Management of Scleroderma in Ayurveda – Natural Healing & Herbal Remedies

Abstract

The human body, as made by God, is a marvel in itself and is capable of fighting with many diseases without external help and that’s truly a wonder. Our body has its own defense mechanism called our Immunity. It is the body’s ability to fight against pathogens that are responsible for a body full of diseases. It is of two types: Active and Passive. Active immunity is when your own body produces antibodies once it’s exposed to a pathogen or artificially through vaccination. Passive immunity is when you receive antibodies from outside the body, from an outer source, like maternal antibodies or artificially through antibody-containing blood products.

But what happens when the body’s immune system that is supposed to protect it, turns against it and mistakenly starts attacking its own cells? This phenomenon is called Autoimmunity and diseases caused by this phenomenon are known as Autoimmune Diseases. One such Autoimmune disorder is Scleroderma. In people with Scleroderma, their immune system triggers their body to produce excessive collagen. Normally, collagen is required to provide support to your organs and to hold them at place. But when produced in excess, like in scleroderma, it makes the skin thicker and more fibrous than it should be. In India, the estimated prevalence is about 12 cases per 100,000 people in the general population. Scleroderma outcomes can differ a lot depending on its type and how severe it is. Localized scleroderma usually has a good outlook, while systemic scleroderma can sometimes affect life expectancy.

Introduction

Scleroderma is also known as Systemic sclerosis or Crest syndrome. It is an autoimmune disease, a rare condition, in which due to excess collagen formation in the body, the body tends to produce tissue thicker than it is supposed to be. It usually affects the skin but can affect any tissue throughout the body.Lets see the different types of scleroderma. It is mainly of two types- Localised and Systemic.

1. Localised scleroderma

Localised scleroderma is milder than the systemic one and rarely spreads throughout the body like systemic scleroderma. Localised scleroderma usually infiltrates only the skin and muscles, with no damage to the internal organs. It may appear in the form of waxy patches over the skin, in various sizes, colours and shapes. This waxy form of scleroderma is called Morphea. Other than Morphea, it may present itself as streaks or hardened line-like structures on the arm, leg or forehead. It may also appear as a long crease on the neck and that is called en coup de sabre (resembling a sword or sabre wound).

2. Systemic scleroderma

Systemic scleroderma affects many parts of the body and runs deep, unlike localised scleroderma, which is mostly superficial. The tissues that get involved in systemic scleroderma, get fibrous and become unable to function properly. It involves the skin, oesophagus, GIT, lungs, kidneys, heart, muscles, joints, blood vessels and so on. Systemic scleroderma can either be limited or diffuse. Limited scleroderma is called Crest Syndrome. Limited scleroderma is slower progressing and diffuse scleroderma rapidly affects the tissues.

Causes

Since it is an autoimmune disease, its exact cause can not be known. It is caused by a combination of factors like genetic disposition, environmental exposures and immune system abnormalities. Unknown triggers may initiate the process of excessive collagen formation.

Symptoms

Depends upon which part of the body is affected by it.

Skin related symptoms

1. Usually fingers, hands, feet and face are affected first.
2. Swelling and itchiness.
3. Hardening and tightening of the skin on forearms, upper arms, lower legs, abdomen.
4. Discoloration of the affected skin.
5. Skin appears to be shiny owing to its tightness.
6. Red spots (telangiectasia) on face and hands.
7. Bumps on the skin due to calcium deposits.

Digestive symptoms

1. Burning sensation
2. Difficulty in swallowing (dysphagia)
3. Bloating
4. Diarrhoea
5. Constipation
6. Fecal incontinence

Heart related symptoms

1. Hypertension ( increased blood pressure)
2. Pedal edema
3. Excess fluid around the heart
4. Arrhythmia ( irregular heartbeat)
5. Heart failure

Lungs related symptoms

1. Shortness of breath.
2. Dizziness
3. Unable to perform strenuous activities
4. If untreated, it can cause scarring of lung tissue

Raynaud’s phenomenon is quite commonly found in patients of scleroderma. What happens is, it causes blood vessels in the fingers and toes to narrow down in response to cold temperature, reducing blood flow. The patient experiences pain, numbness and tingling sensation in these extremities.

Diagnosis

1. Physical examination- Visible thickened skin tissue, discoloration and other skin related symptoms mentioned above.
2. Blood test – Elevated antinuclear antibodies (not confirmatory).
3. Radiography- Changes in lungs not visible in early stages but later,  pulmonary fibrosis can be seen. Other than lung changes, dilated esophagus, pleural effusion can be seen.
4. CT Scan- Early changes show ground glass changes, later changes can show honeycomb pattern and loss of lung volume.
5. Skin Biopsy- Examining affected skin tissue to confirm Scleroderma.

Treatment

Scleroderma requires an overall approach for an effective treatment. An ideal treatment should involve medications, physical therapy and occupational therapy to maintain mobility of joints and related structures, for a normal daily life of the patient.

1. Medications commonly used are-
2. Calcipotriene (reduces discoloration of the skin).
3. Imiquimod cream (to treat scaly growths on skin).
4. Tacrolimus ointment (soothes skin and removes patchy skin and its  discoloration).
5. Menthol (to reduce itchiness).
6. Corticosteroids (immunosuppressant).
7.  Methotrexate (slows down the skin cells growth and prevents scale formation).
8. Soaking in warm water helps dissolve the calcium deposits and treat the bumpy skin.
9. Phototherapy (to treat Morphea).
10. Laser therapy (to reduce visible blood vessels).

