A comparative clinical study for haemostatic action of Lajjalu Lepa and Darvi Lepa in Raktarsha

Abstract

Arsha is a disease afflicting mankind for thousands of years. In Ayurvedic literature, this disease is mentioned as one of the ‘Ashtamahagadas’^[1] and difficult to cure. Nearly 45% of patients attending ano-rectal clinics suffer from the symptoms of Arsha. Vitiation of Doshas adversely affects the digestive fire resulting in Mandagni which in turn lead to constipation. Prolonged contacts of accumulated Mala or excretory material taint Gudavali resulting in Arshas.^[2] Acharya Charaka explains Arsha as an abnormal fleshy growth at anorectal region whereas at other sites it is called as Adhimamsa.^[3] In spite of progress in modern medicine, there is very little scope in terms of treatment of Hemorrhoids, Surgical techniques of performing hemorrhoidectomy are many and their complications such as pain, anal incontinence, stricture etc. are well known. All these modern surgical & Para surgical techniques are associated with post-operative complications which may be early complications such as hemorrhage, secondary infection etc., & late complications such as anal stricture. Anal incontinence, profuse watery discharge etc.,^[4] Hence, in the present study a special emphasis will be made by selecting noninvasive, effective and economic therapeutic modality which has been explained with great details in ancient Ayurvedic Samhitas for the management of Arsha with different type of Lepa which is a painless simple procedure.