A literature review: the role of kshara in ayurveda
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A literature review: the role of kshara in ayurveda
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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*Hardik Variya
3rd year M.S Scholar, Department of Shalya Tantra, Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Vadodara, Gujurat
Hemant Toshikhane
Professor and HOD, Department of Shalya Tantra, Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Vadodara, Gujurat
Sathish H.S
Assistant Professor, Department of Shalya Tantra, Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Vadodara, Gujurat
Nilesh Jethava
Assistant Professor, Department of Shalya Tantra, Parul Institute of Ayurveda, Vadodara, Gujurat
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A literature review: the role of kshara in ayurveda
Year: 2016
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Kshara is an integral component of Ayurvedic medicine, recognized for its caustic and alkaline properties derived from the ashes of medicinal plants. Described in detail by Acharya Sushruta in the "Kshara Paka Vidhi Adhyaya," Kshara is noted for its ability to destroy tissue, making it a useful alternative to surgical instruments in treating various ailments, including wounds and fistula-in-ano. Historically, Ayurveda, stemming from the Atharvaveda, has emphasized the significance of medicinal plants, and Kshara exemplifies this tradition through its diverse applications in both internal and external medicine.
Properties and Therapeutic Uses of Kshara
Kshara possesses distinct properties that classify it as an effective therapeutic agent. It is characterized by its alkaline nature and the ability to mobilize and eliminate vitiated doshas, particularly in treating diseases like Dushta Vrana (infected wounds), Bhagandara (fistula-in-ano), and Arsha (hemorrhoids). The preparation of Kshara involves meticulous methods, including the collection and processing of specific plant parts to achieve desired effects. Its classifications, such as Pratisaraneeya (for external use) and Paneeya (for internal consumption), allow it to be tailored to various medical needs. Importantly, Kshara is indicated for use in weak patients and children, enhancing its applicability in Ayurvedic practices.
The Role of Ksharakarma in Ayurvedic Practices
Ksharakarma, the practice of using Kshara in treatment, serves as a vital asset in Ayurvedic surgery and medicine. Sushruta details its use as a formidable tool for performing excisions and incisions with minimal risk when administered by skilled practitioners. It provides a safer alternative for patients apprehensive about conventional surgery, as it can effectively manage numerous conditions while fitting seamlessly into patient routines with less disruption. Ksharakarma is regarded as a critical technique in Ayurvedic pharmacology and is essential for those seeking a holistic approach to health.
Conclusion
In summary, Kshara holds significant value in Ayurvedic medicine as a versatile treatment option for various ailments and as part of surgical procedures. Its therapeutic efficacy, particularly in managing conditions such as wounds and skin disorders, showcases its importance. Moreover, the practices surrounding Kshara foster a patient-friendly approach that emphasizes safety and effective recovery, confirming its esteemed status in Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. The integration of Ksharakarma into Ayurvedic healing further reinforces the legacy of ancient practices that continue to prove their relevance in contemporary healthcare.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Kshara and how is it used in Ayurveda?
Kshara is a caustic alkaline preparation derived from medicinal plant ashes. It is used in Ayurveda both internally in various formulations and externally in treatments for conditions like wounds, fistula, and hemorrhoids.
What are the contraindications for using Kshara in treatment?
Kshara is contraindicated in patients with conditions like Raktapitta, Jwara, and Hridroga. It is also not recommended for children, pregnant women, and those with weak physical states or certain anatomical sites.
How is Kshara classified based on its preparation methods?
Kshara is classified into Pratisaraneeya (external application) and Paneeya (oral administration). Additionally, it can be categorized by concentration into Mrudu, Madhyama, and Teekshna, along with different origins like herbal, mineral, or animal.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A literature review: the role of kshara in ayurveda”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Kshara (Ksara):
Kshara is a caustic alkaline substance derived from the ashes of medicinal plants used extensively in Ayurveda for various therapeutic treatments. It is a significant component in both internal and external formulations for treating numerous diseases.
