Getting Relief in Ulcerative Colitis through Ayurveda

Abstract

Inflammation starts from the rectum and spreads to the colon region. The large intestine usually includes Colon, Rectum and anal region. A long tube which continues from the region of the small intestine and the journey of food reaches the digestive system. It is the region where food turns into waste and then passes through poop. There are mainly three parts of the large intestine and the entry point is 6 inches long which is known as Cecum. It is divided into various segments such as Ascending Colon (traveling upwards),  Transverse Colon (traveling to left) and Sigmoid Colon (moving to right). The large intestine is made up of various tissues and muscles which make up the wall of the intestines, and the circular layer and longitudinal layer contract in the intestine in various ways, the mucosal lining provides the blood supply and nerve supply which is useful in secreting and absorbing. Various disorders (functional, structural and infections are included in large intestines). Some of the conditions include- Diverticulitis, Ulcerative Colitis, Appendicitis and Proctitis, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Anal Fissures, Hirschsprung disease and many more. These lead to changes in bowel habits with a change in the color of poop along with Constipation and painful bloating. Further, we will discuss Ulcerative Colitis along with its Ayurvedic Concept and the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis through Herbs without causing any side effects.

Introduction

Ulcerative Colitis is a long-term condition of the large intestine which develops in the lining of the colon which becomes inflamed and develops small ulcerations. This inflammation can spread and affect the whole portion of the colon when the inflammation occurs in the rectum and lower part of the colon it is known as Ulcerative Proctitis and if the entire colon is affected it is known as Pancolitis. If the left side of the colon is concerned it is known as Limited and Distal Colitis. It can occur at any age and runs equally in both genders and can be seen in families. These ulcers can cause bleeding and various discharge of mucus with pus.

Causes of Ulcerative Colitis

It is an overactive immune system, which attacks the large intestines. The immune system protects the body from germs and dangerous substances but when mistakenly attacked causes inflammation and tissue damage.

1. Genetics– As genes are inherited from parents which increases the chances of Ulcerative Colitis.
2. Various Environmental Factors– Such as Bacteria, Viruses and antigens trigger the Immune System.
3. Western Diet and changes in normal gut bacteria. 

Types of Ulcerative Colitis

It can be categorized according to parts of the Gastrointestinal tract as it affects-

1. Ulcerative Proctitis– It is a mild form of Ulcerative Colitis. In this, only the rectum portion is involved.
2. Left-Sided Colitis- It is the inflammation between the upper portion of the colon and the last section of the colon. It is known as Distal Ulcerative Colitis.
3. Proctosigmoiditis-  It is left-sided colitis which causes inflammation in the rectum and sigmoid junction.
4. Extensive Colitis– It is commonly known as Pancolitis, the inflammation seen in the whole colon. The severe form of Ulcerative colitis.

Symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis

1. Diarrhea
2. Abdominal cramping
3. Nausea
4. Vomiting
5. Mouth Sores
6. Blood, Mucus and Pus in the bowel movements
7. Weight Loss
8. Loss of fluid and nutrients
9. Poor Growth
10. Rectal Tenesmus

Diagnosis

1. Blood tests– As anemia is commonly seen in patients with Ulcerative Colitis.
2. Stool Sample– Infections and various parasites are seen which shows inflammation in your poop.
3. Imaging Tests- MRI (Magnetic resonance imaging) and CT Scan (Computed tomography) Scans are done
4. Endoscopic Tests– The thin flexible tube with a small tiny camera is inserted through the anus to check the health of the colon and rectum.

Treatment

1. Aminosalicylates
2. Corticosteroids
3. Immunomodulators  
4. Biologics

Ayurvedic Aspect

Ayurveda is an ancient healing system, it is the foundation of ayurveda between the healthy body, mind and spirits which is useful in maintaining good health. In ayurveda, the body is composed of five elements: Water, Fire, Air, Earth and Space. In ayurveda, the human body is mainly composed of Tissues (dhatus), Waste (Malas) and various Doshas. It originated in India more than 3000 years ago and is derived from the Sanskrit word Ayur (life) and Veda (science or knowledge). The treatment is believed to balance the doshas.

In Ulcerative Colitis, the imbalance of Doshas is interrupted which further leads to digestive issues and accumulations of toxins. Ulcerative Colitis is Pitta Grahani. Grahni is the Small Bowel that is Duodenum which includes Ileum and Jejunum. When someone intakes pungent, uncooked, burning, sour and alkaline food aggravates the Pitta doshas and the patient looks Yellowish lustre, and so passes undigested yellow colour stool which is associated with sour eructations, with a burning sensation in the region of the chest and anorexia, thirst. In ayurveda, there is a Treatment for Ulcerative Colitis which is helpful in curing the symptoms and signs from the root cause without any side effects.

Specific Character

1. Foetid and sour eructation

Symptoms

1. Roughness and dryness in the throat and mouth
2. Hunger, Thirst and Blurred vision with pain in the chest and neck region.
3. The stool’s character- Watery, undigested and yellowish colour stools.

Samprapti Ghatak

1. Doshas– Tridoshas
2. Dushya– Ana and Rasa
3. Srotas– Anavaha and Purishvaha
4. Adhisthan– Pittadharakala, Grahni
5. Srotas Dushti Prakara– Atipravati
6. Agni– Mandha
7. Sadhya– Asadhyata– Krich Sadhya

Chikitsa

1. To reduce the aggravated Pitta doshas, Vamana and Virechana therapy is done to expel the toxins from the body
2. Tikta Ghrit and deepen dravyas powder are used to increase the subsided Agni.
3. Deepan grahi medicine and ghrit when mixed with pomegranate juice is helpful in Pittaja Grahni.

Herbs Useful In the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis

There are many herbs which are useful in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis and are helpful in this disease without causing any side effects. Further in this topic, we are going to discuss various herbs useful in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis-

1. KUutaj

Kutaj (Holarrhena antidysenterica) is a prominent herb which is helpful in the treatment of diarrhoea and various other dysenteric problems. It is a large tree which is found throughout the deciduous parts of the forest. Found in the Sub-Himalayas region and grows at a height of 1100 metres and is commonly seen in the parts of Assam, Uttar Pradesh.Is astringent and bitter in taste with dry in nature. Has Cold Potency.

Benefits of Kutaj

1. Balances Pitta and Kapha doshas.
2. Useful in the treatment of Dysentery caused due to Amoeba.
3. Has rejuvenating properties which are useful in boosting the immune system
4. Effective in various digestive disorders.
5. Treats skin diseases such as Itching, Scabies and many other infections.
6. Helpful in bleeding disorders seen in Hemorrhoids
7. Relieves Intestinal worms and quenches thirst.

2. Bilva

Bilva is known as Bael which has many medicinal and religious significance. It is found in the sub-mountainous regions to the dry parts throughout India. The leave is offered by Devotees to Lord Shiva. Grows in most parts of India, forests on hills and in the regions of Rajasthan which is suitable for this to grow. Has Kashaya (astringent) and tikta (bitter)  properties which balance the Tridoshas of the body.

Benefits of Bael

1. Due to its digestive qualities, it is useful in diarrhoea and in dysentery.
2. Act as a stool regulator.
3. The Dried pulp of bael mixed with Sonth, Rock salt and jeera taken with water is useful in mucous diarrhoea.
4. The leaves of bael have anti-diabetic properties.
5. Useful in various inflammatory conditions and in gynaecological problems.
6. Balances Pitta-related disorders so manages ulcers and infections.

3. Anar

Anar (Punica granatum) commonly known as Dadima, is a long-lived small tree whose seeds are embedded in a spongy white membrane. It is a native of Afghanistan, Baluchistan, Persia and its small parts in India. It is astringent, sour and sweet in nature. Sweet Pomegranate balances Tridoshas and sour pomegranate balances Vata and Kapha doshas.

Benefits of Anar

1. The root and stem of the Anar are astringent in taste so are anthelmintic in nature.
2. Is helpful in anorexia, hyperacidity and excessive thirst.
3. The dried anar which is known as naspal so useful in controlling diarrhoea.
4. The dried seeds of Anar promote digestion and appetite.
5. The gargles of Anar are useful in spongy and bleeding gums.
6. Relieves burning and inflammation as it has a healing property which internally heals the wounds.

4. Arjuna

Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna) is commonly known as Dhanajay and Partha which is known as a heart tonic. It is a large sized deciduous tree which has strong and long roots. Found in the tropical regions of the world. Considered as a Sacred Tree the leaves and flowers are offered to Lord Vishnu and Ganesh Pooja on occasion. Helpful in balancing The Pitta and Kapha Doshas.

Benefits of Arjuna

1. Has Astringent Properties so useful in detoxifying the blood and in controlling aggravated Pitta dosha.  
2. Effective in Gynaecological diseases such as White Discharge and excessive menstrual flow.
3. Heals the wounds and Ulcerations.
4. Helpful in clearing the airways so supports fighting the serious illness.

5. Musta

Musta/ Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus) is cultivated in India and is commonly found in Tropical and Subtropical Regions. This plant grows in very small clumps up to 100 cm in height. Is known as the best Ama-Pachaka which removes all the endotoxins. Has Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya) and pungent (Katu) taste. Useful in balancing Kapha and Pitta Doshas.

Benefits of Musta

1. Has digestive and carminative properties.
2. Musta has Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
3. Burns the fat deposits in Obese Patients
4. Controls the abdominal cramps and reduces the frequency of Stools and bleeding.
5. Useful in gastroenteritis.
6. Regulates the temperature of the body. 

6. JatiphalL

Jatiphal (Myristica fragrans) is a small aromatic tree which grows at a height of 5-13 metres. Is native to Indonesia, Sri Lanka and various parts of India. Jatiphal is Pungent, Astringent and bitter in taste. It is helpful in balancing Kapha and Vata doshas.

Benefits of Jaiphal

1. Has Anti-inflammatory and anti-diarrhoeal properties.
2. Taking a pinch of jaiphal mixed with honey relieves hiccups, nausea and vomiting.
3. Stimulates sexual desire and indices abortion.
4. Dissolves Kidney Stones and prevents various infections.
5. Enhances concentration and relieves stress.

There are many more herbs which are useful in the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis from its root cause such as Sheesham, Vasaka, Choti Elaichi, Lajwanti, Durva, Dhataki, Lodhra, Mochrus, Zandu and many more without any side effects. 

Conclusion

Ulcerative Colitis is a long-term condition of the large intestine which develops in the lining of the colon which becomes inflamed and develops small ulcerations. These ulcers can cause bleeding and various discharge of mucus with pus. Ulcerative Colitis is Pitta Grahani. Grahni is the Small Bowel that is Duodenum which includes Ileum and Jejunum. Further, we discussed various herbs which are useful in the treatment of Ulcerative Colitis without any harm.

Author Bio

Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD – Ayurveda) is the CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. He is Author of the Book “Ayurveda – God’s Manual For Healing”. He is an Ayurveda Expert Serving People worldwide through all the Possible Mediums, Operating from Main Branch in Mohali, India. With his Vast Experience in Herbs and their Applied Uses, he is successfully treating Numerous Patients suffering from Various Ailments with the help of Purest Herbal Supplements, Diet, and Lifestyle, according to the Principles of Ayurveda.