Sri Lankan traditional Virechana Karma with Ehela Peni (Cassia fistula) and application of Kaluwala Alepa (Alpinia malaccensis) in treatment of Sidhma Kushta (Pityriasis versicolor) - A case study
Abstract
Pityriasis versicolor is a widespread fungal skin infection and also a cosmetic problem. It can be correlated with Sidhma Kushta, a skin disease described in Ayurveda. Virechana Karma (purgation) is a therapeutic procedure prescribed in treatment of skin diseases. According to Ayurveda, Sidhma Kushta (pityriasis versicolor) is caused by vitiation of Vata and KaphaDosha. Virechana Karma helps to eliminate vitiated Dosha from the body. C. fistula and A. malaccensis possess properties to mitigate vitiated Vata and Kapha Dosha. Antifungal effect of C. fistula and A. malaccensis are scientifically proven. Purgation using fruit pulp of Ehela Peni (Cassia fistula Linn) followed by external application of paste of Kaluwala (Alpinia malaccensis (Burm.f) Roscoe) was used by Sri Lankan traditional physicians. On the day first Virechana Karma was performed followed by externally application of paste of A. malaccensis from next day to 10 days. Clinical features such as mild itching, whiteness, roughness and scaling of the skin were completely relieved after the treatment regimen. It is concluded that Virechana Karma using Cassia fistula (Ehela Peni) along with external application of Kaluwala Alepa (Alpinia malaccensis) is beneficial in treatment of Sidhma Kushta (pityriasis versicolor).