Abstract

EFFECTIVENESS OF SIDDHA MEDICINE ON IDIOPATHIC URTICARIA (KAANAKADI) - A CASE REPORT

S. Karthik Nagarajan*, S. Uthrapathi, A. Vasanth Miltonraj, N. J. Muthukumar, V. Mahalakshmi and V. Banumathi

Abstract

Siddha system of medicine is one of the ancient systems of medicine practised among Tamil speaking community. The medicine in this system prepared from raw drug from herbals, mineral, metals and animal products. Chronic idiopathic urticaria (CIU) is defined as the occurrence of daily or almost daily, wheals and itching for at least 6 weeks, with no obvious cause. It is a major affliction causing severe disability. The present report deals with a case of CIU diagnosed as ‘Kaanakadi”according to Siddha System of medicine. Efficacy of treatment was calculated by using ‘The chronic urticaria quality of life questionnaire (CU-Q2oL)’ and ‘Urticaria activity score (UAS 7)’. Total three assessments were done, before treatment, after Purgation therapy and after one month of purgation therapy. Purgation therapy is done followed by internal Siddha medicines. There was complete relief in signs & symptoms of CIU, on both scales CU-Q2oL and UAS 7 immediately after Purgation therapy but the relief was not sustained for long time. Recurrence occurred after one month of Purgation therapy due to non-following of dietary protocol, lifestyle changes which are advised to the patient. It seems that purificatory procedures) followed by internal medicines along with diet plan and life style changes are essential for the complete recovery and also to prevent the recurrences in chronic urticaria patients.

Keywords: Chronic idiopathic urticaria, Siddha medicine, Kaanakadi, Purgation therapy, life style.