Vitiligo (Leucoderma) - Ayurvedic Herbal Treatment

Vitiligo is a medical condition in which irregular, white patches appear on the skin because of loss of melanin, the pigment that determines the color of skin, hair and eyes. While the exact cause is not known, heredity and a disturbed immune system are believed to be important contributing factors to this condition, which is also known as leucoderma. Vitiligo is more of a cosmetic condition than a disease, however, for some, it may have devastating emotional and psychological consequences.

Vitiligo is known in Ayurveda as "Shwitra" or "Kilaas". The ancient texts clearly mention that this condition is not contagious, and does not cause symptoms like other skin diseases.

Traditional Ayurvedic formulations which are useful in this condition are: Arogya Vardhini, Trivanga Bhasma, Mahamanjishthadi Qadha (decoction), Khadirarishta, Krumikuthar Rasa, Krumimudgar Rasa, Saarivasav and Rasa Manikya. Herbal medicines useful for vitiligo are: Manjishtha (Rubia cordifolia), Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Triphala (Three fruits), Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Khadir (Acacia catechu), Vidanga (Embilia ribes) and Bavachi (Psoralia corylifolia).

Bavachi has a special place in vitiligo treatment. It is applied on the skin in the form of a paste or oil, and the affected skin parts are exposed for a few minutes to the mild rays of the sun, at particular times of the day. It is also given for oral consumption in the form of powder or tablets. Some physicians prefer to give this medicine in gradually increasing doses for a few weeks, and then taper it gradually.

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Vacha (Acorus calamus) and Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) are useful to reduce stress. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus), and Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra) are useful to correct the disturbed immune system.

Some Ayurvedic physicians recommend blood letting (either by leech application or by using a syringe or surgical knife) from the affected skin patches, as part of the therapy. Yet others believe that treatment of "Krumi" or worms is an important part of treatment.

Treatment for this condition is long-term, and may take anything from three to eighteen months. The duration of treatment may not be proportional to the extent of skin involvement, probably because of a disturbed immune system. For example, some persons with widespread vitiligo may respond very fast, whereas others with a few skin patches may respond slowly.

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