Ayurvedic Herbal Remedies And Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger Disease)
Thromboangiitis Obliterans (TAO), also known as Buerger disease, involves inflammation and occlusion of small and medium sized arteries and veins in the extremities. Symptoms of this disease are pain at rest, and non-healing ulceration and gangrene of the digits of the hands and feet. A disturbed immunity is believed to be responsible for this condition. TAO is strongly associated with heavy tobacco use, and progression of the disease is closely linked to its continued use. Discontinuation of tobacco use results in considerable improvement in this condition. A scoring system has been developed which helps to diagnose this disease and rule out other conditions. Unlike other diseases with similar symptoms, atherosclerosis is not seen in this condition.
The Ayurvedic treatment of TAO is aimed at treating the basic pathology of the disease and preventing complications like amputation. Medicines which act specifically on the arteries and veins, and reduce the inflammation and blockage, are used in this condition. These medicines include Tapyadi-Loh, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu, Maha-Manjishtadhi-Qadha, Saarivadi-Churna, Chandrakala-Ras, Gandhak-Rasayan, Arogya-Vardhini, Sukshma-Triphala and Khadeerarishta.
Herbal medicines useful in this condition are Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Triphala (Three fruits), Khadeer (Acacia catechu), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Chandan (Santalum album), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), and Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum).
Medicines which act on the ‘Rakta’ dhatu (tissue) of the body are useful in this condition, such as Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Patha (Cissampelos pareira) and Musta (Cyperus rotundus).
Medicines like Tapyadi-Loh, Arogya-Vardhini and Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha need to be given long term to prevent a recurrence of this condition. A complete abstinence from tobacco, and regular exercises like walking, are important in order to get good results in this condition. Patients should be taught about the importance of self-care and adequate protection of the affected limbs.
Dr. A. A. Mundewadi is Chief Ayurvedic Physician at Mundewadi Ayurvedic Clinic based at Thane, Maharashtra, India. He is available as an online Ayurvedic Consultant.
