Sarcoidosis Safest Management With Ayurveda

Abstract

Sarcoidosis is a complex condition that affects multiple organs in the body. The precise cause of sarcoidosis is not fully understood, but a combination of some factors such as genetic, environmental, and immune systems can play a role in its onset. Sarcoidosis can affect any area of the body such as skin, eyes, liver, heart and lungs. It is considered as a rare disease globally. On average, sarcoidosis affects about 10 to 20 individuals per 100,000 people each year in the general population. This disease tends to be more prevalent in individuals with a family history of sarcoidosis. In Ayurveda, sarcoidosis is viewed as a disruption in the balance of the doshas (humors) due to the production of ama (toxin) in our body. This imbalance leads to the development of granulomas and inflammation. Ayurvedic therapies aim to cleanse the body of toxins, enhance digestive strength, restore dosha balance, and ensure the proper circulation. Let’s discuss it in detail!

Introduction

Sarcoidosis is an autoimmune condition marked by the formation of granulomas. Granulomas are groups of immune cells that can accumulate in different organs. The exact cause of sarcoidosis is not fully known, but it can happen due to certain factors such as genetic factors, immune system abnormalities, and environmental factors. The symptoms of the disease can vary significantly, from being asymptomatic to experiencing severe organ damage, depending on which organs are affected. The lungs are the most frequently affected organ, often causing symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and chest discomfort. The diagnosis is usually made by looking at the symptoms, imaging tests, and biopsy. While many patients see their condition improve on its own, some may develop a long-term illness that causes serious health problems.

Causes And Risk Factors Of Sarcoidosis

The precise causes of sarcoidosis are not completely known, but it is thought to arise from a combination of factors, such as

• Genetic factors: If someone in the family has sarcoidosis then it can raise the likelihood of developing the condition.
• Immune system dysfunction: overreaction of the immune system can contribute to the development of granulomas (clusters of immune cells) in any part of the body.
• Environmental exposures: Factors like dust, chemicals, or being exposed to certain infections may act as triggers for sarcoidosis. This can happen in those who have the history of sarcoidosis in their family.
• Infections: Certain infections, especially those caused by bacteria or viruses can trigger or aggravate sarcoidosis in individuals who are genetically susceptible.

Types Of Sarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis can be categorized into various types depending on which organs are involved and the extent of the disease. The primary types are

1. Pulmonary Sarcoidosis: It is the most common type of sarcoidosis. In this type lungs are the main organ involved. This form of the disease can cause respiratory symptoms such as persistent coughing, difficulty in breathing, and chest discomfort. In some cases, it may also cause inflammation in the lung tissue. This can lead to scarring in lungs, thus causing permanent damage in the lungs. There are four stages of pulmonary sarcoidosis, they are as follow
   • Stage 1: This is the initial stage of pulmonary sarcoidosis, marked by swelling of the lymph nodes. Chest X-ray shows enlarged lymph nodes.
   • Stage 2: In this stage chest X-ray shows granuloma in lymph nodes and lungs.
   • Stage 3: In this stage, chest X-ray shows granuloma in lungs only.
   • Stage 4: in this stage, chest X-ray shows scarring in lung tissues.
2. Cardiac sarcoidosis: This type of sarcoidosis affects the heart. It can cause issues such as irregular heartbeats, heart failure, and other cardiovascular complications. Diagnosing this type can be difficult because its symptoms are often mild or not easily recognizable.
3. Lymphatic sarcoidosis: It primarily affects the lymph nodes. This type leads to swelling, especially in areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin. In some cases, the enlarged lymph nodes can be painful or tender.
4. Neurological sarcoidosis (Neurosarcoidosis): It affects the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. This type of sarcoidosis can lead to a variety of symptoms such as persistent headaches, vision disturbances, seizures, or weakness. In some cases, it can cause more serious neurological problems, like difficulty with coordination, speech problems, or paralysis, depending on the areas of the nervous system that are involved.
5. Cutaneous sarcoidosis: This type affects the skin, leading to the development of rashes, lumps and open sores. The skin lesions may appear as red or purple bumps. These bumps are often on the face, arms, or legs.
6. Ocular Sarcoidosis: This type involves the eyes. It can cause symptoms, including blurred vision, eye discomfort, redness, and light sensitivity. If not treated, it can lead to more serious complications, such as permanent vision loss or damage to the eye structures.
7. Musculoskeletal Sarcoidosis: It impacts the bones, joints, and muscles, causing symptoms such as pain, stiffness, and swelling. This type can result in discomfort and reduced mobility, affecting daily activities and overall quality of life.

