Thromboangiitis Obliterans (Buerger’s Disease) – Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment
Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO), also known as Buerger’s disease, consists of inflammation and occlusion of small and medium-sized arteries and veins in the extremities. The symptoms of this disease are pain at rest and non-healing ulceration and gangrene of the fingers and toes. Impaired immunity is believed to be responsible for this condition. TAO is strongly associated with excessive tobacco use, and the progression of the disease is closely related to its continued use. Cessation of tobacco use results in considerable improvement in this condition. A scoring system has been developed to help diagnose this disease and rule out other conditions. Unlike other diseases with similar symptoms, atherosclerosis is not seen in this condition.
Ayurvedic treatment of TAO is aimed at treating the basic pathology of the disease and preventing complications such as amputation. Medications that specifically target the arteries and veins and reduce 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.
Medicinal herbs 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 that 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).
Medications like Tapyadi-Loh, Arogya-Vardhini and Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha should be given long term to prevent recurrence of this condition. Complete abstinence from tobacco and regular exercise such as walking are important for good results in this condition. Patients should be instructed on the importance of self-care and proper protection of affected extremities.