Abstract

A REVIEW ON ASHWAGANDHADI TAILA BASTI IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI (SCIATICA)

C. S. Tanmane and Ruchita M. Mondal*

Abstract

The most common disorder which affects the movement of leg, is low back pain. Such presentations were common in ancient times, as well; and was named as Gridhrasi. It is a pain dominating Vata Vyadhi. It’s surge in incidence is alarming. The pain starts from back region (Sphika Pradesha) and radiates towards the foot. Gridhrasi is included in Vataja Nanatmaja Vyadhi. Based on the symptoms, Gridhrasi can be correlated with Sciatica in Modern Science. Sciatica is a relatively common condition with a lifetime incidence varying from 13% to 40 %. Treatment in Ayurveda is aimed at restoring the equilibrium. Each human desire to live a healthy life, but it becomes difficult, owing to multiple factors related with environment, changing lifestyle, etc. Acharya Vangasena has descried Basti Karma (enema) with Ashwagandhadi Taila for the management of Gridhrasi. Ayurveda has described Basti to control the vitiated Vata. Pitta and Kapha are dependent on Vata as it governs their functions. Basti is not only best for Vata disorders, but also equally effective in correcting the morbid Pitta, Kapha. In view of the rising incidence and the pain associated in this condition, which hampers daily routine; there is an urgent need of an effective treatment. In this article, the effect of Ashwagandhadi Taila in managing Gridrasi, as mentioned by Acharya Vangasena, has been studied.

Keywords: Gridhrasi, Sciatica, Ashwagandhadi Taila, Basti.