The skin is the largest organ of the body and serves as its outer covering. Because the skin interfaces with the external environment, it plays a vital role in protecting the body against harmful pathogens and poor environmental conditions.
All skin diseases in Ayurveda have been accurately classified under the broad heading of ‘kushtha,’ which are then further classified as mahakushtha and kashudrakushtha. Aacharya Charaka has mentioned ‘dadru’ (ringworm infection or Tinea corporis) in Kashudrakushtha, and Aacharya Shushruta has made mention of dadru kushtha in mahakushtha [1].
According to a majority of Ayurvedic texts, all types of Kushtha are considered as Rakta Doshaja Vikara. Dadru is one of the several Kapha-Pitta pradhana twak vikara.
As per the modern perspective of diseases, Dadru falls under ‘superficial fungal infection of the skin,’ which is the most commonly occurring dermatological manifestation affecting around 15% of the population of the world in all age groups [1].
Mentioned below is the complete protocol for the Ayurvedic treatment of ringworm infection.
The treatment of dadru or tinea corporis must be done based on the cause. Ringworm infection treatments according to the science of Ayurveda include Sodhana karma, Shamana Karma, and local application of lepa [1].
Sodhana [1]
Sodhana chikitsa is extremely important when it comes to excreting the vitiated doshas of the person who is afflicted with the disease. In dadru kushtha, virechana as well as raktmokshan must be given to eliminate vitiated pitta as well as rakta.
Virechana Karma [1]
- Snehana Karma: Snehana must be done with Panchtikta ghirt every day by increasing the daily dose from 50 ml (millilitres), 150 ml, and 250 ml up to appearance of the manifestation of ‘samyaka snehana’ in the early hours of the morning post-completion of physiological urges.
- Swedhana Karma: This needs to be done post-completion of snehana and prior to virechana karma. The peti sweda must be given post-application of a whole-body massage.
- Virechana Karma: After samyaka snehana shodhana and successful examination of patients, the planned and induced purgation must be administered to patients by giving trivrita kwath early morning. Then, patients must be observed for samyaka virechana, and sansarjana karma must be maintained according to schedule.
Rakta-Mokshana Karma [1]
Rakta-mokshan must be done by the usage of 18 no. bore needles during the early hours of the morning, where 60 ml of blood must be withdrawn per sitting.
Shamana Chikitsa [1]
Pitta-kaphaghana and kushthagna poly herbals, herbo-minerals drugs must be used for both internal and external uses.
Internal drugs
- Chakramard: Leaf juice (10-20 gm); Churna (1-6 gm)
- Manjisthadi kwath (40 ml)
- Panchnimbadi churna 5 gm (3-5 masha)
- Haridra khand (3-5 gm)
- Panchatiktaka guggulu 250mg
- Aaragvadhadi kwath (40 ml)
External drugs (Local Application/Lepa)
After Shodhana or rakta-mokshana karma local application such as lepa must be used in ringworm infection treatment. In the science of Ayurveda Samhitas, there are several lepa described for the infection.
- Durvadi lepa
- Dadru gajendra singh
- Aragvadhadi lepa
- Edagajadi lepa
- Maha Marichyadi tail
To Sum It Up
Dadru is also known as ringworm infection (Tinea corporis). It is one of the most common diseases in developing nations such as India because a significant percentage of the population lives in unhygienic conditions. Almost all the Acharayas have made mention of Dadru along with its treatment and management. Ayurveda is potent enough when it comes to treating fungal infections such as Dadru.
References:
- https://www.ijhsr.org/IJHSR_Vol.10_Issue.3_March2020/18.pdf
