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==([[Chikitsa Sthana]] Chapter 23, Chapter on the management ofg f poisoning)==

==([[Chikitsa Sthana]] Chapter 23, Chapter on the management of poisoning)==

 

=== Abstract ===

Among the Ashtangas, agada tantra (toxicology) stands separate in its concept, clinical approach, management and result. This is the only chapter which guides us in the management of poison and the conditions of poisoning. As we all know visha and visha chikitsa requires a special mention in any medical system. It is rightly justified by the following facts:

Among the Ashtangas, agada tantra (toxicology) stands separate in its concept, clinical approach, management and result. This is the only chapter which guides us in the management of poison and the conditions of poisoning. As we all know visha and visha chikitsa requires a special mention in any medical system. It is rightly justified by the following facts:

Treatment of poisoning is an emergency and should be managed as a house on fire, earlier its extinguished, lesser the damage, and the result for the effort of vaidya is immediate when compared to the other disorders.  This chapter deals with study of the poison, its origin and criterion of classification. The group of sthavara (poisons of plant origin, minerals & metal, poison of immobile origin or vegetable poison) and jangama (poisons of animal origin) are described. A special category called kritrima visha (artificial poison) with a significant role for a good physician in treating severe cases. Dushivisha (slow poisons) is explained in a sentence but, has lot of hidden meaning and is a treasure in innovating the treatment skills of a physician. Various treatment methods for the poisons and chaturvimshati upakrama (24 fold treatments) is a special contribution of Charaka. Medicines as a single drug and as a combination are told as remedial measures and also as symptomatic treatments as per the requirement of condition are described. Together with this, jangama vishas (poison of animal origin) and specific approach for their management are very systematically mentioned.

 

Keywords: Agada, visha, toxins, poisons, dushi visha, slow poisons, snake bite, snake venoms, mosquito bite, antidotes, shanka visha (pseudo poison), gara visha (slow poisons).  

Treatment of poisoning is an emergency and should be managed as a house on fire, earlier its extinguished, lesser the damage, and the result for the effort of vaidya is immediate when compared to the other disorders.  This chapter deals with study of the poison, its origin and criterion of classification. The group of sthavara (poisons of plant origin, minerals & metal, poison of immobile origin or vegetable poison) and jangama (poisons of animal origin) are described. A special category called kritrima visha (artificial poison) with a significant role for a good physician in treating severe cases. Dushivisha (slow poisons) is explained in a sentence but, has lot of hidden meaning and is a treasure in innovating the treatment skills of a physician. Various treatment methods for the poisons and chaturvimshati upakrama (24 fold treatments) is a special contribution of Charaka. Medicines as a single drug and as a combination are told as remedial measures and also as symptomatic treatments as per the requirement of condition are described. Together with this, jangama vishas (poison of animal origin) and specific approach for their management are very systematically mentioned.

Introduction:

 

'''Keywords''': Agada, visha, toxins, poisons, dushi visha, slow poisons, snake bite, snake venoms, mosquito bite, antidotes, shanka visha (pseudo poison), gara visha (slow poisons).  

 

=== Introduction ===

 

Agada is enlisted in one of the eight branches of ayurveda. Management of poisoning  is an important aspect of medical system. Visha is a substance that leads to decline of overall functions of the person. Vaidya should have knowledge and training in visha gara vairodhika prashamana (anti-toxin treatment). In India especially in Kerala, the role of traditional practitioners in this field is significant. Their simple, but effective treatments, has really been astonishing. They are also well versed in the details regarding the good and bad omen based on doota (messenger), the happenings the vaidya sees when he is going to make house call for treating such cases and also what he observes in the house and in the patient. He is also well versed in astrology.  

Agada is enlisted in one of the eight branches of ayurveda. Management of poisoning  is an important aspect of medical system. Visha is a substance that leads to decline of overall functions of the person. Vaidya should have knowledge and training in visha gara vairodhika prashamana (anti-toxin treatment). In India especially in Kerala, the role of traditional practitioners in this field is significant. Their simple, but effective treatments, has really been astonishing. They are also well versed in the details regarding the good and bad omen based on doota (messenger), the happenings the vaidya sees when he is going to make house call for treating such cases and also what he observes in the house and in the patient. He is also well versed in astrology.  

The Visha chikitsa chapter, follows Trishna chikitsa because both have same line of treatment i.e.; sheetala kriya (cooling therapy). The same logic can be attributed to the madatyaya chikitsa which follows this chapter.Visha and madya have same qualities and effects on body, however madya is comparatively  mild with gradual effects, whereas visha has severe and acute effects. The present chapter deals with detailed study of various types of acute and slow poisons. The animal bites, their clinical features and treatment are described in detail. The stages of poisoning and their clinical features are detailed. The chapter also explains the stages, features and treatment of poisoning in animals and birds. Various fumigation medicines are enlisted to detoxify the home environment, things of daily use like beds, seats, clothes etc.  The treatments of insect bite, rat bite, dog bite, scorpion bite are also described. This chapter opens a window to treat adverse drug reactions and allergic reaction to anti toxic formulations described. A condition of pseudo poisoning is mentioned which needs psychological counselling without any anti toxic medicines.  

The Visha chikitsa chapter, follows Trishna chikitsa because both have same line of treatment i.e.; sheetala kriya (cooling therapy). The same logic can be attributed to the madatyaya chikitsa which follows this chapter.Visha and madya have same qualities and effects on body, however madya is comparatively  mild with gradual effects, whereas visha has severe and acute effects. The present chapter deals with detailed study of various types of acute and slow poisons. The animal bites, their clinical features and treatment are described in detail. The stages of poisoning and their clinical features are detailed. The chapter also explains the stages, features and treatment of poisoning in animals and birds. Various fumigation medicines are enlisted to detoxify the home environment, things of daily use like beds, seats, clothes etc.  The treatments of insect bite, rat bite, dog bite, scorpion bite are also described. This chapter opens a window to treat adverse drug reactions and allergic reaction to anti toxic formulations described. A condition of pseudo poisoning is mentioned which needs psychological counselling without any anti toxic medicines.