An Ayurvedic Approach in the management of kamala - A case study

Ayurveda is an ancient medical science. It has thoroughly described Swatthavritta as well as treatment of various diseases. In our ancient Samhita, Kamala Vyadhi is briefly described. Kamala is Pittaj Nantmaj as well as Raktapradoshaja Vyadhi. Kamala is compound word (kam+la) means lust or desire. In Kamala there is no any desire to eat or drink. An individual suffers from severe Arochaka, Avipaka, Agnimandya in Kamala. Charakacharya has considered Kamala as advanced stage of Panduroga. Shushrutacharya has considered Kamala as a separate disease and also may be due to further complication of Panduroga, whereas Vagbhatacharya described Kamala as a separate disease. Kamala can be correlated with jaundice in modern medical science. Modern science has limitations in treating Kamala Vyadhi (jaundice) but Ayurvedic literature clearly explained pathology and treatment of Kamala Vyadhi which shows the specificity of Ayurveda. With Ayurvedic medicines, we can treat and avoid recurrence of Kamala. The management of Kamala and its complications along with drug, diet and lifestyle have been mentioned in Ayurvedic classics. KEYWORDS: Kamala, Jaundice, Panduroga, Arochaka, Avipaka, Agnimandya.