Ayurvedic Remedies for ITP - Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura

Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura or Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura (ITP) is a syndrome in which our immune system gets activated against our own body cells thereby resulting in decreased count of platelets. As a result of which reddish or purple spots, bruises, internal or external bleeding etc can occur in the body depending on the severity of the condition.

AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF ITP

In Ayurveda, ITP comes under the context of 'Raktapitta' (bleeding disorders). Here, aggravation of pitta dosha takes place in the body which in turn vitiates the rakta dhatu (blood). This vitiation mainly commences in the spleen and liver, as these are considered to be the main sites of rakta (blood) and progresses to other parts of the body. Although modern science considers it to be a disease of unknown origin, Ayurveda mentions the excess usage of ushna (hot), theekshana (sharp), amla (sour), katu(pungent) and vidahi (which causes burning sensation) food items, over exposure to heat and sun etc as the main underlying causes for ITP.

AYURVEDIC TREATMENT

In the treatment of ITP, Ayurveda mainly focuses on pitta shamana (normalising pitta), without disturbing the other doshas. Strength of the patient, severity of disease and abstaining from the etiological factors are also given prime importance. Either ‘Langhana’ (fasting) or ‘Tarpana’ (nourishing therapy) is administered by considering the involvement of ‘amadosha’ (toxic waste). Elimination therapies like ‘vamana’ (medicated emesis) or ‘virechana’ are advocated in extremely aggravated dosha conditions keeping in view of the strength of the patient. Strict diet and regimen has to be followed post these therapies.

For drinking purposes, water boiled and cooled with drugs like chandana (Santalum album), usheera (Vetiveria zizanioides), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Parpataka (Fumaria officinalis) etc is generally given. Otherwise simply boiled and cooled water can also be used. Water is given either in small quantities or till the limit of satisfaction. Since madhura (sweet), thiktha(bitter) and kasaya (astringent) tastes reduce pitta dosha, these can be predominantly used by ITP patients. Commonly available items like Aloe vera, wheat grass, Papaya leaves, pomegranate, gooseberry etc can be used judiciously in this condition as it helps in increasing the platelet count. Despite being sour in nature gooseberry is indicated in ITP, as it is having sweet taste after digestion which is beneficial. Sheeta Virya (cold potency) drugs like Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Durva (Cynodon dactylon), chandana (Santalum album), Ashoka (Saraca asoca) etc are much useful in pitta imbalance disorders like ITP.

AYURVEDIC REMEDIES FOR ITP FROM PLANET AYURVEDA

Planet Ayurveda renders the best suitable treatment for ITP. These medicines stimulate the bone marrow for platelet production, pacifies pitta and maintains equilibrium. They are:

PRODUCTS LIST

1. Plato Plan Syrup
2. Ashwagandha Capsules
3. Punarnava Mandur
4. Hemo Plan Syrup
5. Suvarna Basant Malti Ras

ITP Level 1 (Basic Pack)

PRODUCTS DESCRIPTION

1. Plato Plan Syrup

Planet Ayurveda unveils the Plato Plan syrup which enhances the bone marrow functions thereby increasing the platelet production. The ingredients involved are herbs like Eranda karkati (Carica Papaya), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Wheat grass (Triticum aestivum), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Shigru (Moringa oleifera), Jeevanthi (Leptadenia reticulata) and Draksha (Vitis vinifera). It helps in boosting the immune mechanism and brings up the platelet level to the required amount. The ingredients pacify the pitta dosha without disturbing vata and kapha doshas.

Dosage - 2-3 teaspoonful twice a day after meal.

2. Ashwagandha Capsules

Planet Ayurveda offers Ashwagandha capsules which is the standardized extract of Ashwagandha in a vegetarian capsule form. Ashwagandha works impressively on the immune system and thereby increasing the number of platelets. It also improves the quality of other components of blood and helps to make the body healthy. So it is highly recommended for use in ITP patients, along with other medicines.

Dosage - 1 capsule twice daily after meal.

3. Punarnava Mandur

Punarnava mandur is a classical Ayurvedic formulation manufactured by Planet Ayurveda which is worth using in disorders like ITP. The main ingredients used are herbs like Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Shunti (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Maricha (Piper nigrum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), chavya (Piper chaba), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Chitrakmool (Plumbago zeylanica) and Mandur bhasma (Ferric oxide). It is extensively used in almost all types of anaemia as it improves the quality of blood. It has got a noticeable effect in ITP through its action on the liver and in blood circulation.

Dosage - 2 tablets twice daily after meal.

