AYURVEDIC THERAPEUTIC APPROACH TO ASHMARI: A CONCEPTUAL REVIEW

Ashmari is derived from the Sanskrit words “Ashma” (stone) and “Ari” (enemy), indicating a condition that produces severe pain and morbidity similar to that caused by an enemy. Its detailed description is attributed to Acharya Sushruta, who classified it under Ashta Mahagada, the group of eight most severe and difficult-to-treat diseases. Mutrashmari, a subtype of Ashmari, is a disorder of the Mutravaha Srotas, with the urinary bladder (Basti) being the primary site of manifestation. The incidence of urinary calculi is increasing globally due to sedentary lifestyle, unhealthy dietary habits, psychological stress, and environmental factors. Mutrashmari (urolithiasis) results in obstruction of urine flow, dysuria, and may further lead to serious complications such as hydronephrosis and irreversible renal parenchymal damage if not managed timely. In Ayurveda, its management primarily focuses on drugs possessing Mutravirechaniya (diuretic), Ashmarighna (lithotriptic), and Shophaghna (anti-inflammatory) properties, which help in relieving symptoms, promoting dissolution or expulsion of calculi, and preventing recurrence.