Autoimmune disorders are diseases which manifest when the immune defence system of the body identifies the body organs and systems as foreign and attacks them, resulting in long term damage and disease. A hereditary predisposition to autoimmune diseases is required, along with environmental factors which trigger the unnatural response of the immune system. Conventional treatment is with steroids and immunosuppressant medicines which can significantly reduce symptoms; however, in most individuals, they fail to provide a complete cure, and may in fact cause a host of severe side effects.
Ayurvedic herbal medicines can be effectively and safely used to treat inflammation, which is the hallmark of all autoimmune diseases. Further, depending upon the organ or system/s affected, specific herbal medicines can be used to provide highly targeted therapy for each individual autoimmune disease. Herbal medicines can also provide immunomodulation, which helps in treating the root cause of autoimmune diseases.
While steroids and immunosuppressants can bring about faster relief from symptoms within a few weeks, these do not actually cure the disease. Ayurvedic treatment may take longer – about 4-6 months – to show significant improvement; however, affected individuals can achieve a complete recovery with regular treatment ranging from 12 -24 months. Ayurvedic herbal treatment can thus provide a comprehensive treatment and cure for most of the autoimmune diseases. It is also important to commence treatment at the earliest, so that organ and system damage can be reversed to the maximum extent possible.
The writer, Dr A A Mundewadi is available as an Ayurvedic Consultant at www.mundewadiayurvedicclinic.com and www.ayurvedaphysician.com
