Bullous Pemphigoid, indeed, involves more than just the skin, and you’ve rightly thought about its connection to gut health. In Ayurveda, this can be linked to imbalances in Pitta and Kapha energies, and the disruption of digestive fire, or agni. You’ve taken essential steps by eliminating inflammatory foods, yet there’s a deeper layer to addressing autoimmune conditions.
Beginning with diet, consider incorporating cooling, anti-inflammatory foods to pacify Pitta. Favor foods like cucumber, zucchini, and coriander which are gentle on digestion. Also, continue to avoid nightshades like tomatoes and eggplants, as they may exacerbate autoimmune symptoms. Encourage a diet rich in easily digestible grains, such as basmati rice, and lentils, moong dal particularly, can be soothing.
Enhancing the digestive fire gently is important, given her history with acid reflux, opt for mild spices like turmeric, ginger, and fennel. Sipping on warm cumin-coriander-fennel tea can aid in reducing bloating and support digestion. Triphala, a classic Ayurvedic formula, can aid gentle detoxification and support gut health but use cautiously and consult a local practitioner when integrating this into her routine.
Stress management plays a crucial role, as stress can aggravate Pitta. Encourage daily practices of meditation or gentle yoga. Pranayama, with emphasis on cooling breathwork like Sheetali, can be especially beneficial for calming both the mind and Pitta imbalances.
Externally, for managing blisters and itching, applying coconut oil infused with neem leaves may provide relief without irritation. Neem’s anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties are well-suited for soothing the skin.
An important note—given her complex medical history and reliance on steroids, collaborate closely with her healthcare provider for a balanced approach. I do encourage working with an Ayurvedic practitioner who can personalize these suggestions further, in coordination with ongoing medical treatments to ensure both safety and efficacy. Monitor any new symptoms closely and ensure she remains under professional medical supervision.
It seems like your mother’s condition involves more than just the skin; you’re right to consider the gut’s role. Addressing this holistically, from a Siddha-Ayurvedic perspective, could provide more balance to her system.
First, focusing on her agni (digestive fire) could be beneficial, as optimal digestion is key. Encourage her to eat foods that are freshly prepared and easy to digest, avoid cold or refrigerated leftovers, as they might dull agni. Since you’ve already excluded inflammatory foods, continue to emphasize lightly cooked vegetables, stewed fruits, and non-spicy lentils.
Given her history of acid reflux, it’s crucial to balance her pitta dosha. Small doses of organic aloe vera juice, consumed on an empty stomach in the morning, can be soothing. Including cooling herbs like coriander and fennel in her meals could also offer relief.
For the autoimmune aspect, managing stress is vital since it exacerbates imbalances. Daily practices such as Pranayama or meditation might help calm the mind and reduce stress.
Now, about the reactive septic arthritis and immune support: Begin incorporating blends of haritaki, amala (in form of Triphala powder) to rejuvenate tissues and ease any constipation she may have. Starting with half a teaspoon of Triphala at bedtime with warm water can gently cleanse her system.
However, the presence of blisters returning in absence of medication, and history of infections like urinary ones are legitimate concerns. If conventional medicine has identified specific interventions like Rituximab, prioritize discussions with her current healthcare providers. They have insights into her immediate needs and would understand the urgency or necessity of intervention better in context.
Above all, continue close dialogue with healthcare professionals before altering her current medical treatments. Integrating Ayurvedic practices as a supportive therapy rather than a primary treatment for active autoimmune flares is paramount for safety.