2) Disease:
In Ayurveda, diseases such as Vrana (wound), Bhagandara (fistula-in-ano), and Arsha (hemorrhoids) are treated using Kshara and its various forms like Kshara Sutra.
3) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine originating from India, utilizes Kshara, an alkaline substance, for the treatment of numerous conditions, demonstrating its significance within this ancient practice.
4) Karma (Karman):
Karma, in the context of Ayurveda, refers to the therapeutic actions and effects of treatments such as Ksharakarma, which is the application of Kshara for treating various diseases.
5) Bhagandara (Bhagamdara):
Bhagandara, also known as fistula-in-ano, is a condition mentioned in Ayurveda that can be treated effectively using Kshara Sutra, a thread coated with Kshara.
6) Madhyama:
Madhyama refers to the medium concentration of Kshara used in various treatments. It is prepared through a detailed process involving plant ashes and specific procedures.
7) Medicine:
Kshara is used as a medicine in various forms, including Kshara Gutika, Kshara Taila, and Kshara Ghrita, demonstrating its versatility in Ayurvedic treatments.
8) Vrana:
Vrana, or wounds, are treated using Kshara in Ayurveda. Sushruta describes specific methods for the preparation and application of Kshara for effective wound management.
9) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts like Sushruta Samhita, which provide comprehensive guidelines on the preparation and use of Kshara in various treatments.
10) Shastra (Sastra):
Shastra, meaning instrument or tool, highlights Kshara as an 'Anu-shastra' due to its sharp and effective properties in surgical procedures.
11) Ashmari (Asmari):
Ashmari, or kidney stones, are treated in Ayurveda using Kshara, which helps in dissolving the stones and alleviating associated symptoms.
12) Kushtha (Kustha):
Kushtha, a term for skin diseases including leprosy, is treated with Kshara both internally and externally in Ayurvedic practice.
13) Arshas (Arsa, Arsas, Arsha):
Arsha, or hemorrhoids, can be treated using Kshara Karma, making it an essential therapeutic method in Ayurvedic surgery.
14) Guna:
Guna refers to the properties of Kshara, which include being Saumya, Teekshna, and Agneya, each contributing to its therapeutic effectiveness.
15) Drug:
Kshara acts as a potent drug in Ayurvedic medicine, derived from the ashes of various medicinal plants and used for its alkaline properties.
16) Shalyatantra (Salyatantra, Shalya-tantra, Shalyatamtra):
Shalyatantra, the surgical branch of Ayurveda, extensively uses Kshara for its significant role in para-surgical procedures.
17) Ksharasutra (Ksarasutra, Kshara-sutra):
Kshara Sutra is a special medicated thread coated with Kshara, used for the treatment of conditions like Bhagandara (fistula-in-ano) in Ayurvedic surgery.
18) Vagbhata:
Vagbhata is an ancient Ayurvedic scholar who documented the therapeutic uses and properties of Kshara in his classical texts.
19) Ksharana (Ksarana):
Ksharana refers to the destructive property of Kshara, which causes the degradation of diseased tissues, making it effective in treating various conditions.
20) Tantra (Tamtra, Tantrism):
Tantra denotes a field of study in Ayurveda, such as Shalya-tantra, which incorporates Kshara in its surgical and para-surgical practices.
21) Shalya (Salya):
Shalya refers to surgery in Ayurveda, where procedures using Kshara, called Shalya Kshara, are employed for treating various surgical conditions.
22) Dagdha:
Dagdha is the effect of burning, a condition that must be carefully managed when applying Kshara to ensure it is neither Heena Dagdha nor Ati Dagdha.
23) Weapon:
In Ayurvedic terminology, Kshara is metaphorically considered a weapon due to its potent therapeutic effects in treating diseases.
24) Sutra:
Sutra, in the context of Kshara Sutra, is a medicated thread used in Ayurvedic surgery for the treatment of fistulas and other conditions.
