A review on the concept of purisaja krimi of ayurveda along with its modern correlation

Summary of article contents:

Ayurveda is the oldest medical science and its object is not only to restore the health of a healthy individual but also to get rid of ailing individuals from different ailments. Since the ancient period, worm infestations are still present with worldwide cosmopolitan distribution among different classes. The greater infestations in our country especially among children due to improper unhygienic diet and behaviour due to illiteracy triggered by environmental and socio-economic status (population, pollution, poverty) make the burden of severe nutritional deficiencies, anaemia and death sequentially. According to Ayurveda, worms are discussed under the topic of Krimi and helminthiasis can be correlated with the Purisaja Krimi. The Veda has indicated the existence of Krimi and Ayurvedic classics have already mentioned the existence of Krimi and the classification of Krimi. Purisaja Krimi (faeces-born parasites) are found in Pakwashaya (colon) and when they are excessively grown, move downwards and sometimes when they move towards Amasaya (stomach), then eructation produces faecal odour. During the infestation of Purisaja Krimi, several health hazards appear such as diarrhoea, emaciation, dryness, horripilation, etc. Modern medicines (albendazole, mebendazole etc.) have not been able to completely eradicate the same. Also, these drugs have a lot of adverse effects. Specific management has been mentioned by our classics to arrest and eradicate the genesis as well as multiplication of the helminth, some drugs are ought to be introduced to our people. The management approach in Ayurveda involves three stages namely Apakarshana (elimination therapy), Prakriti Vighata(destruction of the susceptible environment of Krimi) and Nidana Parivarjana (avoiding the aetiology).