Abstract

A STAGED SIX-WEEK AYURVEDIC PROTOCOL FOR PSORIASIS (KITIBHA/EKAKUSHTHA) USING KRIMIKUTHARA RASA, GANDHAKA RASAYANA, PARIPATHADI KASHAYA, PANCHATIKTA KASHAYA, KAMADUGDHA RASA, AROGYAVARDHINI RASA, AND NITYA VIRECHANA WITH TRIPHALA CHURNA

*Dr. N. Shrinivasa Acharya, Dr. Udaya D. K., Dr. Meera Baby

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease characterized by erythematous plaques, adherent scaling, itching, dryness, and variable psychosocial burden. In Ayurveda, a number of such clinical features may be interpreted under the broad disease category of Kushtha, especially Kitibha Kushtha and Ekakushtha. Classical Ayurvedic management of Kushtha emphasizes nidana parivarjana (avoidance of causative factors), correction of impaired agni, ama pachana, shodhana where appropriate, shamana oushadhi, external care, and long-term rasayana support. This article presents a staged, six-week, physiciansupervised management plan. The first fortnight is designed to address krimi, kleda, ama, kapha-pitta aggravation, and pruritus through Krimikuthara Rasa, Gandhaka Rasayana, and Paripathadi Kashaya. During the second fortnight, Gandhaka Rasayana, Kamadugdha Rasa, and Panchatikta Kashaya are used with emphasis on pitta-rakta shamana, kushthaghna, and twak-prasadana measures. The final fortnight employs Arogyavardhini Rasa and Gandhaka Rasayana to support agni, meda-kleda regulation, and chronic kushtha control. Mild daily bowel regulation with carefully titrated Triphala Churna is proposed as a form of mridu/nitya virechana only in appropriately selected patients. The regimen must not replace evidence-based dermatological assessment, and objective outcomes such as PASI/BSA, itch score, lesion photographs, bowel frequency, adverse effects, and laboratory safety should be documented.

Keywords: Psoriasis, Kitibha Kushtha, Ekakushtha, Gandhaka Rasayana, Krimikuthara Rasa, Paripathadi Kashaya, Panchatikta Kashaya, Arogyavardhini Rasa, Triphala, Nitya Virechana.