E-ISSN:2456-3110

Review Article

Kushtha

Journal of Ayurveda and Integrated Medical Sciences

2024 Volume 9 Number 12 DECEMBER
Publisherwww.maharshicharaka.in

Role of Ayurveda in Kushtha: A Literary Review

Dange MM1*, Wadkar AS2
DOI:10.21760/jaims.9.12.26

1* Mayuri Mangesh Dange, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Panchakarma, Hon Shri Annasaheb Dange Ayurved Medical College Post Graduate Research Center Ashta, Sangli, Maharashtra, India.

2 Archana Suhas Wadkar, Associate Professor, Dept of Panchakarma, Hon Shri Annasaheb Dange Ayurved Medical College Post Graduate Research Center Ashta, Sangli, Maharashtra, India.

Skin the outer covering of the body and is the largest organ of the body. The skin acts as protective barrier against physical, chemical and biological external agent. Skin disorders are among the most common health issues seen in clinical practice. Kushtha is a broad term which covers almost all the skin disease in Ayurveda. Kushtha is one of the dermatological disorders mentioned in all ancient Ayurvedic texts and it develops mutilation in the skin and develops deformity in the skin structures. Rakta Dusti is the main cause of Twak Vikaras with vitiation of Tridosha, Rasa, Mamsa, Ambu. Abnormal interaction of vitiated doshas with Rasadi tissues causes abnormal complexion of the skin and produces the deformity of tissues. Incompatible diet and activities associated with sinful activities leads to development of Kushtha. Sushruta was the first one who clearly described that Kushtha caused by one or more abnormalities in the genome, especially a condition that is present from birth (congenital) and it is passed down from the parents' genes. There are two main categories of Kustha mentioned i.e., Mahakushtha and Kshudrakushtha depending on the Dhatugatavastha (involvement of the tissues) and signs and symptoms of the diseases. Acharyas have mentioned Shodhana and Shaman Chikitsa in Kushtha, especially Panchakarma therapy.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Kushtha, Skin Diseases, Panchakarma

Corresponding Author How to Cite this Article To Browse
Mayuri Mangesh Dange, Post Graduate Scholar, Dept of Panchakarma, Hon Shri Annasaheb Dange Ayurved Medical College Post Graduate Research Center Ashta, Sangli, Maharashtra, India.
Email: 		Dange MM, Wadkar AS, Role of Ayurveda in Kushtha: A Literary Review. J Ayu Int Med Sci. 2024;9(12):205-209.
Available From
https://jaims.in/jaims/article/view/3900

Manuscript Received Review Round 1 Review Round 2 Review Round 3 Accepted
2024-11-13 2024-11-23 2024-12-03 2024-12-13 2024-12-25
Conflict of Interest Funding Ethical Approval Plagiarism X-checker Note
None Nil Yes 12.35

© 2024by Dange MM, Wadkar ASand Published by Maharshi Charaka Ayurveda Organization. This is an Open Access article licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ unported [CC BY 4.0].

J Ayu Int Med Sci 2024;9(12)205
Download PDFBack To ArticleIntroductionDiscussionConclusionReferences
Archana SW et al. Role of Ayurveda in Kushtha: A Literary Review

Introduction

According to Amarakosha, the etymology of the word Kushtha is derived from the root ‘Kush’ which means that comes from the inner part. The meaning can be understood by the appearance of affected Twacha because of the vitiation in factors like Rakta, Lasika, Ambu and Tridoshas of the body. Skin the outer covering of the body and is largest part of body. The skin acts as anatomical barrier from physical, chemical and biological external agent. Skin is the mirror that reflects both external and internal pathology in body which give better clue for diagnosis. Skin health is very important because it is the mirror of good health or maintains of body. Nowadays increasing stress due to change in lifestyle or regimen, working hours it will leads to stress, lack of sleep, Strotodushti which causative factor for skin disease.In present days, people have changed their life style that played an important role in Raktadushti and Dosha Vrudhhi, which lead to skin diseases especially Kushtha.[1] Now a day’s skin diseases are very common. Skin diseases are common at any age of individual but they are particularly frequent in elderly. Ayurveda has given importance to skin disease and reference of Kushtha can found since Vedic period. All skin disease in Ayurveda has been under heading of Kushtha. According to Ayurvedic classics, Kushtha is due to Tridoshaja manifestation. Kushtha mentioned in Ashta Mahagad i.e., difficult to treat by Acharya Charaka. There are two types of Kushtha described in Ayurvedic classics, Mahakushtha and Kshudrakushtha. Mahakushtha is subdivided into seven and Kshudrakushtha into eleven types.[2]

