According to Ayurveda, Vitiligo or Shwitra is caused due to aggravation of Pitta in the body. Pitta is an Ayurvedic humor that symbolizes fire and is manifested in the skin, along with other organs. Pitta is of five types. One of them is Bhrajak Pitta, which gives coloration to the skin. In the case of Vitiligo, Bhrajak Pitta gets imbalanced, leading to the formation of ama, which consequently impairs deeper body tissues such as rasa dhatu (nutrient plasma), rakta (blood), mamsa (muscles) and lasika (lymph). This ultimately causes depigmentation of the skin.
The disease is deep rooted and needs specific treatment that includes right diet and specialized herbal combinations to pacify Pitta and cleanse ama from the body.
Diet & Lifestyle Advice
Whole grains like porridge and whole wheat products are better than highly refined carbohydrates like pasta.
Adequate hydration is an important component of healthy diet which should not be ignored.
Foods rich in Vitamin C such as citrus fruits, tomatoes, and green tea should either be avoided or consumed in minimal quantities.
Avoid eating non-vegetarian foods like fish and red meats, as they may be highly antigenic and may worsen the autoimmune process. Also avoid eggs, milk, and dairy products.
Alcoholic and flavored drinks, ice creams, chocolates and any form of junk food is not recommended.
Avoid intake of sour foods like pickles, sour yogurt, and sour strawberries.
Neem in any form is useful. Mung dal is also good.
Home Remedies
Drink water kept in a copper utensil overnight. This is known to have a stimulating effect on the melanocytes and thus helps in increasing melanin production.
Take 5 teaspoons of turmeric powder and mix in 250 ml of mustard oil and apply on the white patches of skin, twice a day. Use this treatment regularly for one year.