25) Gulma:
Gulma refers to abdominal tumors that are treated using Paneeya Kshara, highlighting its internal medicinal use in Ayurveda.
26) Death:
Death may occur if Kshara is incorrectly administered by an unskilled physician, emphasizing its potency and the need for proper application.
27) Pala:
Pala is a traditional Ayurvedic unit of measure for Kshara Matra, indicating the appropriate dosage, which ranges from ½ Pala to 1 Pala.
28) Pain:
Pain management is a crucial aspect of using Kshara; improper application (Heena Dagdha or Ati Dagdha) can result in increased pain.
29) Sushruta-samhita (Susruta-samhita):
Sushruta-samhita, a classical Ayurvedic text, extensively describes the preparation, properties, and therapeutic uses of Kshara.
30) Dushtavrana (Dustavrana, Dusta-vrana, Dushta-vrana):
Dushtavrana, similar to Dushta-vrana, pertains to chronic wounds treated with Kshara, highlighting its importance in wound management.
31) Atharvaveda (Atharva-Veda):
Atharvaveda is one of the four Vedas that mention medicinal plants, from which Ayurveda, including Kshara preparations, is derived.
32) Agnimantha (Agni-mantha, Agnimamtha):
Agnimantha is one of the medicinal plants mentioned by Sushruta used in the preparation of Kshara for treating various diseases.
33) Ksharodaka (Ksarodaka, Kshara-udaka):
Ksharodaka, a solution form of Kshara, is used in treatments requiring internal application, highlighting its versatility in medicinal formulations.
34) Aragvadha:
Aragvadha is another medicinal plant cited by Sushruta for the preparation of Kshara, used in various Ayurvedic treatments.
35) Koshataki (Kosataki):
Koshataki is listed among the medicinal plants used to prepare Kshara, showcasing the diversity of botanical sources in Ayurveda.
36) Udararoga (Udara-roga):
Udararoga, or abdominal diseases, are treated with Paneeya Kshara, demonstrating its internal medicinal application in Ayurveda.
37) Substance:
Substance in the context of Kshara refers to the alkaline preparation derived from plant ashes, used therapeutically in Ayurveda.
38) Picchila:
Picchila is one of the properties of properly prepared Kshara, ensuring its effective application in various treatments according to Ayurvedic texts.
39) Apamarga:
Apamarga is one of the 23 medicinal plants mentioned by Sushruta for the preparation of Kshara, used in treating numerous conditions.
40) Shodhana (Sodhana):
Shodhana refers to the purifying action of Kshara, one of its primary therapeutic properties in treating various diseases.
41) Upakrama:
Upakrama denotes therapeutic procedures in Ayurveda, including Kshara Karma, which is considered a vital treatment method for various conditions.
42) Mandagni (Manda-agni, Mamdagni):
Mandagni in the preparation of Kshara refers to the use of a slow fire for reducing the liquid during the filtration process.
43) Sharkara (Sarkara):
Sharkara, or gravel, is treated using Paneeya Kshara, showcasing its role in managing urinary calculi in Ayurvedic medicine.
44) Asphota:
Asphota is also included in the list of plants Sushruta cites for Kshara preparation, indicating its usage in Ayurvedic treatments.
45) Leprosy:
Leprosy, under the term Kushtha, is treated with both oral and external Kshara applications in Ayurveda.
46) Kadali:
Kadali, a plant used in Kshara preparation, highlights the importance of botanical sources in Ayurvedic medicine.
47) Ropana:
Ropana is the property of Kshara that aids in healing and repairing tissues, essential in wound management.
48) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Kshara-Ghrita is a medicinal preparation where Kshara is combined with clarified butter for internal use in Ayurveda.
49) Putika:
Putika is included among the plants listed by Sushruta for the preparation of Kshara, showcasing its medicinal diversity.