Nirukti of Kushtha

The difference between Maha Kushtha & Kshudra Kushtha

SNMaha KushthaKshudra Kushtha
1.BahudoshaAlpadosha
2.Bahu LakshanaAlpa Lakshana
3.Excessive painLess pain
4.Penetrates deeper Dhatu rapidlyLess tendency to penetrate deeper Dhatus
5.Mahat ChikitsaAlpa Chikitsa
6.ChronicLess Chronic
7.Loss of function of skin like anesthesiaLess functional deformity of skin
8.Excessive morphological changes with deformityLess morphological changes with minimal skin residual changes
  • कुष्णाति निःशेषेण विलेखनम् करोति अंग् प्रत्यगांनि इति कुष्ट्म् । (सिद्धान्त कौमुदी)
  • त्वचः कुर्वन्ति वैवर्ण्य दुष्टाः कुष्ट्मुशन्ति तत् ।

कालेनोपेक्षितं यस्म्त्सर्व कृष्णाति तद्वपुः ॥ (अ.हृ.नि. 14/3)

  • त्वच: सप्त प्रकि प्रकिर्तीता: || (शा.सं.पू.खं.अ.5/1)

Nidanpanchak

Kushtha Nidana[3]

Aharaja Nidana: Mithyahara Vihara, Adhika Madhu, Dadhi, Snigdha Padartha Sevana, Adhika Madhura, Amla, Lavana Sevana, Tila Sevana, Chilichima Matsya along with Dugdha, Paya Sevana after Amla Sevana, Phanita, Atimatrahara.

Viharaja Nidana: Diwaswapna, Maithuna, Vyayama, Vyavaya after Ahitasana, Chardi Vegadharana, Sheetodaka Sevana after Bhaya, Shrama, Santapa.

Poorvarupa of Kushtha:[4]

Poorvarupa of Kushtha are loss of touch sensation, Excessive or no perspiration, Deranged complexion, Appearance of rashes, Horripilation, itching, Piercing pain, Excretion, Exhaustion, Excessive pain in wounds with their quick origin and delayed healing, burning sensation and benumbed organs, these are the prodromal symptoms of Kushtha.

Kushtha Samprapti:[1]

jaims_3900_01.JPG


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2024;9(12)206
Archana SW et al. Role of Ayurveda in Kushtha: A Literary Review

वातादयस्त्रयो दुष्टास्त्वग्रक्तं मांसमम्बु च। दूषयन्ति स कुष्ठानां सप्तको द्रव्यसङ्ग्रहः ||

अतः कुष्ठानि जायन्ते सप्त चैकादशैव च । न चैकदोषजं किञ्चित् कुष्ठं समुपलभ्यते || (च.चि.7/9,10)

Sadhyasadhyata[5]

Sadhyasadhyata of the Kushtha is explained in Ayurvedic classics. Before explaining Chikitsa, Acharyas have briefed about the condition of Sadhya and Asadhyata of the Roga, thus it gives a comprehensive hint to the physicians for treatment.

Chikitsa of Kushtha[6]

The skin diseases are easily not curable and require patience to take medication for longer duration. Kushtha is Tridoshajanya Vyadhi, therefore first predominant Doshas should be treated and then Anubhandha Doshas.

वातोत्तरेषु सर्पिर्वमनं श्लेष्मोत्तरेषु कुष्ठेषु । पित्तोत्तरेषु मोक्षो रक्तस्य विरेचनं चाग्रे ॥ (च.चि.7/39)

In the Kushtha as predominant in Vata intake of ghee is recommended. Similarly, emesis in those predominant in Kapha and purgation followed by blood-letting in those predominant in Pitta is recommended.

