Lichen Planus is categorized in Ayurveda as a type of Kushtha (skin disorder), primarily caused by an imbalance of Pitta and Vata doshas. It manifests as flat-topped, purple or reddish itchy lesions that may appear on the skin, nails, or mucous membranes. Pitta leads to inflammation, while Vata causes dryness and scaling. The condition affects Rakta and Twak dhatus, and is often triggered by stress, toxins, and improper diet.
Signs & Symptoms (Lakshana)
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Flat, shiny, itchy purple lesions on wrists, ankles, and lower back.
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Scaly or flaky patches on the skin surface.
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Painful or burning sensation in oral or genital lesions.
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White lacy patches inside the mouth (Wickham’s striae).
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Nail brittleness, ridges, or loss in severe cases.
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Mucosal involvement with ulcers or soreness.
Causative Factors (Nidana)
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Dietary: Spicy, sour, salty, fermented, and oily foods aggravate Pitta and form Ama.
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Lifestyle: Stress, lack of activity, suppressed urges, and heat exposure aggravate Vata and Pitta.
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Dosha Imbalance: Pitta causes inflammation; Vata causes dryness; Kapha may add mucous-like secretions.
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Psychological: Anxiety, trauma, and mental fatigue worsen symptoms and immunity.
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Genetic: Autoimmune predisposition, especially in Pitta-Vata prakriti individuals.
Ayurvedic Approach to Treatment
At Aimil Healthcare, our Ayurvedic protocol for Lichen Planus involves balancing Vata and Pitta, detoxifying the body, strengthening Agni, and nourishing Rakta and Twak dhatus. We target the root causes—diet, toxins, and emotional triggers—while supporting the body's natural healing processes through personalized treatments.
1. Dietary Regime (Ahara Chikitsa)
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Include cooling, hydrating foods like cucumber, coconut, leafy greens, and moong dal.
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Avoid spicy, sour, salty, fermented, and greasy foods.
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Prefer light, easy-to-digest meals with buttermilk and rice to reduce Ama.
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Drink plenty of water and coconut water for hydration and Pitta balance.
2. Lifestyle Recommendations (Vihara Chikitsa)
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Reduce stress with yoga, meditation, and pranayama.
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Avoid excessive sunlight and environmental irritants.
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Engage in moderate physical activity for circulation and dosha regulation.
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Ensure adequate sleep for systemic balance and skin recovery.
3. Panchakarma Therapy (Shodhana Chikitsa)
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Virechana (purgation) to eliminate excess Pitta and Ama.
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Abhyanga with cooling oils like sandalwood or coconut for skin nourishment.
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Shirodhara to calm mental stress and balance doshas.
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Swedana (steam therapy) to open pores and eliminate toxins.
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Raktamokshana (bloodletting) in select chronic cases for Rakta shuddhi.
4. Palliative Therapy (Shamana Chikitsa)
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Internal: Kutki, Triphala for detox and Agni strengthening; Saraswatarishta for stress reduction.
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External: Aloe vera gel to soothe inflammation; Neem paste for its antimicrobial and detoxifying effects.
5. Ayurvedic Drug Therapy (Aushadha Chikitsa)
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Manjishtadi Kwath – for blood purification and skin rejuvenation.
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Chandraprabha Vati – pacifies Pitta and Vata, reduces inflammation.
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Neem – powerful antibacterial and anti-inflammatory action.
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Brahmi – calms the mind, supports immunity, and improves skin tone.
Ayurveda provides a root-cause-based, integrative treatment for Lichen Planus through diet, lifestyle, detox, and herbal support—addressing both physical and emotional dimensions of the disease for long-lasting relief.
