Clinical evaluation of the virechana therapy along with an indigenous compound in the management of tamak shwasa (bronchial asthma)

Abstract

Tamak Shwas is a disease of respiratory system where the patient feels difficulty in breathing and it can be correlated to Bronchial Asthma in modern parlance. The disease Shwas as described in Ayurveda is of 5 varieties out of which 3 types of Shwas are stated to be incurable, while one of them doesn’t need any treatment only rest is sufficient, whereas the “Tamak Shwas” has an important place in relation to chikitsa i.e. treatment and management as it is termed as Yapya, i.e. palliative. Tamak Shwas i.e. Bronchial Asthma can be managed with proper therapy. In this context Virechana plays an important role in its management as it is stated “Tamaketu Virechanam” in context to the treatment of Tamak Shwasa. A Study has been carried out to evaluate the effect of Virechana Therapy along with an Indigenous preparation in the management of Tamak Shwasa (Bronchial Asthma). For this an indigenous Compound drug (Shirish, Guduchi and Vasaka) was prepared in the form of Ghan Vati and Virechana Dravya consisting of Guduchi Satva, Triphala Churna and Eranda Taila was advocated in two different groups each consisting of 20 patients. Group A was given only trial drug in a dose of 1gm (two tablets) thrice daily with warm water while patients in Group B were advised to take Virechana Therapy for 7 days prior to trial drug therapy. The effect was compared and found to be encouraging with fewer side effects.