Panchakarma in Kushtha

1. Abhyanga:[7] In Kushtha 1)Kushthadi Taila, 2)Shwetakarveerpallavadi Taila, 3)Tikteskhvakvadi Taila, 4)Kanakakshiri Taila, 5)Sarshapa Taila, Karanja Taila, Kshadirsar Taila, Mahakhadira Ghrita are used for the Abhyanga purpose, 6)In Kushtha having burning sensation Abhyanga should be done with Tikta Ghrit, Shatdhauta Ghrit, Sahastradhauta Ghrit and oils prepared with Lal-Chandana, Madhuka, Prapaundarika, Utpala.
2. Udvartana:[8] 1)Kushtha, Arka, Tuttha, Katphala, seeds of Mulaka, Rohini, Katuka, Indrayava, Utpala, Musta, Bruhati, Karveera, Kasis, Chakramarda, Nimba, Patha, Duralabha, Chitaka, Vidanga, seeds of Alabu, Kampillaka, Sarshapa, Vacha, Daruharidra this formulation used for Udvartana. 2)The Ashwamar (kaner) is used as Udvartana
3. Vaman/Virechana: In Kushtha, the emetic and purgative formulations said in the Kapha Pradhanta and in Pitta Pradhanta Virechana is to be done at every one month and Vamana is to be given every 15 days Vaman Dravya in Kushtha:[9]

In Kushtha located in upper part when the heart is excited by Dosas, the patient should be vomited by administering Indrayava, Madanaphala, Madhuka and Patola (leaves) mixed with Nimba juice. In Kushthas, Sheetarasa, Pakwarasa (types of vinegar), honey and Madhuka are recommended for emesis. Virechanadravya in Kushtha:[10] In Kushtha, Trivrutta, Danti and Triphala are used for purgation.

4. Nasya:[11] Snuff prepared with rock salt, Danti, Marica, Phanijjaka, Pippali, Karañja (fruit) and Vidanga destroys worms, Kushtha and disorders of Kapha.
5. Dhumpana:[12] The evacuative smoking said in Sutrasthana, Shweta, Jyotishmati, Hartal, Manhshila, Agar, Tejpatra should be used, it alleviates worms, Kushtha and Kilasa located in head.
6. Raktamokshan:[13] The diseased spots which are stable, hard and patchy should be fomented by means of stone-slab and tubes and thereafter rubbed with a brush. In this way, the morbidity of blood should be removed. Such spot may also be fomented with the bundle of meat of marshy and aquatic animals slightly heated and then scraped with a sharp instrument so that blood comes out or for this purpose horn or bottle gourd may also be applied. It case of minor disorder, the spot should be scarified or leeches should be applied for evacuation of (impure) blood. The medicaments applied externally exhibit quick effect after the impurity of blood is eliminated and thus the seat of morbidity is evacuated.
7. Asthapana Basti:[14] the patient of Kushtha should be given non-unctuous enema prepared from Dāruharidrā, Bṛhati, Uśīra, Patola, Nimba, Madana, Āragvadha, Indrayava and Musta mixed with uncting substance. e.g. Rasnadi Basti,[15] Madhutailika Basti.[16]
8. Anuvasana Basti:[17] After purgation and non-unctuous enema the patient having aggravation of Vata should be administered unctuous enema, if necessary, with unction substance prepared with Madana, Madhuka, Nimba, Kuțaja and Patola. e.g. Vidangadi Taila.[18]
9. Lepa:[19] 1)Kushthanashaklepa :- Ela, Kushtha, Daruharidra, Satapuṣpa, Chitraka, Vidanga, Rasanjana and Haritaki - all powdered together make a good paste for Kushtha. 2) Mamsyadi Lepa :- The paste prepared of Mamsi, Marica, Salt, Haridra, Tagara, Snuhi, soot, cow's urine and bile, alkali of Palasa destroys Kushtha.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2024;9(12)207
Archana SW et al. Role of Ayurveda in Kushtha: A Literary Review

3)Kushthadi Lepa :i) Kushtha, seeds of Karanja and Chakramarda make a Lepa for Kushtha. ii) Seeds of Cakramarda, rock salt, Rasanjana, Kapittha, Lodhra make a paste for Kushtha. 4) Kushthahar four Lepa:- i) Bark of Shirish ii) Flower of cotten plant iii) Leaves of Aragvadha iv) Leaves of Kakmachi, make a four types of Lepa for Kushtha. 5) Kushthaharlepa: Paste of Lodhra, paste of Dhataki flowers, paste of Indrayava, paste of seeds of Karanja, paste of leaves of Malati make a good pate and used as Lepa for Kushtha.

