Efficacy of Citraka Hareetaki Avaleha in the management of Tamaka Swasa – A Case Study

Abstract

Tamaka Swasa is one among the Swasaroga which is predominantly a Vatakaphaja Vyadhi affecting Pranavaha Srotas and characterized by Pratiloma Gati of Vayu. This disease disturbs the daily activities by producing Swasakrichrata, Ghurghuraka and Kasa and those symptoms are almost similar with that of Bronchial Asthma which includes recurrent episodes of breathlessness, chest tightness, wheezing and cough.  A 41 year old female patient reported in the Kayachikitsa outpatient department with complaints of breathing difficulty, wheezing and chest tightness since 1 week associated with expectoration of sputum (white colour), running nose, throat irritation and loss of appetite. Patient was advised to take Citraka Hareetaki Avaleha 15 gms twice daily after food with warm water as Anupana for 2 months and 1 month follow up after the completion of treatment. Citraka Hareetaki Avaleha is a formulation  mentioned in Bhaishajyaratnavali Nasaroga Chikitsa Prakarana having Deepana, Pachana, Vata- Kaphahara and Anulomana properties. After 2 months of medication, marked improvements were noted on the assessment parameters and after 1 month follow up, no episodes of above complaints were reported, which showed the effectiveness of Citraka Hareetaki Avaleha in the management of Tamaka Swasa.