Management of kusta (skin diseases) in ayurveda –a review

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Management of kusta (skin diseases) in ayurveda –a review”. 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) Lepa:
Lepa refers to a paste or ointment used externally in Ayurveda for treating skin disorders. It often consists of herbal mixtures applied directly to affected areas, providing localized therapeutic effects. Lepa helps to soothe inflammation, reduce infection, and promote healing in various skin diseases.

2) Taila (Thaila):
Taila signifies oil in Ayurveda, commonly used for its medicinal properties. Oils are employed in various treatments, including massages, external applications, and internal therapies. Taila can nourish the skin, enhance circulation, and act as a carrier for herbal medicines, making it integral for skin and joint health.

3) Guggulu:
Guggulu is a resin sourced from the Commiphora species, recognized for its detoxifying and anti-inflammatory qualities. It plays an essential role in Ayurvedic formulations aimed at treating joint disorders, skin conditions, and obesity. Guggulu's therapeutic properties help balance the doshas and promote overall health.

4) Gutika:
Gutika refers to small pills or tablets made from herbal and mineral ingredients in Ayurveda. These are formulated for specific health issues, emphasizing digestibility and efficacy. Gutikas offer a concentrated form of therapy, targeting various ailments, including skin diseases and metabolic disorders.

5) Rasa (Rasha):
In Ayurvedic context, Rasa refers to chemical compounds or preparations, often intertwined with minerals and herbs. Rasas hold a significant role in treating diseases, particularly in herbo-mineral formulations. Their efficacy is partly due to their concentrated therapeutic potential tailored for specific health conditions.

6) Vati:
Vati is a term used for compressed tablet forms in Ayurveda, aiding easy consumption of herbal medicines. These preparations encompass different blends of herbs that target various health concerns, enhancing patient compliance through their palatability and ease of use in chronic condition management.

7) Avaleha:
Avaleha refers to a semi-solid herbal preparation often used in Ayurveda. It is made by cooking herbs with sweetening agents like jaggery or honey, resulting in a syrupy consistency. Avaleha remedies possess both nutritional and therapeutic benefits, aiding digestion and treating respiratory and skin ailments.

8) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita denotes clarified butter in Ayurveda, frequently used in cooking and medicinal formulations. Ghrita acts as a carrier of herbal properties, enhancing their bioavailability. It nourishes tissues and supports digestive health while being employed in specific treatments for skin diseases and chronic conditions.

9) Pandu (Pamdu, Pamde):
Pandu, translating to 'pale,' often relates to a specific condition characterized by anemia in Ayurvedic texts. Its significance lies in understanding the imbalance in bodily humors that result in symptoms like fatigue and weakness. Treatments often involve dietary modifications and herbal remedies aimed at restoring balance.

10) Yoga:
Yoga represents a holistic practice in Ayurveda, emphasizing union between body, mind, and spirit. In treatments, it refers to specific combinations of herbs or therapies that enhance health. Yoga aids in both prevention and rehabilitation, addressing physical, mental, and emotional health concerns.

11) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana signifies rejuvenation therapies in Ayurveda, promoting longevity and vitality. They involve herbal formulations designed to improve immunity, strengthen bodily functions, and enhance overall well-being. Rasayana therapies target age-related degeneration while focusing on maintaining a balance between mental and physical health.

12) Vatika:
Vatika refers to herbal formulations or recipes in Ayurveda, emphasizing specific health benefits. These preparations often focus on balancing the Vata dosha, addressing issues like dryness, anxiety, and degenerative conditions. Vatika is significant for personalized treatment plans in Ayurvedic practice.

13) Vatarakta (Vata-rakta):
Vatarakta refers to a condition akin to gout, characterized by joint swelling and pain due to Vata dosha imbalance. Its management in Ayurveda involves herbal formulations, dietary practices, and lifestyle modifications aimed at restoring balance, reducing inflammation, and preventing recurrences.

14) Table:
Table in this context typically refers to a list or categorization of herbal or medicinal formulations, making it easier for practitioners to reference and utilize specific treatments for conditions like Kusta (skin diseases). Tables facilitate structured study and practice in herbal medicine.

15) Maha (Maha°):
Maha means 'great' or 'big' in Sanskrit, often used to denote significant formulations or conditions in Ayurveda. In treatments, it indicates powerful remedies aimed at serious ailments, emphasizing their importance and efficacy in achieving therapeutic goals.

16) Disease:
Disease refers to a specific pathological condition affecting an individual. Ayurveda emphasizes identifying the root cause, which includes imbalances in doshas, diet, and lifestyle, to provide tailored treatments that restore harmony and promote healing.

17) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Bhasma refers to calcined mineral or herbal powders known for their concentrated medicinal properties in Ayurvedic formulations. It is used to enhance potency, facilitate absorption, and provide treatment for various ailments, particularly in chronic conditions where standard herbs may be insufficient.

18) Asava (Ashava):
Asava denotes fermented liquid preparations in Ayurveda, often made from herbs, fruits, or grains. Asavas enhance digestion and absorption of herbal properties while providing therapeutic effects. They are used for long-term management of various health issues, including metabolic disorders.

19) Arshas (Arsa, Arsas, Arsha):
Arshas, referring to hemorrhoids in Ayurvedic literature, highlights the significance of digestive health. Treatment focuses on improving digestion and circulation, utilizing herbal formulations to reduce inflammation and discomfort associated with this condition.

20) Bhallataka:
Bhallataka, or Semecarpus anacardium, is a significant herb in Ayurveda known for its skin-related benefits and potent medicinal properties. It is often used in formulations to treat conditions like Kusta by aiding detoxification and exhibiting anti-inflammatory effects.

21) Grahani:
Grahani denotes a condition characterized by gastrointestinal disorders, often resulting in diarrhea. Treatment incorporates dietary modifications and herbal remedies aimed at restoring gut health, improving digestion, and managing symptoms effectively.

22) Drug:
Drugs in the Ayurvedic context encompass any therapeutic agent used in treatment protocols. They can be herbal, mineral, or combined formulations aimed at specific health concerns, illustrating the diversity and specificity of Ayurvedic medicine.

23) Prameha:
Prameha refers to a group of metabolic disorders in Ayurveda, likened to diabetes. Management includes dietary control, herbal treatments, and lifestyle modifications aimed at managing blood sugar levels and preventing associated complications.

24) Loha:
Loha signifies metals or minerals in Ayurveda, utilized in health formulations for their therapeutic qualities. Loha preparations are integral for treating various ailments, particularly in herbo-mineral formulations aimed at balancing doshas and enhancing vitality.

25) Triphaladi (Triphala-adi):
Triphaladi refers to formulations derived from the three-fruit blend Triphala, used for promoting better digestion and detoxification. It embodies the holistic approach of Ayurveda in addressing digestive health and overall wellness through natural ingredients.

26) Parpati:
Parpati denotes a traditional Ayurvedic preparation consisting of herbal powders processed with specific methods. It emphasizes potent therapeutic effects, particularly for chronic diseases, enhancing how natural substances are utilized for medicinal purposes.

27) Amavata (Ama-vata):
Amavata refers to a condition akin to rheumatoid arthritis, involving joint pain and inflammation. Treatment in Ayurveda emphasizes balancing Vata dosha, using anti-inflammatory herbs and personalized dietary adjustments to alleviate symptoms and improve joint function.

28) Modaka:
Modaka signifies specific Ayurvedic preparations, often used as pills or tablets, tailored for various health concerns. These formulations encapsulate the potency of herbs, facilitating efficient delivery and effectiveness in therapeutic practices.

29) Udara:
Udara refers to ailments related to the abdomen or digestive system in Ayurveda. Treatments focus on restoring digestive balance, utilizing dietary practices and herbal formulations aimed at alleviating discomfort and promoting gastrointestinal health.

30) Bhagandara (Bhagamdara):
Bhagandara refers to a specific condition involving abscesses or fistulas in Ayurveda. Treatment emphasizes addressing underlying infections and promoting healing, with herbal remedies aimed at reducing inflammation and facilitating tissue recovery.

31) Vatavyadhi (Vata-vyadhi):
Vatavyadhi refers to diseases caused by Vata dosha imbalances, often associated with joint pain and neurological symptoms. Ayurvedic management includes specific oils and herbal formulations designed to restore balance and improve mobility.

32) Gandhaka (Gamdhaka):
Gandhaka refers to sulfur in Ayurveda, noted for its detoxifying and antimicrobial properties. It is commonly used in herbal formulations aimed at purifying the body and treating various skin conditions.

33) Guda:
Guda denotes a specific herbal preparation or formulation associated with digestive health. It often seeks to enhance gut function and treats conditions like Grahani, reflecting Ayurveda's focus on holistic digestive wellness.

34) Paka:
Paka denotes the cooking or preparation process, particularly in Ayurvedic formulations. It highlights the importance of traditionally preparing herbs to maximize their therapeutic properties for effective treatment.

35) Gana:
Gana refers to a group or collection of herbs or formulations categorized for specific therapeutic purposes in Ayurveda. This approach emphasizes the synergy of natural substances for enhanced healing effects.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 382]