Samshaman Chikitsa[20]  

After completing the Shodhana Karma, Shamana Chikitsa is indicated to pacify the remaining Doshas. Shamana Aushadhi is more effective, when it is administered after Samshodhana.

1. Kwatha: Aragvadhadi Kwatha, Manjishthadi Kwatha, Atarushadi Kwatha, Bibhitakadi Kwatha
2. Churna: Panchanimbachurna, Saptasamoyoga, Panchnimbadi Churna.
3. Rasayog: Talakeshwar Ras , Mahatalkeshwar Ras, Rasmanikya Ras, Kushthakuthar Ras.
4. Vati: Vajravati, Amrutabhallatakam Vati.
5. Guggula: Amruta Guggula, Ekavishantiko Guggula, Panchtiktaghrita Guggula.
6. Ghrita: Tiktaka Ghrit, Mahatiktaka Ghrita, Mahakhadiraka Ghrita,
7. Asavaarishta: Khadirarishta, Madhvasav, Kanakabindu Arishta, Triphalasav.

Pathya-Apathya[21]

Pathya Sevana along with medicine will help in easy and speedy recovery of the disease. Pathya - Laghu Anna, Tikta Shaka, Bhallataka, Triphala, Nimbayukta Anna and Ghrita, Purana Dhanya, Jangala Mamsa, Mudga, Patola. For Pana, Snana and Parisheka Khadira Kashaya is advised.

Apathya - According to Acharya Sushruta, Mamsa, Vasa, Dugdha, Dadhi, Taila, Kulatha, Masha, Nishpava, Ikshu, Amla, Virudha Ahara, Adhyasana, Ajeerna, Vidahi and Abhishyandi are said as Varjya. Acharya Charaka says Guru, Amla, Payas, Dadhi, Anupamamsa, Matsya, Guda, Tila as Apathya.

Discussion

Dermatological disorders described in modern medicine many be compared to Kushtha Roga. It is considered as one of the most chronic disorders which is very difficult to cure.

Dietetic, behavioral, environmental, genetic, and immunologic factors appear to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Kushtha Roga. Nidanpanchak of the Kushtha are helpful for proper diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of the disease Kushtha.

Conclusion

Kushtha one of the most chronic diseases in Ayurveda. In the present era, stress and altered immunity are the major factors responsible for the manifestation of a wide range of dermatological disorders. Ayurveda plays important role to prevent skin disorders by Samshodhan and Samshaman Chikitsa.

References

1. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.9,10. p. 301.

2. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.13. p. 302.

3. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.4,5,6,7,8. p. 300.

4. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.11. p. 302.

5. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.37,38. p. 307.

6. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.39. p. 307.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2024;9(12)208
Archana SW et al. Role of Ayurveda in Kushtha: A Literary Review

7. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.102-104, 106, 108-110, 111-116, 119, 133. p. 320-325.

8. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.102-103, 98. p. 320.

9. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.43. p. 308.

10. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.44. p. 308.

11. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.48. p. 310.

12. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2006. Sutrasthana, Matrashitiya adhyaya 5; Shlok No.26. p. 120.

13. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.50,51,52. p. 310.

14. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.46. p. 309.

15. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Siddhisthana, Basti Sutriya Siddhi adhyaya 3; Shlok No.61-64. p. 1209.

16. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Siddhisthana, Uttarbasti Siddhi adhyaya 12; Shlok No.13. p. 1334.

17. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.47. p. 310.

18. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Siddhisthana, Snehavyapad Siddhi adhyaya 4; Shlok No.18-22. p. 1215.

19. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.84, 87, 93, 96, 95. p. 317-319.

20. Shastri A, editor. Bhaishajyaratnavali. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Sanskrit Sansthan; 2005. p. 891-914.

21. Tripathi B. Charak Samhita of Agnivesha, Charak Chandrika Hindi Commentary. Part 2. Varanasi: Chaukambha Surbharti Prakashan; 2002. Chikitsasthana, Kushtha Chikitsa adhyaya 7; Shlok No.82-83. p. 317.

Disclaimer / Publisher's Note: The statements, opinions and data contained in all publications are solely those of the individual author(s) and contributor(s) and not of Journals and/or the editor(s). Journals and/or the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to people or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content.


J Ayu Int Med Sci 2024;9(12)209