AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF INSECT BITES: A CASE REPORT

The concept and classification of visha (poison) and keeta visha (insect venom) have been extensively described in classical Ayurvedic texts by Acharya Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata. Acharya Sushruta, in the Kalpasthana of Sushruta Samhita, classified 67 types of keeta (insects) into four groups under jangama visha (animate poison), noting their potential to cause acute and severe manifestations. The clinical features of keeta visha including itching, burning sensation, swelling, and pain often mimic skin disorders, leading to diagnostic challenges. This case report presents a 25-year-old female with symptoms like swelling, itching, burning sensation, pain and heaviness localized to the infraorbital region of the right eye following an unknown insect bite. Ayurvedic treatment was initiated as per International conference of Harmonization-Good Clinical Practices Guidelines (ICH-GCP) using Aarogyavardhini Vati, Gandhak Rasayan, Dushivishari Agad, Yasthimadhu Ghrita, and Dashang Lepa for local application, based on formulations described in Kalpasthana. The patient responded positively, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of classical Ayurvedic management in cases of insect bites.