoor

Punarnava Mandoor is a classical Ayurvedic medicine which is the combination of the ingredients such as Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Nishoth roots (Operculina turpethum), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Kali Mirch (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum) etc. Punarnava Mandoor tablets relieve inflammation, detoxify the blood and improve blood circulation. These tablets are anti-inflammatory, anti-gout, cardio-protective in nature therefore useful in breathing difficulties, inflammation associated with sarcoidosis.

Dose: 2 tablets twice daily after taking meals.

2. Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin Capsules of Planet Ayurveda are packed with the standardized extract of Curcumin, which is a principal compound of turmeric (Curcuma longa). Curcumin is considered as the best anti-inflammatory agent. Inflammation and oxidative stress are the two major factors that lead to the development of various chronic and acute disorders thus anti-inflammatory nature of Curcumin is beneficial. Curcumin provides protection to the cells and tissues of various body organs. Therefore, Curcumin Capsules are very effective in the treatment of Sarcoidosis as they help in the treatment of scarring or fibrosis associated with sarcoidosis as well as correct the impaired immune system.

Dose: 2 capsules twice daily after taking meals.

3. Aller-G Care Capsules

Planet Ayurveda's Aller-G Care formulation contains the standardized extracts of various herbs that have been known to treat respiratory allergies in a natural way. The regular intake of these capsules help in the treatment of persistent dry cough, wheezing and other respiratory disorders associated with sarcoidosis. These capsules also enhance the immunity of the individuals as well.

Ingredients Of Aller-G Care Capsules Are:

Sr. No.	Herb Used	Botanical Name	Parts used	Quantity
1.	Haridra	Curcuma longa	Extract	150 mg
2.	Neem	Azadirachta indica	Extract	150 mg
3.	Shirish	Albezzia lebbock	Extract	100 mg
4.	Ashwagandha	Withania somnifera	Extract	100 mg

Dose: 2 capsules twice daily after taking meals.

4. Kanchnaar Guggul

Planet Ayurveda’s Kanchnaar Guggul is prepared as per the method mentioned in the ancient classical formulations. The prime ingredients of Kanchnaar Guggul are Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata) and Guggul (Commiphora mukul). Other major ingredients of kanchnaar guggul are Triphala, Trikatu, Shunthi (Zingiber officinale) etc. Kanchnaar Guggul is very effective in subsiding any kind of growth in the body therefore it is very effective in the treatment of sarcoidosis.

Dose: 2 tablets thrice a day after taking meals.

DIET IN SARCOIDOSIS

• Avoid the consumption of milk and dairy products, citrus fruits, sticky, heavy, oily and greasy foods.
• Include spices such as black pepper, turmeric and ginger in the diet.
• Include Triphala powder in the diet as it helps in cleansing the body toxins and also rich in anti-oxidants. So, it should be added to your diet regimen.