Abstract

ROLE OF MEDICINAL HERBS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF GRIDHRASI (SCIATICA): AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH

*Dr. Jaya Kachchhwaha, Dr. Ayush Garg, Dr. Meenakshi Kumawat, Dilip Gehlot, Dr. Chandan Singh and Dr. Manoj Kumar Adlakha

ABSTRACT

In this hectic life sciatic pain is a very common disorder that hampers people from doing their routine activities. Gridhrasi (sciatica) is one among vata vyradhi caused by aggravated vata Doshas. It is characterized by burning, stinging or numbing pain that is felt in the buttock; thigh, leg or foot. It may or may not be associated with low back pain. The main cause of sciatica can be a horizontal or slipped disc, piriformis syndrome, spinal stenosis, spondylolisthesis, in the starting stage people neglect this, but later this becomes a major issue when the pain becomes unbearable. At this stage they might search for a better cure. There are wide ranges of treatment for which includes internal medications for pain and inflammation, Physical therapy & spinal injections. And lastly surgery is advised for those who do not respond for conservative treatments. But, these are not much successful and therefore those who are suffering from this are always in search of result oriented remedy. Classics of Ayurveda have references related to sciatica, according to Ayurveda signs and symptoms of sciatica are much similar to "Gridhrasi vaata Roga."Gridhrasi can be treated remarkably with procedures of panchakarma like of abhyanga, swedana and internal medications. Sciatica pain treated with help of Nirgundi (Vitex negundo),Guggulu (Commiphora wightii) Eranda roots (Ricinus communis), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera),Long Pepper (Piper longum), Jaiphal (Nutmeg/Myristica fragrans). This Review paper provides an overview of the effect of medicinal herbs on sciatica.

Keywords: Sciatica, Gridhrasi, Medicinal Herbs, Ayurvedic, Nirgundi, Guggulu.