Ayurvedic overview

In Ayurveda, Scleroderma arises due to the development of Ama (Metabolic endotoxins) in the body. This condition arises due to Mandagni (Impaired digestive fire), which fails to properly process the food ingested, thus resulting in formation of Ama (Metabolic endotoxins). This Ama, causes obstruction in Srotas (channels) of our body, which further vitiates Vata Dosha. Vitiated Vata then resides in Mamsa Dhatu (Muscular tissue) and results in its Shoshan (drying). This manifests as stiffness and dryness, reduced flexibility in our body. Vitiated Vata naturally imbalances Kapha in our body. So, Scleroderma is a Vata-Kapha predominant disorder.

In Ayurveda, Scleroderma is managed by balancing Vata and Kapha doshas, nourishing affected Dhatu, and detoxifying the body. Shodhana therapies like Virechana (purgation) and Basti (medicated enemas) remove toxins and pacify doshas. Shamana herbs such as Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia), Guduchi (Tinosporia cordifolia), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Guggulu (Commiphora mukul) reduce inflammation, improve flexibility, and purify blood. Local therapies like Abhyanga (medicated oil massage) and Swedana (fomentation) relieve stiffness. Rasayana herbs rejuvenate tissues and boost immunity. A warm, light diet with Pranayama (breathing exercises) and Yoga supports healing, slows disease progression, improves skin elasticity, and enhances overall quality of life naturally.

Herbal Remedies for Scleroderma by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is globally recognised for providing pure, natural and effective herbs for various health conditions. With 100% pure Ayurvedic formulations, it crafts everything from classical remedies to cutting-edge herbal blends. Backed by expert Ayurvedic doctors and strict GMP standards, it’s on a mission to balance your body, mind, and spirit-naturally, safely, and with nature’s charm. We provide a Sclero Care Pack for ayurvedic treatment of Scleroderma. It includes six medicines

1. Ashwagandha Capsules
2. Boswellia-Curcumin
3. Gotu Kola Capsules
4. Sanjivani Vati
5. Gandhak Rasayan
6. Sinhnaad Guggul

Product Description

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

These capsules are formed from pure Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) plants. Its anti-inflammatory properties makes it a useful herb for treating scleroderma. It balances tridosha, especially Vata and Kapha. It is also useful for maintaining the overall health of the patient by giving a boost to the immune system.

Dosage– 1 capsule twice a day with warm water.

2. Boswellia-Curcumin

These capsules have ingredients like Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Curcumin (Curcuma longa). Shallaki has Vata balancing properties and combats inflammation throughout the body. Curcumin is an excellent antioxidant and pacifies Pitta and Kapha dosha. Both of these in combination, reduces inflammation in joints, boosts immunity and supports the circulatory system to function efficiently and thus, helps in reducing pain and stiffness in the joints.

 Dosage– 2 capsules twice a day with warm water.

3. Gotu Kola Capsules

These capsules have Pitta and Kapha pacifying properties due to its Tikta rasa. Gotukola herb (Centella asiatica) has triterpinoids like asiatic acid, asiaticoside etc, which provides this herb with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and it also prevents cell death.

Dosage– 2 capsules twice a day with warm water.

4. Sanjivani Vati

These tablets are made by a combination of powerful herbs like Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Vibhitaki (Terminalia bellerica), Shunthi (Zingiber officinale), Pippali (Piper longum), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and more. These herbs act as immunomodulators, hepatoprotective agents and flush out endotoxins from the body.

Dosage– 2 tablets twice a day with warm water.

5. Gandhak Rasayan

These tablets are made from Purified sulphur. Gandhak is naturally endowed with rasayana (rejuvenating) properties, anti- inflammatory properties, boosts immunity and is also anti-microbial in action. Gandhak shows excellent results in various skin conditions by removing dead skin and supporting skin tissue.

Dosage- 2 tablets twice a day with warm water.

6. Sinhnaad Guggul

These tablets are made from various herbs including Triphala (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, Haritaki), Shuddha gandhak (Purified sulphur), shuddha guggul (Purified Commiphora mukul) and Eranda taila (oil of Ricinus communis). This formulation pacifies Vata dosha, thus giving relief from pain symptoms in Scleroderma. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and supports joints.

Dosage– 2 tablets twice a day with warm water.

Conclusion

In Ayurveda, Scleroderma is seen as a tricky condition where Vata and Kapha go out of balance, blocking healthy flow in the blood tissue (Rakta Dhatu), muscle tissue (Mamsa Dhatu), and fat tissue (Medo Dhatu). This leads to skin thickening, stiffness, and reduced circulation. Treatment is all about clearing out toxins (Ama), balancing the doshas, nourishing the tissues, and rejuvenating the body. Sclero Care Pack from Planet Ayurveda helps restore skin elasticity and joint flexibility without any side effects. Free from chemicals and preservatives, the Sclero Care Pack stands as a safe, Ayurvedic solution aimed at improving quality of life in scleroderma patients through the healing power of nature.