Ayurvedic Treatment Of Henoch-Schönlein Purpura (HSP)
About Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) is a disorder that causes inflammation as well as bleeding in the blood vessels of the skin, intestines, kidneys and joints. It can also cause abdominal pain and aching joints.
This disease can affect anyone but it is more commonly seen in children between the age group of 2-6. This condition can also affect kidneys.
HSP is a problem of immune system which commonly occurs after the previous infection. It is the most common problem of spring season and follows an infection of respiratory tract.
The immune system is activated to produce an antibody which mainly targets the blood vessels and thereby causes inflammation of the blood vessels commonly known as Vasculitis. Other causes are: food, drugs or insects.
Symptoms Of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)
- Reddish-purple coloured spots which look like bruises is the most common distinguishable symptom of HSP. The rashes develop mainly on buttocks, arms, face, legs and feet.
- Pain and swelling around the joints mainly in the knees and ankles but these symptoms subside when the disease is cured and there is no damage.
- Many children suffering from HSP develop gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, abdominal pain, bloody stools etc.
- It also affects the kidneys. There is blood or protein in the urine but this goes away once the illness passes but in certain cases, kidney diseases may develop and even persist.
Causes Of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)
In HSP, some of the body’s small blood vessels get inflamed which causes bleeding in the skin, kidneys and abdomen. According to modern medicine, the cause of inflammation is not clear. According to Ayurveda, Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP) is caused by the vitiation of Pitta dosha in the body which results in the vitiation of rakta dhatu as well as mamsa dhatu.
The treatment by dhanvantary aims at pacifying the aggravated dosha by reversing the pathology of the disease.
Diagnosis Of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)
It is generally diagnosed by classic rash, joint pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. No single test can confirm the diagnosis of HSP.
Treatment Of Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)
Modern treatment provides medicines such as corticosteroids but their role in treating or preventing the complications of HSP is controversial. They are most commonly used to treat severe gastrointestinal symptoms. These drugs have serious side effects and their usefulness is also not clear.
Ayurvedic herbal remedies by dhanvantary have a specific action on the blood as well as on the blood vessels in order to reverse the pathology easily.
Herbal Remedies For Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP)
Dietary Guidelines
It is a pitta disease therefore avoid foods that aggravates Pitta dosha in the body.
- Avoid all milk and milk products and consume more green vegetables, green leaves and juices.
- Avoid citrus juices
- One should avoid foods rich in potassium, phosphates.
- Drink lots of water.
- Avoid smoking completely
- Keep protection from sun
- Include raw foods, garlic, potatoes, parsley, asparagus, cucumbers, pumpkin, sprouts, legumes, seeds and fruits like papaya, watermelon and bananas.
