Natural Treatment for ITP ( Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Purpura)

ITP is an autoimmune disease in which the blood platelet count decreases to a minimum level which is below 150 million in 1 ml blood. The word "Idiopathic" means that the cause of the disorder is unknown, it just happens , the word "Thrombocytopenia" means a decrease in platelets (cells that stop bleeding) and the word "Purpura" means formation of purple areas on the skin and in the mouth where bleeding has occurred due to shortage of blood platelets. The disorder may get triggered due to some infection, pregnancy or other immune disorders. According to some, strep throat, not finishing the antibiotics, poisonous blood, chronic stomach ulcers and even miscarriage could cause ITP.

There are some natural remedies for this condition which works well to bring back the platelet count up rapidly. These include:

Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is a quick, natural way to boost the platelet count and prevent any symptom of ITP. It is recommended to drink Aloe Vera juice on daily basis to decrease bleeding from gums and mouth. Aloe Vera juice also helps in boosting energy.

Papaya Leaf Juice

Papaya leaf juice is one of the oldest remedies in boosting up the platelet count. Papaya leaf extract is known to significantly increase the platelet count. One can prepare papaya leaf juice by boiling some leaves in water, straining and drinking the resulting solution.

Pomegranate

Pomegranate serves as an excellent fruit for blood and provides the needed energy boost for the patients suffering from ITP. The fruit’s red color indicates its high iron content. The fruit can help combat increasing platelet reduction with regular consumption. Pomegranate can be eaten as is or in the form of juice. Other juices that may be taken are beet root juice, amla juice and apple juice.

Vitamin K

Vitamin K Rich foods like parsley, kale, basil, mustard greens, spinach, Swiss chards, watercress, broccoli, celery, asparagus, okra and cabbage should be consumed in adequate amounts as Vitamin K is essential for proper blood clotting.

Vitamin A rich foods

Vitamin A rich foods are also essential for healthy platelet production. Vitamin A is also significant for protein formation in the body which further regulates the process of cell division and growth. It is necessary to consume carrots, pumpkin, kale and sweet potatoes. One may drink a glass of carrot juice daily for faster results.

The best diet for ITP treatment is intake of leaves and grass like Radish leaves, mint leaves, coriander leaves, spinach leaves, Fenugreek leaves, Rocket leaves, lettuce, Kale, lemon grass, wheat grass and Spirulina.

The patient is recommended to take steamed vegetables like potatoes, cabbage, bottle gourd, pumpkin, round gourd, bitter melon, peas, beans, turnip , broccoli and cauliflower. Taking sprouts of green lentils, Bengal gram , bean sprouts and fenugreek is highly beneficially. They should include cucumber, radish and beetroot in salads.

In beverages, they should prefer water, coconut water, pumpkin juice and only goat milk (if needed).

It is advised for the patient to take Green Tea and prepare Herbal Tea by boiling half spoon of Fennel (saunf), Dhaniya (coriander), Anar Chilka( Pomegranate peel) in 3 cups of water till it is reduced to 1 cup . This herbal concoction can be taken two times a day.

One may prepare Green juice by mixing coriander leaves (about 10 leaves),4 mint leaves , 2 spinach leaves, 2 Basil leaves, 5 wheat grass , 6 long grass and 3 Sheesham leaves and take 2 spoons twice daily of the mix.

A bowl of boiled rice preferably brown rice and khicadi (gruel) may be taken. The patient should take one chapatti: missi roti, raw fenugreek leaves may also be mixed in the dough.The patient going through ITP should stay away from all kinds of processed foods and sodas, avoid spicy foods, sugary foods and alcohol. They need to stay away from hard sports for sure. Salt intake should be minimized and one needs to avoid drugs like aspirin that affect the platelet function .It is also recommended for the patients to avoid strong smelling perfumes, soaps, shampoos and detergents.

The patients need to decrease protein intake, eliminate dairy like milk, curd ,butter milk and cheese, eliminate polyunsaturated vegetable oils, margarine, vegetable shortening etc. They need to completely avoid citrus fruits like lemon, orange and sweet lemon, carrot, and banana. All packaged foods, confectionary items, aerated drinks, alcohol, dry nuts, non veg diet and spices like clove, black pepper, chilli should be avoided completely.

It is very important to lead a stress and anxiety free life as these can drop the platelet count to a certain level. One needs to try doing meditation, yoga, aromatherapy or pursue a hobby to relieve stress. Getting adequate sleep is the key for faster recovery.

It is necessary to lead an active life as sedentary life signals the body to shut down the normal functioning leading to fewer platelets production and making one more tired and exhausted.

Platelets are a vital component of the blood that helps the body form clots to stop bleeding in the event of an injury. Low platelet count should be considered seriously and treated with natural foods and supplements.