Rheumatoid Arthritis and its Treatment in Ayurveda

Abstract

Joints play a crucial role in maintaining mobility, flexibility, and overall physical function. Healthy joints allow smooth movement and support the body’s structure, enabling us to perform daily activities with ease. However, factors like aging, poor lifestyle, injury, autoimmune responses, and nutritional deficiencies can impact joint health, leading to stiffness, pain, and reduced mobility. Maintaining joint health is essential for long-term well-being and an active lifestyle. Ayurveda emphasizes balance in diet, daily routine, and herbal support to keep joints strong and nourished. In this article, we will study about one such disease—Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)—that affects joints and explore its treatment through Ayurvedic principles.

Introduction

In the morning, during getting out of the bed if you feel stiffness and intense pain in the joints which gradually subsides after some time, if these symptoms persist for a longer time then you are suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. Morning stiffness is one of the main symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatoid Arthritis is an inflammatory chronic auto-immune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues. According to modern medicine, rheumatoid arthritis is an auto-immune disorder whose cause is not known. But Ayurveda sees it in a different way and in this study we will look into the same.

Causes Of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder, meaning the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, especially the joints. The exact cause is not fully known, but several factors contribute to its development:

1. Genetic Factors

• Certain genes (like HLA-DR4) increase susceptibility.
• Family history of RA raises risk.

2. Autoimmune Reaction

• The immune system attacks the synovial lining of joints.
• This leads to inflammation, pain, and joint damage.

3. Environmental Triggers

• Infections (viral or bacterial) may trigger abnormal immune responses.
• Smoking is a strong risk factor for developing RA.

4. Hormonal Imbalance

• RA is more common in women, suggesting estrogen may play a role.
• Hormonal changes (like during pregnancy or menopause) can influence onset or severity.

5. Obesity and Poor Lifestyle

• Obesity increases inflammation in the body.
• Sedentary lifestyle and poor diet contribute to chronic inflammation.

Symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Early rheumatoid arthritis tends to affect the small joints first- particularly the interphalangeal joints that attach the fingers to the hands and toes of the feet.

• The primary symptom of rheumatoid arthritis is morning stiffness with unbearable pain due to inflammation in the joints.
• Pain in the joints is acute in the morning and gradually subsides after some physical movements.
• Joint pain remains moderate during the day time and increases sharply at night.
• There is heaviness, mild fever, lethargy and fatigue without any physical activity.
• Constant regurgitation in the stomach, flatulence, constipation, etc.

Diagnosis Of Rheymatoid Arthritis

Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) involves a combination of clinical evaluation, patient history, physical examination, and specialized tests. Since early symptoms may resemble other joint disorders, accurate diagnosis is crucial to begin timely treatment and prevent joint damage. Doctors assess the pattern of joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation, along with systemic symptoms like fatigue and weight loss. Laboratory tests and imaging help confirm the autoimmune nature and severity of the disease. Early diagnosis can significantly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life for individuals with RA.

Diagnostic Techniques

• Blood Tests (e.g., Rheumatoid Factor, Anti-CCP, ESR, CRP)
• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• MRI
• Physical Examination

Ayurvedic Overview of Rheumatoid Arthritis

According to the Ayurveda, Rheumatoid Arthritis is correlated with Amavata. This condition occurs due to the formation of Ama or endotoxins. Ama is defined as the undigested or unassimilated food in the body which is formed due to the malfunctioning of the digestive system. The aggravating Vata circulates Ama in the channels of the body and gets deposited in the joints causing Amavata.

Causes of Amavata.

• Dietary: Wrong dietary habits such as taking stale and leftover food. Heating the vegetables again and again, frozen foods, excessive consumption of junk foods etc. Wrong food combinations such as taking milk with fruits, taking vegetables with milk etc.
• Lifestyle: Strenuous activity after heavy meals may disturb digestion and dosha balance.
• Psychological: Stress and negative emotions during meals can worsen symptoms.

Ancient Verse

Reference: Astanga Hridyam, Sutrasthanam, Chapter No., Shloka No. 13 – 14)

Meaning: According to this shloka, a person who takes incompatible foods, takes excess food, eats over undigested food develops the dreaded Ama dosha which is similar to the poison.

