Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a disease in which the nerves of the central nervous system degenerate. This disease is believed to be an autoimmune disorder, resulting from the body’s immune dysfunction. Genetic factors are believed to play an important role in MS. There are different types of MS, including a relapsing-remitting type, a primary progressive type, and a secondary progressive type. Symptoms include visual disturbances, muscle spasms, numbness and weakness, loss of sensation, speech impediments, tremors, vertigo, cognitive defects, and depression. Heat seems to intensify symptoms in some patients, while pregnancy probably reduces the number of attacks.

Ayurvedic treatment of MS aims to treat the basic pathology of the disease, reduce the number of attacks, improve recovery from attacks, stop or slow the progression of the disease, and treat immune dysfunction.

Medicines used for this purpose are: Yograj-Guggulu, Trayodashang-Guggulu, Kaishor-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Vat-Gajankush-Ras, Maha-Vat-Vidhwans-Ras, Agnitundi-Ras, Vish-Tinduk- Vati, Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), and Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus). Yashtimadhuk and Kuchla (Strychnos nuxvomica) form the main line of treatment for this disease.

Medicines that act on the ‘Majja’ Dhatu (tissue) of the body are also very effective in treating this condition and include medicines like Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Musta (Cyperus rotundus).

In addition, localized therapy in which medicated oils are used to massage the body, followed by medicated steam enhancement, can also be used. Medicines used for these procedures are: Mahanarayan oil, Mahamash oil, Mahasaindhav oil, Dashmool qadha (decoction) and Nirgundi qadha.

Specific problems or complications must be treated separately, in addition to the use of the medications mentioned above. Visual disturbances can be treated with medications like Triphala-Ghrut, Tulsi (Ocimum sanctum), Shatavari, and Saptamrut-Loh.

Muscle weakness can be treated with medications like Ashwagandha, Kuchla, Tapyadi-Loh, and Trayodashang-Guggulu.

Cognitive defects can be treated with medications such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Vacha (Acorus calamus), and Ashwagandha.

Depression can be treated with Vacha, Laxmi-Vilas-Ras and Shrung-Bhasma.

Psychotic symptoms can be treated with Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) and Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina).

Medications like Yashtimadhuk, Vish-Tinduk-Vati, Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani, Tapyadi-Loh, Abhrak-Bhasma, Trivang-Bhasma and Suvarna-Bhasma can be given long term to achieve maximum recovery from this disease and prevent recurrence . . All these patients should be under the regular care and supervision of a neurologist.