Rheumatoid Arthritis and Its Ayurvedic Remedies
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks its own joints and synovial tissues, leading to inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and pain, mostly in fingers, wrists, knees, and ankles. In Ayurveda, this condition is correlated with “Amavata”, which is caused by accumulation of Ama (toxins) due to indigestion along with aggravated Vata dosha. Ayurvedic management focuses on detoxifying the body, reducing inflammation, balancing doshas, and strengthening joints for long-term relief.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a generally progressive disease affecting primarily the joints which become swollen and painful. If not treated immediately, it may result in deformity. The muscles, ligaments, synovial membrane and the cartilages get inflamed and, therefore, movement of the joints becomes extremely painful. If it goes unchecked, and the joint remains immobilised for long periods, ankylosis occurs. This leads to deformity and difficulty in movement.
Ayurvedic Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis: In the beginning, Mahayogaraj guggulu is given to the patient: In winter season it is given in a dose of two tablets four times a days. In summer season it is given in a dose of two tablets, two times a day. Hot water or milk is given to the patient after these tablets. They are more effective when taken on empty stomach. Medicated oil, namely, Mahanarayana taila should be used for gentle massage over the joints. In winter season, it should be slightly warmed before massage.
In the beginning, this disease affects the small joints in fingers. It is usually insidious. Stiffness of the small muscles of the hands is generally the next event and the fingers tend to get curved and ultimately become fixed. The infection then spreads towards the trunk involving the wrist joints, ankle joints, elbow joints, knee joints, shoulders, hips and jaw. If the bigger joints are affected then Brihadvata chintamani is the drug of choice. It is given in a dose of 0.250 gm., two or three times a day, depending upon the intensity of the pain and the duration of the disease. This is usually available in a powder form and given to the patient by mixing with honey.
At a later stage, even the spine gets affected and in that case, Brihadvata chintamani has to be given to the patient in a little higher dose for about a week and then reduced. Both Mahayogaraj guggulu and Brihadvata chintamani will work in the body of the patient only if there is no constipation. The patient should, therefore, be given castor oil as purgative every evening. Apart from purgative effect, castor oil also exercises some therapeutic effect on the joints of the patient.
If the condition of the patient has become chronic, then along with Mahayogaraj guggulu or Brihadvata chintamani, a decoction called Maharasanadi kwattha should be given to the patient. It is given in a dose of 6 teaspoonfuls and it acts better if it is slightly warmed when administered.
Diet to taken by rheumatoid arthritis patients: Sour things, including curd, are strictly prohibited. Pulses and preparations of pulses, fried things and constipating foods should be shunned. Garlic and ginger are extremely useful for the patient. Five cloves of garlic should be given to the patient twice daily, along with food. If raw garlic is not tolerated for its foul odour, then it should be slightly fried in butter and given to the patient. Bitter vegetables like bitter gourd, bitter variety of drumstick and neem flowers are very good for the patient. Rice should be avoided.
Other regimens : Because of the inflammation, the patient is advised not to make much of movement, but he should not keep those joints immobilised. This may result in permanent deformity. Therefore light and gentle exercise are always needed for the patient. The rheumatoid arthritis patientshould not expose himself to cold wind or rain. Taking bath in cold water is also to be avoided. He should not drink iced water. There should be sufficient gap between the intake of supper and going to bed. It is better if the food is taken at about 6 o'clock and the patient is allowed to go to bed by 9 or 9-30 p.m.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
1. Panchakarma & Detoxification
Virechana (purgation): Cleanses excess Pitta and Ama
Vasti (medicated enema): Highly effective to balance aggravated Vata and reduce joint pain
Abhyanga (medicated oil massage): Improves circulation and lubrication
Swedana (steam sudation): Reduces stiffness and toxins
2. Herbal Medicines
Yograj Guggulu / Mahayograj Guggulu: Reduces swelling and strengthens joints
Shallaki (Boswellia), Ashwagandha: Anti-inflammatory and improves mobility
Guduchi (Giloy) & Rasna: Immuno-modulator and toxin eliminator
Nirgundi Oil / Mahanarayan Taila: For external massage
3. Home Remedies
Drink warm water with turmeric & dry ginger
Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and chew on empty stomach
Use castor oil at night for mild laxation to clear Ama
4. Diet Recommendations
Eat light, warm, easily digestible food like khichdi, barley, soup
Include ginger, garlic, ajwain, turmeric in cooking
Avoid cold, fried, sour, curd, processed & fermented foods
Drink warm water or herbal teas (like coriander or cumin tea)
5. Lifestyle Suggestions
Practice gentle yoga (e.g., Vajrasana, Tadasana, Trikonasana)
Keep joints warm and avoid damp, cold environment
Maintain proper digestion and daily routine
Manage stress with pranayama and meditation
Rheumatoid arthritis is a generally progressive disease affecting primarily the joints which become swollen and painful. If not treated immediately, it may result in deformity. The muscles, ligaments, synovial membrane and the cartilages get inflamed and, therefore, movement of the joints becomes extremely painful. If it goes unchecked, and the joint remains immobilised for long periods, ankylosis occurs. This leads to deformity and difficulty in movement.
