Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), also known as Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, is a rare, genetically determined disorder that affects blood vessels throughout the body and results in a tendency for bleeding. Recurrent bleeding from the nose; bleeding spots in the skin, oral and nasal mucosa and conjunctiva; bleeding from the gastrointestinal, respiratory and urinary tracts; and pulmonary and brain aneurysms are common symptoms for this disease.

The Ayurvedic treatment of HHT is aimed at controlling the bleeding and treating the basic pathology of the disease. Medicines like Naagkeshar (Messua ferrea), Vasa (Adhatoda vasaka), Sphatic-Bhasma (Purified alum) and Laxa (Purified wax) are used to stop the bleeding. Medicines like Praval-Bhasma, Praval-Panchamrut, Kamdudha-Ras, Chandrakala-Ras, Saariva (Hemidesmus indicus), Chandan (Santalum album), Usheer (Vetiveria zizanioidis), Mandukparni (Centella asiatica) and Yashtimadhuk (Glycerrhiza glabra) are used on a long term basis to gradually reduce the tendency for bleeding. Medicines like Punarnavadi-Mandur, Tapyadi-Loh and Lohasav are used to treat iron-deficiency anemia.

Medicines which act on the ‘Rakta’ dhatu (tissue) are useful in this condition. These medicines include Haridra (Curcuma longa), Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Musta (Cyperus rotundus) and Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica). Medicines like Maha-Manjishthadi-Qadha, Tapyadi-Loh, Ekang-Veer-Ras, Haridra and Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) are given on a long term basis to prevent recurrences of bleeding episodes. Laxadi-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu and Trayodashang-Guggulu are used to treat and reduce the size of known aneurysms in the lungs and brain in order to prevent possible rupture and hemorrhage.

With adequate treatment, most patients with HHT have a favorable prognosis. However, a small percentage of patients may have serious complications because of involvement of the lungs, liver and the brain. All such patients should therefore be under the regular care and supervision of a Hematologist.