ITP: Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura
You can define ITP by its name. 'I' indicates the immune system, which says about abnormal responses of the immune system, 'T' indicates thrombocytopenia which means a low count of platelet cells, 'P' indicates Purpura which means bleeding of the skin. So, the definition of ITP is this: It is a bleeding disorder caused by an abnormal response of the immune system which leads to a decrease in platelet count and excessive bleeding.
Causes
The specific reason for ITP is not known. But the possible cause of ITP is the abnormal functioning of the immune system which mistakenly attacks the platelet cells and causes the reduction in platelet counts. It leads to excessive bleeding. Sometimes the immune system interferes in the functioning of the cells which are responsible for the production of platelets. In children, a viral infection is the main cause of ITP.
According to Ayurveda due to the excessive consumption of hot, bitter and sour things, the impairment in Pitta dosha takes place which combines the blood tissue. Pitta dosha vitiated the blood which leads to the generation of heat in the blood which destroys the blood cells.
Symptoms
Bruises over the whole body especially observed in the joints of elbows and knees
Nose bleeding and gum bleeding
Yellowish skin
Seldom blood in the stool, urine, or during vomiting
Excessive heavy menstrual flow
Treatment Of ITP
Treatment of ITP depends on the severity of its symptoms. Herbs n lifestyle Management may help in treating ITP naturally.
A sedentary lifestyle and wrong diet is the main cause of every disease.
focus on diet and lifestyle changes to relieve symptoms and problems and herbs are also provided to treat the disease naturally without any side effects.
For ITP, there are also various herbs that regulate immune function and increase platelet count in the body. The patient is also given a special diet chart to control ITP disease. The main aim of these herbs is to reduce pain, inflammation occurs due to ITP.
The various herbs, which naturally treat illness are the following:
1. Giloy
Botanical name:Tinospora cordifolia
Arabic name: gilo, satgilo
Giloy herb is known as very effective herb in Ayurveda. It possesses anti-allergic, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. This herb balances the Vata and Pitta dosha in the body which is directly linked with ITP. The giloy stems are used to obtain giloy juice. It increases the ability of the body to combat foreign bodies and increase the platelet count. Therefore it is very effective herb for the treatment of ITP.
2. Ashwagandha
Botanical name: Withania somnifera
Arabic name:ain-ul-ghurab, fuq qysh, kaknaje-hindi, tukhm hayat
This herb helps to raise the platelet counts by improving the functioning of the immune system. Ashwagandha also increases the production of white and red blood cells along with platelet cells. It inhibits the immunosuppressive activity of the body. This herb also helps to reduce stress, improve stamina and support a healthy body.
3. Gotukola
Botanical name: Centella asiatica
Arabic name: artaniyae-hindi
Gotukola is an excellent adaptogen. It is very useful in increasing the platelet count. It also helps to combat infections, tiredness, stress, and depression. Gotukola improves blood circulation and also helps in treating blood clots.
4. Punarnava
Botanical name: Boerhavia diffusa
Punarnava is a very beneficial herb for all liver dilemmas. It also helps to boost the immune system of the body. It acts as a detoxifier and improves blood circulation. This herb provides relief from inflammation and edema.
5. Noni
Botanical name: Morinda citrifolia
This herb helps to reduce bleeding problems in ITP patients. It possesses many properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immuno-modulator, and analgesic properties.
6. Curcumin
Botanical name: Curcuma longa
Arabic name: aurukesafur, auruqussabba-ghin, auruqussufr, haldizard
The curcumin capsule is prepared from herb Turmeric (Curcuma longa). Curcumin is an active constituent of Turmeric. It is effective in ITP as it helps to remove toxins from the body and act as a blood purifier. The herb also consists of many properties such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, immuno-modulator, and analgesic.
7. Papaya
Botanical name: Carica papaya
Arabic name: aanabahe-hindi, amba-hindi, arandkharbuza
Papaya leaf extract is very effective in the treatment of ITP. It helps to increase the platelet counts in the body.
8. Wheatgrass
Botanical name: Thinopyrum intermedium
Wheatgrass is also very effective for ITP patients. It helps to improve platelet counts and decrease bleeding and clotting time. It also stimulates the proper functioning of the immune system.
9. Aloe Vera
Botanical name: Aloe barbadensis
Aloe Vera helps to increase the platelet count and provide relief from the symptom of ITP. Aloe Vera juice decreases gum and mouth bleeding.
Dietary Guidelines
Food Should Be Taken
Add green leafy vegetables in your diet like coriander, spinach, kale, fenugreek, etc.
Also add bitter gourd, ridge gourd, bottle gourd, cabbage, carrot, beetroot, pumpkin, cauliflower, etc. in your diet.
Fruits like papaya, apple, kiwi, peach, pear, pomegranate, etc.
Add whole grains in your daily diet. Add Vitamin K rich foods, it helps to improve blood clotting.
You can only drink goat milk.
Drink wheatgrass & aloe vera juice, pomegranate juice, green coconut water, daily.
Papaya fruit and its leaves juice is very useful for ITP patients
Food Should Be Avoided
Citrus fruits
Alcohol and sweetened drinks
Other milk & milk products except for goat milk
Processed and fried food
Spices and spicy food items
Excessive salt and red chilies
Non-vegetarian diet but the patient can have only two boiled egg white
