Have you ever seen someone with white patches all over their skin? Well, that happens when some part of your skin loses its pigmentation, resulting in discoloration. This condition is known as vitiligo, which in Hindi means ‘फुलवेरी’. Around the globe, 1% of the population suffer from vitiligo. It generally starts from the hands, forearms, feet, and face. It happens when the melanocytes (cells that provide pigment in the body) function is disrupted and it further results in depigmentation. There is no need to worry as this health disorder is not contagious at all. However, it can become socially challenging for those suffering from it. The main root cause of vitiligo will be explained further.
Understanding Vitiligo
Vitiligo which is also often termed as leukoderma is a skin disease. According to Ayurveda, it is considered that when an individual often opts for viruddha ahara (wrong combination of foods) that is when vitiligo develops. This is not harmful to an individual’s health yet it needs to be treated. Else, one can struggle with social life as it often lowers one’s confidence and self-esteem. With powerful herbal remedies for vitiligo, one will notice positive results. However, for personalized treatment, it is recommended to consult a health expert.
Vitiligo Symptoms
- Loss of natural skin color
- The patches are mostly developed on the face, hand, feet, elbows, and knees
- Hair can turn white or grey on the scalp
- Eyebrows, eyelashes, and beard might change their color
- Patches can appear inside the mouth or nose
Vitiligo Causes
- Genetics
- Wrong combination of food
- Exposure to UV radiation
- In contact with certain chemicals
Risk Factors
- In a recent study, it was found that there are 2 age groups where the vitiligo risk peaks. That is 0-9 years and 60-69 years.
- Other autoimmune diseases usually trigger the risk of developing vitiligo.
- Having frequent direct contact with phenol-containing chemicals, that are found in detergents, normally increases the risk.
What Type of Viruddha Ahara causes Vitiligo
In Ayurveda, we suggest each of our patients and other individuals to understand what diet suits the best to their personal body prakriti. This will do wonders for your body in enormous ways. However, below is a short list of wrong food combinations that can worsen your vitiligo. One must understand the right way of consuming different food items and never risk their health for just a little taste.
- Milk and Fish
- Fruit and Dairy
- Tomatoes and Starchy food
- Lemon and Milk
- Cucumber and Milk
- Yogurt and Fish
- Beans and Cheese
Natural Treatment of Vitiligo: Herbal Remedies
Since ancient times, herbal products of different nature and effects have been used for the natural care of vitiligo. We are here to share the majority of those effective remedies with you. This way one can understand the importance and power of Ayurvedic treatment. Rather than opting for light therapies or cosmetic surgeries, why not shift to our age-old natural medicinal system Ayurveda?
Cucumis Melo
Cucumis Melo is a scientific name for musk melon. In India, it is more commonly known as ‘खरबूजा’. Vitiligo patients are mostly recommended cucumis Melo as it stops the deconstruction of melanocytes and balances them as per the requirement of the body. This is because of the antioxidants present in them. It helps stop the oxidative stress that is said to be the main cause of this deconstruction of pigment-producing cells.
There are various ways in which it can be incorporated into one’s routine. For topical application, musk melon extract with some other ingredients infused together works effectively. The other way is oral consumption which works the best for you under the guidance of an Ayurvedic expert only.
Green Tea
Green tea is not just a drink for weight loss. It has some amazing qualities beyond that. It contains catechins which are antioxidants that will reduce oxidative stress as well as improve your skin condition. The second best advantage of green tea for vitiligo patients is that it will reduce internal inflammation and balance the dysfunction of the cells.
If you consume green tea regularly, it will slow the speed of the spread of vitiligo in the body. Else, topical application may help reduce itching, irritation, and discomfort caused by long exposure to the sun.
Picrorhiza kurroa
It is a slightly bitter herb that has been used for human health treatments for a long time. It has hepatoprotective properties.
It is an Ayurvedic herb. Picrorhiza kurroa is the scientific name, and kutaki is its general name. It is the most recommendable herb for vitiligo patients because it may help with repigmentation of the skin in vitiligo. This has been proven by some studies. Just like other herbs or remedies, it can also be incorporated orally or topically. Your health expert will recommend the right way for you after analyzing your skin and condition in and out.
Neem
It is also known as Indian lilac. We all know how beneficial neem is for human health. Neem products are super famous in the market for healthy and glowing skin. Think of how effective it will be when retained in its natural form. That is why everyone prefers Ayurveda as it knows to use a beneficial herb in such a way where chemicals have no space and herbs show their natural effective qualities to heal.
Anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are found in neem. Neem oil or neem leaf paste can be simply applied to the affected area. This will calm the skin and treat vitiligo.
Fossil Tree
It is the scientific name of the maidenhair tree. It is one of the oldest trees on earth. Its leaves and seeds are till date largely used for medicinal purposes. Ginkgo extracts have shown effective results in various treatments. For the last few years, it has been used for the treatment of vitiligo skin disease as well. It seems to possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties for the health of human beings. Data from various studies have proven its efficiency in controlling vitiligo.
Aloe Vera
It is known to facilitate the patients suffering from vitiligo by cooling off the skin and relieving the inflammation with its properties. Applying fresh aloe vera gel directly to the vitiligo white patches on the skin helps calm the irritation and promotes fast healing.
Aloe vera can be consumed orally as well. Either in the form of aloe vera juice, or aloe vera extract. This will help treat the condition from the inside. That is, it will fight the root cause causing vitiligo symptoms.
Curcumin
Curcumin is the active compound of turmeric. We Indians already know the benefits turmeric holds in recovering from an injury or health problem. Consuming it in various ways like turmeric paste, turmeric water, and turmeric milk will show you the desired results for improvement and healing.
Just like other herbs, turmeric also possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties which will help heal and balance the skin cells.
The Bottom Line
Ayurveda has been using nature’s healing properties to treat mankind for long. It views the purpose of herbs as the best friend of mankind and, provides and heals them. These vitiligo natural remedies and treatments are so effective that even today many people rely on them for cure. Trust the Ayurvedic way of dealing with health disorders or diseases and notice the difference yourself. This will never leave you at a bay where it might treat your one disease but in return leaves you with innumerable side effects.
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