Behcet’s Syndrome – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment
Behcet’s syndrome, also known as Behcet’s disease, is classically characterized as a triad of symptoms that include recurrent mouth ulcers (apthous ulcers), genital ulcers, and inflammation around the pupil of the eye (uveitis). Genetic and environmental factors are believed to contribute to this condition, which is more frequent and severe in patients from the Eastern Mediterranean and Asia.
Behcet’s syndrome can involve inflammation of any area of the body including the arteries, veins, retina, brain, joints, skin and intestines. The Ayurvedic treatment of this condition focuses on treating immune dysfunction and controlling the presenting symptoms. Uveitis and Retinitis are treated using medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Punarnavadi-Guggulu, Triphala-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Triphala-Ghrut, Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), and Triphala (Three fruits). Local eye drops are used, containing Triphala, Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), rose water and camphor.
Inflammation of the arteries and veins is treated using medicines like Yograj-Guggulu, Tapyadi-Loh, Medohar-Guggulu, Laxadi-Guggulu, Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia) and Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus). Involvement of the brain can be treated using medicines like Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu, Maha-Vata-Vidhvans-Ras, Vata-Gajankush-Ras, Bruhat-Vata-Chintamani-Ras, Vishtinduk-Vati, Abhrak -Bhasma, Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Musta (Cyperus rotundus).
Inflammation of the joints can be treated using medicines like Yograj-Guggulu, Rasnadi-Guggulu, Maharasnadi-Qadha, Vata-Gajankush-Ras, Dashmoolarishta, and Nirgundi (Vitex negundo). Skin rashes, called erythema nodosum, can be treated using Triphala-Guggulu, Kamdudha-Ras and Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu. Ulcerations in the stomach and intestines can be treated using Praval-Panchamrut, Sutshekhar-Ras, Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra) and Bhrunghraj (Eclipta alba). Ulcerations in the mouth can be treated using medicines like Yashtimadhuk, Jeerak (Cuminum cyminum) and Shankh-Bhasma.
Medicines which act on the ‘Rakta’ and ‘Mansa’ dhatus (tissues) are very useful in this condition. These medicines include Indrayav (Holharrhina antidysentrica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa), Saariva, Patha ( Cissampelos pareira) , Musta, Nimba (Azadirachta indica) and Triphala. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Yashtimadhuk, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), and Bhrungraj are used to correct immune dysfunction in the body.
It is important to note that, for severe involvement of any tissue or organ, patients affected with this condition should take treatment and remain under the supervision and care of a medical specialist from that particular field.