Pathology Of Sarcoidosis

The pathology of sarcoidosis is characterized by an unusual immune reaction that results in the development of granulomas (groups of immune cells). Below is an overview of the process

• Immune system activation: Sarcoidosis may be triggered by the immune system reacting to an unknown substance, potentially due to infections, environmental factors, or genetic predisposition, leading to an overactive immune response.
• Granuloma formation: The immune response causes immune cells, mainly macrophages, T-cells, and dendritic cells, to gather in tissues, forming granulomas.
• Tissue inflammation and damage: Granulomas can develop in various organs, especially the lungs, lymph nodes, skin, eyes, and liver.
• Scarring:  Over time, granulomas may cause tissue damage and scarring, affecting the function of the organs.
• Chronic inflammation: In some cases, granulomas persist in the body, causing continuous inflammation that can lead to long-term damage, particularly to the lungs, impacting breathing and lung function

Symptoms Of Sarcoidosis

The symptoms of sarcoidosis can vary a lot because it depends on the organs involved. While some individuals may remain asymptomatic, others may face serious health complications. Typical symptoms include

• Respiratory symptoms (when the lungs are involved) may include
  • Ongoing cough
  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Discomfort or tightness in the chest
  • Wheezing
• Skin symptoms (when the skin is involved) may include
  • Red or purple lumps or nodules
  • Rashes or sores, commonly found on the face, arms, or legs
  • Tender lumps beneath the skin
• Eye symptoms (when the eyes are involved) may include
  • Vision impairment or blurriness
  • Discomfort or pain in the eyes
  • Redness or irritation
  • Increased sensitivity to light
• Neurological symptoms (when the nervous system is affected) may include
  • Persistent headaches
  • Seizures
  • Tingling or weakness in the arms or legs
  • Trouble with coordination or balance
  • Vision issues
• Musculoskeletal symptoms (when bones or joints are involved) may include
  • Pain or stiffness in the joints
  • Weakness in the muscles
  • Swelling around the joints
• General symptoms may include
  • Persistent fatigue or exhaustion
  • Fever
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Enlarged lymph nodes, often in the neck, armpits, or groin

Diagnosis Of Sarcoidosis

The diagnosis of sarcoidosis is made by ruling out other conditions that can cause similar symptoms. Diagnosing sarcoidosis generally requires multiple steps, as no single test can confirm the condition. These steps include

• Medical history and physical exam: The healthcare provider will assess the patient’s symptoms, review their medical history. A physical exam is done to identify signs of sarcoidosis, such as enlarged lymph nodes or changes in the skin.
• Imaging tests: Chest X-rays and CT scans are frequently used to identify lung involvement and damages of other organs.
• Biopsy: A sample of tissue from an affected organ, such as the lungs, skin, or lymph nodes, is collected to look for granulomas.
• Blood tests: These tests help exclude other possible conditions and can provide clues, such as elevated calcium levels, which may indicate sarcoidosis.
• Pulmonary function tests: When the lungs are involved, these tests assess lung capacity and evaluate how efficiently air moves in and out of the lungs.
• Eye exams: If ocular sarcoidosis is suspected, an eye examination is conducted to look for signs of damage in the eyes.

Management Of Sarcoidosis

The management of sarcoidosis includes both medical interventions and lifestyle changes. They are as follow

1. Medication: Treatment for sarcoidosis commonly includes corticosteroids, like prednisone, to control inflammation. Some immunosuppressive medications when necessary.
2. Regular check-ups: Continuous monitoring is crucial to evaluate the function of vital organs.
3. Physical activity: Staying active can help reduce fatigue and boost overall health, but it’s essential to avoid excessive strain or overexertion.
4. Diet and nutrition: A balanced diet, full of essential vitamins and minerals, can aid in supporting immune health and managing symptoms. It’s important to monitor calcium and vitamin D intake because sarcoidosis can impact calcium levels in the body.
5. Diet and nutrition: A balanced diet, full of essential vitamins and minerals, can aid in supporting immune health and managing symptoms. It’s important to monitor calcium and vitamin D intake because sarcoidosis can impact calcium levels in the body.

Complications Of Sarcoidosis

The disease can occasionally result in severe complications, particularly if it is not treated it can progress to chronic stage. Possible complications are as follow

1. Permanent lung damage
2. Heart failure
3. Permanent vision loss
4. Kidney stones or kidney failure
5. Liver dysfunction or liver enlargement
6. Osteoporosis
7. Depression

Ayurvedic Concept

In Ayurveda, sarcoidosis is viewed as a condition where the body’s internal balance is disrupted, particularly due to an imbalance of dosha (humors). Due to these vitiated doshas (humors), formation of granulomas (clusters of immune cells) in various organs take place. The condition is a consequence of accumulated Ama (toxic accumulation), mandagni (low digestive power), in the body.