4. Hemo Plan Syrup

Planet Ayurveda brings the Hemo Plan syrup to combat ITP. It consists of ingredients like Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Gorakhmundi (Sphaeranthus indicus), Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera), Draksha (Vitis vinifera) and Sariva (Hemidesmus indicus). The ingredients are almost cooling in nature which normalizes the pitta dosha.

Dosage - 2-3 teaspoonful twice a day after meal.

5. Suvarna Basant Malti Ras

This medicine from Planet Ayurveda is a mixed herb-mineral preparation containing purified heavy metals and herbs. It contains ingredients like Swarna bhasma (calcined gold), Mukta bhasma (calcined pearl), purified Hingul (cinnabar), Maricha (Piper longum), Kharpara bhasma (calcined zinc), Pippali (Piper longum), Sunti (Zingiber officinale) etc. It is a potent Rasayana (rejuvenative) and is effective in liver and spleen problems as well as general debility. For maximum benefits, it is advisable to take under the guidance of an Ayurvedic expert.

Dosage - 1 tablet to be chewed with honey after meal once or twice daily.

HOW AYURVEDIC TREATMENT IS BEST OF ALL AVAILABLE TREATMENTS

Contemporary system of medicine generally uses steroids, intravenous immune globulins and certain other drugs that increase platelet count for combating ITP. Immunosuppressants are also made use, when required, to suppress the activity of the immune system. A permanent or complete cure cannot be assured even after taking these treatments which are highly expensive and risky, with side-effects. As a last resort, splenectomy is also opted more often when the situation worsens. Here, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach with natural medicines by considering bodily as well as mental stigma of the patient. Strength of the patient is tried to be maintained well throughout the treatment. Equal importance is given to preventive, curative as well as restorative aspects. Diet and lifestyle modifications are adopted which are customised to the disease and the individual.

Ayurveda comes as a rescuer for ITP patients with utmost chances of a hassle free living just like any other normal people.

Is it possible to cure ITP by Ayurvedic medicines?

What is ITP in Children and how it can be cured?

What is ITP in Children and treatment options in modern medicine but for Ayurvedic opinion click here for next article. Ayurveda offers a great ray of hope for all ITP patients.

Yes, it can be cured with Ayurveda and Ayurvedic medicines and modern medicine says in 80 % of the children it goes away automatically but those in which it does not go away, alternative medicine can be ray of hope.

It is also known as Immune thrombocytopenia, which is kept in category of Auto-immune disorder. Auto immune disorders are when our own defense system attacks our own cells. In this case, our immunity (Antibodies) attacks our own platelets and start destroying them too quickly.

Platelets are cells in blood and made in bone marrow but in ITP the bone marrow is perfectly fine and making the platelets normally but they are destroyed when they are released in the blood after the maturity.

Platelets help to control the bleeding. ITP affects many children around the world under the age of 16. Usually the ITP in children is triggered by a common viral infection.

When the ITP is recently diagnosed in last 6 months, then it's called Acute ITP.

If it is lasting for more than 6 months, then it's called Chronic ITP.

Acute ITP is the most common form in Children and usually goes away on its own over the period of few weeks or months and sometimes without treatment also and just by giving good nutritious natural diet.

It cannot be predicted however that the acute ITP will not go into Chronic ITP.

Chronic ITP is usually affecting adults but many children can also pass into chronic ITP stage, which is after 6 months of initial diagnosis.

The treatment of low platelets and Acute or Chronic ITP in modern medical system is as mentioned below-

1. Blood transfusions or Platelet transfusions

2. Steroids (Popular brands used are Omnacortil, Wysolone, Predicort, Predmet, Medrol etc.)

The steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs which help to reduce the production of anti-bodies and increase platelet count by slowing down the rate at which they are attacked. This does not give a permanent solution. It causes many side effects and cannot be used for long term because of the side effects like calcium depletion, swelling over face (Round face) , weakness, Cataract formation in eyes, development of diabetes in some cases, weak bones and body hair growth. Moreover, the steroids are just giving the time cover for the body to recover on it's own. It's not a cure.

3. Anti-leprosy drug called Dapsone ( which is used for treatment of dermatitis herpetiformis)

4. IVIG – Intravenous ImmunoGlobulin Injections

5. Immunosuppresants like Azathioprine ( Imuran, Azoran or Azamun) , Cyclosporine ( Sandimmune) or Mycophenolate ( Cellcept)

6. Sometimes Splenectomy is recommended but that is usually in case of Chronic ITP not responding to above mentioned lines of treatment.

7. Expensive Medicines like Revolade, Promacta (Eltrombopag – which are known as colony stimulating factors) are also given to prevent bleeding episodes.

Chronic ITP is usually seen in adults but sometimes children can also pass into chronic stage.

