Ayurvedic Management of Dusta Vrana

Abstract

Vrana is a condition in which body tissues undergo selective destruction and, after repair, leave a permanent scar. Acharya Sushruta has elaborately described Vrana and its Chikitsa, which remains fundamental in surgical practice. Vrana is classified as Shuddha Vrana and Dushta Vrana, the latter characterized by pain, discharge, slough, foul smell, discoloration, delayed healing, and chronicity (Deergha Kalanubadhi Dushta Vrana). Snake bite is a neglected public health problem, and in Ayurveda viper bite is described as Mandali Damsha, which may later manifest as Mandali Dashta Dushta Vrana due to infection, necrosis, and poor vascularity. The present case study reports patients with post-snakebite induced chronic Dushta Vrana presenting as non-healing ulcers despite prolonged allopathic treatment. The Chikitsa Sutra adopted included Vrana Prakshalana with Panchavalkala Kashaya and local application of Jatyadi Taila/Ghrita for Vrana Shodhana and Vrana Ropana, along with internal administration of Triphala Guggulu with Ushna jala as Anupana. The intervention resulted in significant reduction in pain, discharge, edema, and complete wound healing, highlighting the effectiveness of Ayurvedic Vrana Chikitsa in post snake bite ulcers.