Abstract

A CRITICAL REVIEW OF SHOTHAGHANA DRAVYA MENTIONED IN BHAVPRAKASH NIGHANTU

Dr. Priti Choudhary*, Dr. Sudesh Kumar Bhambu and Dr. Vikram Sidh

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Abstract

In the context of Ayurveda, "Shotha" ( ) refers to swelling or inflammation, encompassing a wide range of conditions from minor swellings to internal organ inflammation. Shotha is also referred to as Shopha or Shvayathu in Ayurvedic texts. Shothaghna drugs refer to a group of medicinal substance in Ayurveda that help alleviate Shotha Roga. Acharya Bhavprakash has described Shothaghna (Anti - inflammatory) drugs across all 14 Vargas (Categories) in his classical Ayurvedic text Bhavprakash Nighantu. Shothaghna Vargas are Haritkyadi Varga, Karpuraadi Varga, Guduchiyaadi Varga, Pushpadi Varga, Vatadi Varga, Aamradi Varga, Dhatvadi Varga, Dhanya Varga, Shak Varga, Dugdha Varga, Mutra Varga, Tail Varga, Sandhan Varga. Ayurveda classifies it based on Dosha involvement (Vataja, Pittaja, Kaphaja), underlying causes, and systemic manifestations. These terms are often used interchangeably to described swelling, edema, or inflammation caused by Dosha imbalanced.

Keywords: Bhav prakash nighantu, Inflammation, Shotha.