Abstract

SURVEY ON ETHNOMEDICINAL USES OF SIDDHALEPA BALM AMONG SRI LANKANS

*Edirimuni Rodrigo Hathishiya Sujatha Silva Ediriweera, Priyani Asoka Paranagama,
Angulugaha Gamage Aruni Champika, Lankani Hettigoda

ABSTRACT

Siddhalepa balm is a herbal preparation developed by thetraditional Ayurveda physician family, the Hettigoda familyfrom Imaduwa, Sri Lanka. It is widely used in Sri Lanka as ahome remedy for various ailments. Although it has beenpopular for decades, no scientific survey had been conducted toassess its usage among Sri Lankans. A multi-centre survey wascarried out to study the usage of Siddhalepa balm among SriLankans. A total of 375 citizens participated in the study. Basedon the results, it was found that the participant applied the balmto relieve headaches, muscular aches and pains, toothaches andswelling, various forms of arthritis such as rheumatic arthritis,osteoarthritis and gouty arthritis, common cold, sneezing,breathing difficulties or wheezing, fever, and insect bites.Eighty to ninety eight percent of participants reportedexperiencing instant relief or relief within an hour ofapplication, except in cases of myalgia, where the figure was61%. Relief lasted two hours or longer in 64% to 91% ofparticipants, except in myalgia (46%). No adverse effects were reported during the study. Therefore, it is concluded that Siddhalepa balm is a safe herbal product that provides rapid relief for a wide range of common ailments.

Keywords: Siddhalepa balm, Headache, Myalgia, Rhino-sinusitis.