EFFECTIVENESS OF KUKKUTANDA SWEDA AND ALLIED AYURVEDIC INTERVENTIONS IN BELL'S PALSY: A CLINICAL CASE REPORT

Background: Facial expressions are the universal medium of emotion and communication. In Ardita these features are impaired due to Vāta vitiation, leading to facial distortion and paralysis. It closely correlates with Bell’s palsy, an acute lower motor neuron type of facial nerve paralysis. Aim & Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of Kukkutanda Sweda and allied Ayurvedic modalities in the management of Ardita (Bell’s palsy). Methods: A mid-aged female patient without comorbidities presented with left-sided facial deviation, dribbling of liquids, loss of taste, inability to close the left eye, and slurred speech for six days. Assessment was done using the House–Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading System. The treatment protocol included Abhyanga with Mahanarayan Taila, Nadi Sweda with Daśamoola Yavakuta, Pratimarsha Nasya with Ksheerabala 101 Taila (2 drops per nostril), and Kukkutanda Sweda prepared by frying egg yolk and white in Ksheerabala Taila with Saindhava Lavana and Jambira Nimbu. Internal medicines included Ekangaveera Rasa, Maharasanadi Kwatha, and Cap. Ksheerabala 101 Taila. Results: Significant improvement was observed in facial symmetry, eye closure, speech, and taste sensation. Conclusion: Ardita (Bell’s palsy) can be effectively managed through integrated Ayurvedic modalities combining Kukkutanda Sweda, Nasya, and internal medication. This protocol alleviates Vāta doṣa, strengthens facial nerves, and restores motor and sensory functions, offering a promising, non-invasive management approach.