3 min readNew DelhiJan 1, 2024 01:29 PM IST
First published on: Dec 31, 2023 at 07:00 AM IST
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic progressive and disabling autoimmune disease that causes inflammation and pain in the joints. In some people, the condition can damage a wide variety of body systems such as the skin, eyes, lungs, heart, and blood vessels. While there are modern medicines to treat the condition, many say that there are some Ayurvedic remedies that help as much. We decided to ask our in-house experts.
Karishma Shah, an Integrative Nutritionist and Health Coach explained that in Ayurveda, RA is referred to as amavata, a joint disease created by an imbalance of vata. “Ayurvedic treatment is typically based on three doshas: vata (air), pitta (fire), and kapha (water and earth). These doshas are considered to be primary elements or energy in the body.”
Talking about her personal struggle with rheumatism, Dr Rekha Radhamony, an Ayurveda doctor shared, “During those days, I was in bed 24/7 and could not even move my fingers due to pain and swelling. I was on neck traction during the first half of the day and hip traction in the second half, in addition to the 3 hours of body treatments (like kizhi, Dhara etc), per day.”
Adding to this, she said that her painful joints breathed every day just because of the herb–‘Eranda’–the castor oil plant. “Since I had too much swelling, I couldn’t do any massages to relieve the pain as in other rheumatic conditions. Instead, the leaves of this plant were crushed with Himalayan pink salt, made warm, and applied as a paste on my knees, ankles and elbows, neck etc. to subside the swelling. This was a ritual every day in the evening.”
Explaining the benefits of the herb, Dr Radhamony said, “This herb has a direct action on the large intestine, the seat of vata. Hence, eranda is of utmost importance in any vata ailment and has literally helped me reverse my rheumatism. Thanks to the universe, it has never come back, and would never want to have it back again.”
On similar lines, Shah noted that eranda is widely used for vata disorders, which are neuro-muscular in nature. “The roots, leaves, flowers, bark, and seeds, almost the whole plant are useful for curing many ailments. Moreover, the castor oil obtained from the plant can be used externally for inflammatory skin disorders because of its warm, oily, and heavy nature. A paste made out of the leaves can be used to reduce gouty and rheumatic swelling,’ she informed.
The roots, leaves, flowers, bark and seeds, almost the whole plant is useful for curing many ailments. (Source: Pixabay)
However, the nutritionist suggests to not use the oil excessively because of its heating properties. “Moreover, avoid using the seeds and bark of the plant until it is advised by a qualified medical practitioner because an overdose can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, hypotension, and even seizures,” Shah concluded.
One of the main reasons for osteoarthritis is excess body weight, stress, a poor lifestyle and a diet rich in meat, fat and sugar. (Photo: Getty Images/Thinkstock) 
The roots, leaves, flowers, bark and seeds, almost the whole plant is useful for curing many ailments. (Source: Pixabay)
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