What is Ama (Toxin)

When the digestion is weak or incomplete due to mand Jatharagni (weak digestive fire), the food in the stomach doesn’t get broken down fully. Instead of being transformed into rasa dhatu (body tissue for nourishment), the food gets fermented and retained in the stomach for a longer period. This partially undigested and fermented food is called Ama.

Pathophysiology Of Sarcoidosis According To Ayurveda

In ayurveda ama (toxin) is considered as a root cause of all the diseases. Ama is also known as amavisha because it spreads very fast like visha (poison) and disturbs dhatus (body tissues), just like how poison affects our body. Nidanas (causative factors) responsible for production of ama (toxin) are ajeerna bhojana  (eating food when the previous food in stomach is not digested), adhayshana (overeating), vishamasna (irregular intake of food) and eating dry, cold and heavy foods. This ama (toxin) gets associated with any of the tridosha (three humors) sapta dhatu (seven body elements) and various srotas (channels), and causes manifestation of disease in the body. In sarcoidosis all the tridosha (three humors) are vitiated. Vata dosha governs all the movement and activity in the body. It also influences the transmission of nerve impulses and controls sensory and motor functions of the body. When ama (toxin) gets associated with vata dosha , it affects the site of vata and the vata vaha srotas (channels carrying vata) and impairs the functioning of vata dosha. This can be the cause of neurosarcoidosis, as the vata is vitiated, it leads to neural dysfunction causing symptoms such as confusion, disorientation, delirium, headache, eye vision loss etc. According to ayurveda, the pathology of pulmonary sarcoidosis can be understood as manifestation of ama (toxin) with kapha dosha. Kapha dosha is primarily located in the chest region of the body and governs lungs, heart and respiratory functions, so when the ama (toxin) gets mixed with kapha dosha, it vitiates kapha and kapha vaha srotas (channel carrying kapha dosha), thus impairing all of its functions. Thus causing the formation of granulomas in lungs and showing symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, tightness etc. Similarly, when this ama (toxin) gets accumulated with pitta dosha, it vitiates pitta dosha and its srotas (channel). Thus all the functions of pitta dosha gets affected leading to symptoms such as rashes on skin, redness in eyes, swollen lymph nodes, joint swelling, skin dryness, fever, and other several issues. According to this, it can be concluded that this manifestation of ama with various dosha (humors), dhatu (body element) and srotas (channels) can lead to onset of sarcoidosis.

Ayurvedic Treatment For Sarcoidosis

Ayurvedic treatments for sarcoidosis focus on restoring balance within the body by addressing the root causes of the disease. This includes detoxifying the body, strengthening digestion, balancing the doshas, and improving the flow of nutrients and waste. It can be managed by using herbs, therapies, and lifestyle adjustments.

• Lifestyle management
  • Diet should include whole grain cereals, oatmeal, millets, fruits and vegetables.
  • Avoid refined food like sugar and white pasta.
  • Avoid consumption of alcohol.
  • Avoid heavy, cold and oily foods.
  • Stay hydrated
• Ayurvedic herbs
  • Pippali (Piper longum): It is a yogavahi(bioavailability enhancer) herb. It can be used to enhance respiratory health, clear mucus in lungs and to reduce inflammation. It should not be used in excess.
  • Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): It  has an anti-inflammatory effect. Thus helps in respiratory health
  • Madhu (Honey): It is also a yogavahi (bioavailability enhancer) substance, thus it helps to carry medicine deeper into the tissues.
• Pranayama (breathing exercises): As sarcoidosis commonly impacts the lungs, breathing exercises can be beneficial. They enhance lung function and overall respiratory well-being. Some effective techniques include
  • Anulom Vilom (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
  • Kapalbhati (Skull Shining Breath)
  • Bhramari (Bee Breath)
• Panchakarma procedures: Panchakarma is an extensive detoxification procedure designed to remove built-up ama (toxins) from the body. It involves a range of therapeutic treatments, such as:
  • Swedana (steam therapy): It helps to open the pores and facilitate the release of toxins through perspiration.
  • Virechana (purgation): It is a therapeutic process used to eliminate toxins from the digestive system.
  • Nasya (nasal therapy): It is used to remove blockages in the nasal passages and clear the respiratory pathways.

