Abstract

A COMPARATIVE CLINICAL STUDY OF AMRUTHADI KASHAYA WITH LODHRAM SEVYADI KASHAYA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF LOOTHA VISHA (SPIDER POISON)

Mahima Thomas*

ABSTRACT

Ayurveda, which uses the inherent principles of nature, and helps to maintain health in a person by keeping the individual's body, mind and spirit in perfect equilibrium with nature. Agadatantra is a branch of Astanga Ayurveda developed in ancient times, which deals with the animate and inanimate poison.[1] Though insects bite is a common phenomenon in rural India but still spider bite is less commonly reported. The outcome of spider bite varies in severity with different species. It may be just local inflammation to severe form of neurological or cardiac involvement.[2] Spider poisoning (Lootha visha) is very common in the clinical practice of Agadatantra. Acc.to Charakacharya, two types of Lootha (spider poison) are explained - Dooshi Vishaja Lootha (spider poison) and Pranantaki type Lootha (spider poison).[3] Sushrutacharya, the cases of Lootha (spider poison)damsha are the most difficult to diagnose and cure.[4] According to Ashtanga Hridaya, Lootha (spider poison) are more dreadful than the Keetas.[1] Amruthadi kashaya and Lodhramsevyadi kashaya mentioned in Astanga hrudaya[1] and Sahasrayogam[7] respectively are clinically found effective in treating Lootha visha (spider poison). The present study was undertaken to analyse it scientifically and statistically.

Keywords: Amruthadi kashaya, Lodhrasevyadi kashaya, Lootha visha, Spider poison, Ruja, Daha, Kandu, Raga, Sphota.