Management of Amavata (Rheumatoid Arthritis) with Erandamool (Ricinus communis Linn.) Kwath - A Case Study

Musculoskeletal diseases are increasing due to stressful life and other causative factors representing manifestations like pain, swelling, stiffness, reduced mobility of the joint involved etc. Amongst them Amavata is very common which is correlated with Rheumatoid arthritis. Ama is the byproduct of improper digestion which obstructs body channels and accumulates in Sandhi (joints). Vitiated Vata Dosha and Ama come together in Amavata causing symptoms like Angamarda (bodyache), Aruchi (anorexia), Stabdhata (stiffness). Women are affected approximately three times more often than men with this chronic multisystem autoimmune disease, RA. Ayurveda focuses on the cure of root cause of the disease. Eranda (Ricinus communis) is mentioned as having specific Amavatahara Prabhava in Ayurveda classics. Eranda root as mentioned in Ayurvedic classics works on both vitiated Vata and the Ama by its Rasa Gunadi properties thus breaking the pathogenesis of Amavata. Since Eranda is easily available in India it can be a safe, effective and economic solution for Amavata / Rheumatoid Arthritis.