Ayurvedic Treatment for rheumatoid arthritis: In the beginning, Mahayogaraj guggulu is given to the patient: In winter season it is given in a dose of two tablets four times a days. In summer season it is given in a dose of two tablets, two times a day. Hot water or milk is given to the patient after these tablets. They are more effective when taken on empty stomach. Medicated oil, namely, Mahanarayana taila should be used for gentle massage over the joints. In winter season, it should be slightly warmed before massage.
In the beginning, this disease affects the small joints in fingers. It is usually insidious. Stiffness of the small muscles of the hands is generally the next event and the fingers tend to get curved and ultimately become fixed. The infection then spreads towards the trunk involving the wrist joints, ankle joints, elbow joints, knee joints, shoulders, hips and jaw. If the bigger joints are affected then Brihadvata chintamani is the drug of choice. It is given in a dose of 0.250 gm., two or three times a day, depending upon the intensity of the pain and the duration of the disease. This is usually available in a powder form and given to the patient by mixing with honey.
At a later stage, even the spine gets affected and in that case, Brihadvata chintamani has to be given to the patient in a little higher dose for about a week and then reduced. Both Mahayogaraj guggulu and Brihadvata chintamani will work in the body of the patient only if there is no constipation. The patient should, therefore, be given castor oil as purgative every evening. Apart from purgative effect, castor oil also exercises some therapeutic effect on the joints of the patient.
If the condition of the patient has become chronic, then along with Mahayogaraj guggulu or Brihadvata chintamani, a decoction called Maharasanadi kwattha should be given to the patient. It is given in a dose of 6 teaspoonfuls and it acts better if it is slightly warmed when administered.
Diet to taken by rheumatoid arthritis patients: Sour things, including curd, are strictly prohibited. Pulses and preparations of pulses, fried things and constipating foods should be shunned. Garlic and ginger are extremely useful for the patient. Five cloves of garlic should be given to the patient twice daily, along with food. If raw garlic is not tolerated for its foul odour, then it should be slightly fried in butter and given to the patient. Bitter vegetables like bitter gourd, bitter variety of drumstick and neem flowers are very good for the patient. Rice should be avoided.
Other regimens : Because of the inflammation, the patient is advised not to make much of movement, but he should not keep those joints immobilised. This may result in permanent deformity. Therefore light and gentle exercise are always needed for the patient. The rheumatoid arthritis patientshould not expose himself to cold wind or rain. Taking bath in cold water is also to be avoided. He should not drink iced water. There should be sufficient gap between the intake of supper and going to bed. It is better if the food is taken at about 6 o'clock and the patient is allowed to go to bed by 9 or 9-30 p.m.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Rheumatoid Arthritis
1. Panchakarma & Detoxification
Virechana (purgation): Cleanses excess Pitta and Ama
Vasti (medicated enema): Highly effective to balance aggravated Vata and reduce joint pain
Abhyanga (medicated oil massage): Improves circulation and lubrication
Swedana (steam sudation): Reduces stiffness and toxins
2. Herbal Medicines
Yograj Guggulu / Mahayograj Guggulu: Reduces swelling and strengthens joints
Shallaki (Boswellia), Ashwagandha: Anti-inflammatory and improves mobility
Guduchi (Giloy) & Rasna: Immuno-modulator and toxin eliminator
Nirgundi Oil / Mahanarayan Taila: For external massage
3. Home Remedies
Drink warm water with turmeric & dry ginger
Soak fenugreek seeds overnight and chew on empty stomach
Use castor oil at night for mild laxation to clear Ama
4. Diet Recommendations
Eat light, warm, easily digestible food like khichdi, barley, soup
Include ginger, garlic, ajwain, turmeric in cooking
Avoid cold, fried, sour, curd, processed & fermented foods
Drink warm water or herbal teas (like coriander or cumin tea)
5. Lifestyle Suggestions
Practice gentle yoga (e.g., Vajrasana, Tadasana, Trikonasana)
Keep joints warm and avoid damp, cold environment
Maintain proper digestion and daily routine
Manage stress with pranayama and meditation
