Abstract

A COMPREHENSIVE APPROACH OF MEDICINAL PLANTS IN SHIRASHOOLA CHIKTSA- A REVIEW

Vindhya V.*, Veena M. S. and Sripritha R.

ABSTRACT

The term Shirahshoola encompasses all the aches and discomfort located in the head. According to WHO Headache disorders are characterized by recurrent headache and the most common disorders of the nervous system. Globally, it has been estimated that prevalence among adults of current headache disorder (symptomatic at least once within the last year) is about 50%.[1] It is affecting the individual`s daily life and quality of life negatively. Shirahshoola can be seen as lakshanas as well as it is explained as separate vyadhi by Acharyas in classics. All type of Shirahshoola are having their specific features, which are initiated by specific nidanas, and will subside only by specific chiktsa. In modern science the main classes of drugs to treat headache include analgesics, anti-emetics, anti-inflammatory and prophylactic medications but found to be only symptomatic relief and with serious side effects. But there are many herbal drugs found either in classics or folklore practices as single herb therapy or combination of drugs to be given in form of nasya, lepa, abyanga which will be more effective and cost effective than contemporary medicines. Dravyas like Bringaraja, Vidanga, Shunti, Kumkuma, Muchukunda, Shirisha, Vacha, Tvak are such examples which can be given in different dosage form with predominance of katu rasa ushna veerya having antioxidant action can be used for Shirashoola with effective way. An attempt is made to unravel the medicinal properties and usage in this current over review.

Keywords: Shirahshoola, Ekamoolika, Nasya, Lepa, Ayurveda.