Yes, ITP is Curable

More About ITP

Immune thrombocytopenia causes low platelets in blood. Normal count is more than 2,50,000 ( 20 years ago, but now 1,50,000 is considered normal) but in ITP it can come down to dangerously low levels of less than 20,000 . The patient needs hospitalization if the platelets are less than 20,000 but if they are more than 50,000 then it's is still considered a safer zone.

Less than 10,000 platelets can lead to bleeding, which can be dangerous.

In ITP the patient produces abnormal antibodies (our own army) which sticks to platelets and when they go through spleen, the spleen destroys them.

The bone marrow is producing the platelets normally but the body is destroying them too quickly. Normal age span of platelets is 7 to 10 days but in case of ITP they survive only for few hours and thus the count remains very low.

SYMPTOMS OF ITP IN CHILDREN

Acute ITP or Acute thrombocytopenia is common affecting more than 90 % of children between age of 2 to 6.

Acute ITP gets resolved on its own with proper diet and care. If there are serious symptoms, then above mentioned allopathic medicines are given by doctors. Chronic ITP is more common in adults than in Children.

Chronic ITP needs more care than acute ITP.

Bruises, Blue spots, reddish or dark red or bluish spots over body are symptoms. Fatigue, tiredness, irritability are also sometimes the symptoms of ITP.

HOW TO DIAGNOSE ITP IN CHILDREN?

• Careful medical history is important to make a diagnosis
• Complete physical examination
• CBC or complete blood count to check platelet count
• Bone marrow biopsy to check if the platelets are being formed in bone marrow or not?

After all these tests, and confirmed diagnosis, the doctors start the treatment of ITP.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF ITP IN CHILDREN?

There is actually no cure of ITP – idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura but the treatment consisting of steroids, dapsone and immunosuppressant is given.

Majority of children get better gradually on their own which can be with or without treatment. Ayurvedic treatment however helps them a lot as it is done on Ayurvedic principles.

Intravenous Gamma Globulin – Also called IVIG is an injection given to ITP patients but it's expensive and in many cases it does not work. It is made from human blood containing antibodies that help to slow down the rate at which abnormal platelets are destroyed by the spleen. Fever, Chills, headache, muscle and joint pain, rashes or allergic reaction can be the side effects.

IntraVenous RHO ( D) immune Globulin – Also called WinRho- It's another human plasma medicine which works temporarily to stop the spleen from destroying platelets. Only RH positive blood type children can receive this injection and they should also have their spleen in their body. The same side effects like IvIg.

OTHER TREATMENTS

• Splenectomy – Usually done in older children and adults with Chronic ITP. Ayurveda recommends use of natural medicines before taking such decisions.
• 6 Mercaptopurine ( Purinethol or 6 MP) – It’s also immunosuppressant.
• Hormone therapy to counteract the side effects of drugs or to control the excessive menstrual bleeding in girls due to low platelets.

OUTLOOK OF ITP CHILDREN IN GENERAL – PROGNOSIS

Most of the children recover on their own in ITP but others pass into chronic stage. Fatal brain hemorrhage or other eye hemorrhage can be problematic. There is no cure for ITP in modern medical system. A lot of research is however going on. Ayurveda is an age old healthcare system with no mention of ITP in ancient texts but similar disease with similar symptoms. The herbs and mineral which are used to treat that condition have helped many of my patients.

Once recovered from ITP, the recurrence is not common. Another viral infection can however trigger the event again in very rare cases.

Most frequent question asked by many is:-

Can my child play sports or do running or jogging?

Can my child participate in athletic activities?

Can my child travel in an airplane or travel at all?

The answer is it all depends up the platelet count. If its more than 50,000 then the child is in safe zone. He can do all these activities but under monitoring and care.

• Less than this no, it's not allowed. Travelling in airplane or ship is also allowed if the count is more than 50,000
• Less than 20,000 count is dangerous and needs platelet transfusion or hospital admission.
• It's also very important to take care of hydration of the child. Water or fresh fruit juices, vegetable smoothies should be given every day.
• Milk and milk products should be avoided.
• Take special care in winter season to avoid cold and flu
• Anti-biotics use should be minimized.
• Ibuprofen is contraindicated in low platelets
• Herbs like black pepper or chillis or Turmeric, Ginger which cause blood thinning should not be consumed.
• There are hot in potency and can prevent platelet aggregation and lead to bleeding.

WHICH AYURVEDIC MEDICINES ARE GIVEN TO TREAT ITP AND HOW WE CAN GET THEM?

You can read about the Ayurvedic medicines for ITP at the website - www.planetayurveda.com and to get the medicines delivered at your place, you can order them online or send your reports to herbalremedies123@yahoo.com for more details and free online assessment of your case.