Herbal Remedies For Rheumatoid Arthritis By Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is a trusted brand that offers natural and safe herbal products based on the ancient science of Ayurveda. Founded by Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD Ayurveda), it focuses on healing the body naturally without any side effects. All products are made from pure herbs without chemicals, colors, or preservatives. The herbs are carefully chosen and processed in clean, modern factories to maintain the best quality. Planet Ayurveda helps people manage long-term health problems, boost immunity, and stay healthy through natural ways. It aims to bring the benefits of Ayurveda to people all over the world.RA Care Pack by Planet Ayurveda is a carefully crafted herbal combination designed to support joint health and manage Rheumatoid Arthritis naturally. Let’s have a look on this pack and how the remedies mentioned in this pack helps in managing Rheumatoid Arthritis.

1. Ashwagandha Capsules

Ashwagandha Capsules by Planet Ayurveda is a single herbal capsule formulation including standardised extract of herb Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). It is a nourishing herb that helps to retain the nourishment of the tissues, muscles and bones. This herb has anti-inflammatory and immune-modulation properties due to which it is very effective in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.

Dose: 1-2 capsules to be taken twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

2. Boswellia Curcumin Capsules

Boswellia Curcumin is a herbal capsule formulation by Planet Ayurveda includes two herbs Shallaki (Boswellia serrata) and Haridra (Curcuma longa). Two main properties of this formulation are analgesic and anti-inflammatory. Due to these properties, this formulation herbs act against inflammation thus, effective in reducing swelling in joints, morning stiffness, pain therefore increasing mobility.

Dose: 1-2 capsules to be taken twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

3. Aamvatantak Churna

Aamvatantak Churna is a polyherbal powder blend designed by Planet Ayurveda especially for conditions with Ama and Vata. It includes ingredients such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum), Suranjaan (Colchicum autumnale), etc. This churna provides relief in joint stiffness in the morning as well as severe joint pain. The ingredients present in this churna improve the blood flow to the affected joints and corrects the impaired immune system.

Dose: Take ½ to 1 teaspoonful of powder to be taken twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

4. RumoGin 5 Capsules

Rumogin 5 Capsules by Planet Ayurveda is specially formulated polyherbal capsules formulation for Ama Conditions. These capsules consist of herbs such as Haridra (Curcuma longa), Sonth (Zingiber officinale), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), etc. It is a powerful blend of anti-inflammatory and antioxidant herbs. These capsules help reduce pain, stiffness, and swelling in the joints by balancing the Vata and Kapha doshas and flushing out accumulated toxins (Ama) from the body.

Dose: Take 1- 2 capsules to be taken twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

5. Joint Aid Plus

Joint Aid Plus is a polyherbal capsule formulation by Planet Ayurveda. These capsules consist of standardised extract of herbs such as Nirgundi (Vitex negundo), Shallaki (Boswellia serrata), Guggul (Commiphora mukul), etc. It works by balancing aggravated Vata dosha and eliminating Ama (toxins), which are the primary contributors to autoimmune joint disorders according to Ayurveda. The blend of herbs in this formulation helps reduce swelling, stiffness, and pain, while also supporting cartilage repair and preventing further joint damage.

Dose: 2 capsules to be taken twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

Yograj Guggul is a classical ayurvedic formulation prepared by Planet Ayurveda under strict guidance of M.D Ayurveda practitioners. It comes in tablet form and consists of herbs such as Guggul (Commiphora mukul), Nagarmotha (Cyperus rotundus), Chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica). It helps by balancing aggravated Vata dosha and reducing Ama (toxins) that cause joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation. The combination of detoxifying and anti-inflammatory herbs supports better joint mobility, eases chronic pain, and improves digestion to prevent further toxin accumulation.

Dose: 2 tablets to be taken twice daily with plain water after taking meals.

Diet and Lifestyle

• Eat light, warm, easily digestible and freshly cooked meals.
• The best remedy for rheumatoid arthritis patients is castor oil. Include castor oil in your diet. Take 1 spoon of castor oil mixed in a glass of warm milk or water and consume it twice or thrice a week.
• Increase the use of ginger, turmeric, black pepper in the diet.
• Oil massage is strictly prohibited in the initial treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Avoid the intake of cooling, heavy, oily, constipating food items in the diet, such as processed and packaged foods, curd, rice, lady finger

Conclusion

Rheumatoid Arthritis is a painful autoimmune disorder that affects the joints and severely hampers daily life. While modern medicine focuses on symptom suppression, Ayurveda offers a holistic approach by addressing the root causes like Ama and Vata imbalance. With proper diet, lifestyle changes, and effective herbal formulations like the RA Care Pack by Planet Ayurveda, individuals can experience significant relief from pain, stiffness, and inflammation. These remedies help improve digestion, detoxify the body, and support joint health naturally. Early diagnosis and Ayurvedic management can prevent long-term damage and promote a better quality of life in those suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis.