Aplastic Anemia – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment
Aplastic anemia is a syndrome of bone marrow failure resulting in very less production of red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Immune dysfunction is believed to play an important role in causing this condition. While 20% of the causes are inherited, nearly 80% of the causes are acquired and consist of unknown factors, infectious diseases, toxic exposure and drug reactions. Severe anemia, bleeding, fever and infections are common presentations of this condition.
Ayurvedic treatment of aplastic anemia is basically directed at treating the immune dysfunction and improving normal bone marrow production. Immuno-modulatory herbal medicines like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), Bala (Sida cordifolia), Nagbala (Sida humilis), Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) and Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) are used.
Medicines like Arogya Vardhini, Punarnavadi Mandur, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Laxadi Guggulu, Laghu- Malini-Vasant, Madhu-Malini-Vasant, Suvarna-Malini-Vasant, Heerak Bhasma and Abhrak Bhasma are used to stimulate the bone marrow function. In addition, medicines which act on the “Rakta” and “Majja” dhatus (tissues) of the body are also used, as these again act on the metabolism regulating bone marrow production. These medicines include Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Guduchi and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis).
Aplastic anemia is a serious medical condition and can have a potentially fatal outcome. Blood transfusion, bone marrow transplant and immuno-suppressive therapy have radically transformed the survival outlook in this condition. Ayurvedic medicines may be used as additional therapy to reduce severity, prevent infections and improve the overall survival rate of affected individuals. All treatment should be done under the care and supervision of an experienced hematologist.