50) Rohini:
Rohini, a disease similar to ulcers, is treated with Kshara, demonstrating its therapeutic range in Ayurveda.
51) Shukla (Sukla):
Shukla, or the white color property of Kshara, indicates its purity and suitability for medicinal use.
52) Shukra (Sukra):
Excessive use of Kshara can harm Shukra, affecting reproductive health, highlighting the need for proper dosage.
53) Dushta (Dusta):
Dushta, meaning vitiated or chronic, refers to conditions like Dushtavrana, which are effectively treated with Kshara applications.
54) Dosha (Dosa):
Dosha, referring to the three bodily humors in Ayurveda (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha), are balanced using Kshara due to its Tridoshaghna properties.
55) Udara:
Udara, or abdominal issues, are treated using Paneeya Kshara, showing its internal compelling use in Ayurveda.
56) Vidhi:
Kshara Paka Vidhi refers to the detailed procedure for preparing Kshara as described by Sushruta.
57) Vajra:
Improper use of Kshara can be as dangerous as Vajra, emphasizing the need for expert administration in Ayurveda.
58) Gunja (Gumja):
Gunja is another medicinal plant mentioned by Sushruta for making Kshara, highlighting the extensive use of botanicals in Ayurveda.
59) Matra:
Matra refers to the dosage of Kshara, essential for ensuring its therapeutic effectiveness while avoiding adverse effects.
60) Ushna (Usna):
Ushna, indicating the hot potency of Kshara, contributes to its effectiveness in dissolving and purifying actions in treatments.
61) Snuhi:
Snuhi is one of the plants used in the preparation of Kshara, showcasing the diverse herbal sources employed in Ayurveda.
62) India:
Kshara, a significant element in Ayurveda, represents the extensive medicinal practices originating from ancient India.
63) Veda:
The Vedas, particularly Atharvaveda, are ancient texts that mention medicinal plants used in preparing Kshara in Ayurvedic medicine.
64) Agni:
Agni, meaning fire, has properties similar to Kshara, both possessing the ability to destroy and heal, emphasizing careful application.
65) Arka:
Arka, another plant cited by Sushruta for Kshara preparation, highlights the broad botanical base used in Ayurveda.
66) Paka:
Paka in Kshara Paka Vidhi refers to the cooking or preparation process of Kshara as detailed by Sushruta.
67) Burning sensation:
Burning sensation is a symptom of Ati-Dagdha (over-burnt) Kshara application, highlighting the need for precise dosage.
68) Ashtangasamgraha (Astangasamgraha, Astangasangraha, Ashtanga-samgraha, Ashtanga-sangraha, Ashtangasangraha):
Ashtanga-sangraha is an Ayurvedic text mentioning the qualities and preparation of Kshara, illustrating its historical significance.
69) Ksharataila (Ksarataila, Kshara-taila):
Kshara-taila is a medicinal oil preparation incorporating Kshara, used for external treatments in Ayurveda.
70) Raktapitta (Rakta-pitta):
Raktapitta, a condition characterized by bleeding disorders, is one of the contraindications for Kshara treatment.
71) Tridoshaja (Tridosaja):
Tridoshaja means disorders caused by the imbalance of the three doshas, against which Kshara provides effective treatment.
72) Atidagdha:
Ati-dagdha refers to the over-burnt state caused by excessive application of Kshara, leading to severe symptoms like redness and suppuration.
73) Krimighna (Krmighna, Krimi-ghna):
Krimighna is the property of Kshara that helps in destroying intestinal worms and parasites, highlighting its anthelmintic action.
74) Panduroga (Pandu-roga, Pamduroga):
Panduroga, or anemia, is a condition where Kshara is contraindicated, emphasizing the need for careful patient assessment.
75) Nadivrana (Nadi-vrana):
Nadivrana, or sinus, is treated using Pratisaraneeya Kshara, demonstrating its effectiveness in managing chronic infections.
[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 146]
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