Herbal Remedies For Sarcoidosis By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda offers a highly effective blend of herbal solutions, including the Sarco Care Pack, specifically designed for the Ayurvedic management of sarcoidosis. These remedies are crafted using top-quality herbs, strictly made according to the principles of ayurveda. All products from Planet Ayurveda are 100% natural, pure, and vegetarian. They are free from harmful chemicals, additives, and preservatives, ensuring their safety and effectiveness without any side effects.

1. Curcumin Capsules
2. Kanchnaar Guggul
3. Aller-G Care
4. Punarnava Mandur
5. Chitrak Haritaki
6. Vasasav

Product Description

1. Kanchnaar Guggul

It is a herbal formulation which is a blend of many herbs such as Kachnar Bark (Bauhinia variegata), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Tejapatra (Cinnamomum tamala) and several other. Kanchanar (Bauhinia variegata) is recognized for its detoxifying effects and is beneficial in conditions involving abnormal tissue growth. Guggul (Commiphora mukul) is well-known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects, which helps in reducing inflammation in the affected tissues, joints, and organs. Kanchanar Guggul is an effective Ayurvedic treatment for scleroderma. It aids in cleansing the toxins from the body, reduces inflammation, enhances circulation, and inhibits abnormal tissue growth.

Dosage: 2 tablets, three times daily after meals with warm water.

2. Aller-G Care Capsule

Aller-G care capsules are made with a blend of herbs such as Haridra (Curcuma longa), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and Shirish (Albizia lebbeck), among others. These herbs are recognized for their ability to reduce inflammation, combat oxidative stress, promote renewal, and exhibit antibacterial and antiseptic effects. This formulation is designed to support lung health, promoting clear and efficient breathing. It helps maintain proper respiratory function, making it easier to breathe comfortably throughout the day. Safe for individuals of all ages, it can be taken as a dietary supplement to enhance overall well-being and respiratory vitality.

Dosage:  2 capsules, two times daily after meal with warm water.

3. Curcumin Capsules

Curcumin capsules are crafted using a precisely measured and standardized extract of Haridra (Curcuma longa), ensuring consistent potency and effectiveness in each dose. Haridra is also known as turmeric. It is rich in curcumin. Curcumin is a main compound of turmeric recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and therapeutic qualities. Planet ayurveda`s curcumin capsule is a powerful herbal supplement that promotes overall health and vitality, benefiting both the body and the mind.

Dosage:  2 capsules, two times daily after meal with warm water.

4. Punarnava Mandur

It is made with the blend of herbs such as Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa), Pippali (Piper longum), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Mandoor Bhasma (Ferric oxide calx) and several other herbs. This tablet formulation is designed as a dietary supplement to promote overall health. It plays a key role in promoting a balanced immune system, supporting the body’s natural healing processes, and protecting cells from oxidative stress. This formulation promotes long-term health and wellness. This dietary supplement is safe for individuals of all ages.

Dosage:  2 tablets, two times daily after meals with warm water.

5. Vasasav

Vasasav is an Ayurvedic herbal formulation primarily derived from the Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) plant, also known as Malabar Nut. Ayurvedic Arishta and Asava preparations are made by the process of fermentation. In sarcoidosis, this preparation provides remarkable benefits by promoting the healthy functioning of the respiratory system and helping to dissolve accumulated Kapha dosha. The excess Kapha dosha leads to the obstruction of srotas (channels), and Vasa Asav works to clear these blockages, alleviating the associated symptoms. By restoring the flow in the blocked channels, it helps improve overall respiratory health.

Dosage: Take 2 teaspoons twice a day.

6. Chitrak Haritaki

Chitrak Haritaki is a traditional formulation made from a combination of various herbs such as Chitraka (Plumbago zeylanica), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Maricha (Piper nigrum) and several other herbs. This formulation helps to balance digestive fire and promotes regular bowel movements. Chitrak Haritaki strengthens the immune system by enhancing the body’s natural defense capabilities. Chitrak Haritaki is regarded as helpful in managing sarcoidosis because of its powerful detoxifying, digestive, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Dosage: Take 1 teaspoon twice a day.

Conclusion

In this article I have concluded about sarcoidosis. In conclusion, sarcoidosis is a complex, multi-system inflammatory disease that often affects the lungs but can impact other organs as well. In this article we discussed its causes, symptoms, types, pathology, diagnosis, management, complications, ayurvedic aspect of sarcoidosis and home remedies for sarcoidosis. Ayurvedic treatments, and lifestyle modifications can offer the best chance for managing sarcoidosis.