An Ayurvedic Approach in the Management of Kitibha Kushtha W.S.R. to Psoriasis

About Author

Correspondence Address

DMM Ayurved college Shivajinagar arni road yavatmal
Contact No. : 9011077496, Email : adbalwarnikita22@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 29 Jun 2026

Date of Publication : 30 Jun 2026

Article ID : SD-IJAY_187

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2026.4214

Abstract

Psoriasis is a chronic, immune-mediated inflammatory skin disorder characterized by erythematous, scaly plaques associated with itching, dryness, and recurrent episodes. In Ayurveda, it can be correlated with Kitibha Kushtha, a type of Kshudra Kushtha, predominantly involving vitiation of Vata and Kapha Dosha along with Rakta Dushti. The present study aims to evaluate the efficacy of Ayurvedic management in a diagnosed case of psoriasis.

A 65-year-old male patient presented with complaints of thickened scaly lesions, itching (Kandu), and dryness (Rukshata) over both palms for six months. The patient had a history of temporary relief with allopathic treatment followed by recurrence. Ayurvedic intervention included Shamana Chikitsa (Panchtikta Ghrita Guggulu, Gandhak Rasayan, Khadirarishta, Gandharvaharitaki) along with local application of Somraji Taila and Shodhana Chikitsa in the form of Raktamokshana (Siravedha).

Assessment was carried out using subjective parameters such as Kandu, Rukshata, Vaivarnya, and lesion size. Significant improvement was observed within 7 days of treatment, with marked reduction in itching, scaling, discoloration, and lesion size. The study highlights the potential of Ayurvedic therapy in effectively managing psoriasis and reducing recurrence.

KEY WORDS:-  Psoriasis, Kitibha Kushtha, Ayurveda, Raktamokshana, Shamana Chikitsa

Introduction

Discussion

Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu

Panchatikta Ghrita Guggulu is useful in the management of Kitibha Kushta. It contains Tikta Rasa drugs like Nimba, Patola, Vasa, Guduchi, and Kantakari, which help in Rakta Shodhana and Kushtaghna action. Ghrita acts as Rasayana and enhances drug delivery, while Guggulu has Lekhana and Shothahara properties, reducing scaling and inflammation. It mainly pacifies Vata–Kapha Dosha and improves Twacha, Rakta and Mamsa Dhatu, thereby reducing symptoms like Rukshata and Kharata12.

Gandhak rasayan

Gandhak rasayan is a polyherbal drug which is Rakta shodhak, kandughana and Rasayan mainly indicated in kushtha rog. It is prepared from chaturjata, triphala, Shunthi, and swaras of guduchi, bhringraja, adraka, and pure gandhak. It has antifungal and Antibacterial properties. Thus, it reduces the infection. It reduces features of raag, pidika with raktashodhak and Kushthaghana properties .13

Khadirarishta

Khadira has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties that can play a beneficial role in autoimmune and chronic inflammatory conditions. Bakuchi is also known as Kushtanashini and has immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-psoriatic, anti-leprotic, and antibacterial properties. It acts through regulating multiple pathways to correct the pathophysiology of chronic skin ailments.14

Gandhrvaharitaki vati

This Kalpa helps to digest and excrete the Apakva Mala out of the body by its Anulomak action. It is a Snigdha Rechak Kalpa; thus, it helps to relieve constipation and restore niramta.15

Somraji tailam

Dadru is a Kapha Dosha dominant Tridoshaja skin disorder. Local application of Somraji Taila reduces symptoms of Dadru or Dermatophytosis Due to its Katu, Tikta taste, Ushna Veerya, Laghu, Ruksha Guna, and Katu Vipaka. Some contents of Somraji Taila also have Rakta Shodhaka property, which helps to get Rid of the growth of fungus on the skin. Various research on the contents of Somraji Taila has proved its antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti‑inflammatory activities. The other contents of Somraji Taila, such as Haridra, Sarshapa, and Amalatasa, have anti‑inflammatory, anti‑microbial, and antifungal activities. Somraji oil, having the property of deep penetration, helps to remove inflammatory substances and promote the regeneration of new tissue. The local application of Somraji oil acts quicker due to the physiological effect of heat on the skin.16

Raktmokshan

Siravedha is a type of Raktamokshana indicated in Kushta Roga including Kitibha Kushta. It helps in elimination of vitiated Rakta, thereby reducing Kandu (itching), Rukshata, discoloration and thickness of lesions. It also pacifies Vata–Kapha Dosha and improves local circulation. Hence, Siravedha is effective in detoxification and management of Kitibha Kushta17.

Probable mode of action

Raktamokshana (Siravedha) helps in removal of vitiated Rakta, leading to Rakta Shodhana. It reduces Kandu, Rukshata, Vaivarnya and scaling, and pacifies Vata–Kapha Dosha. It also improves local circulation and shows anti-inflammatory effects, thereby reducing the thickness of lesions in Kitibha Kushta.

Conclusion

Psoriasis, correlated with Kitibha Kushtha in Ayurveda, is a chronic and recurrent skin disorder that significantly affects the quality of life. The present case study demonstrates that Ayurvedic management, including Nidana Parivarjana, Shamana Chikitsa, and Raktamokshana, plays a crucial role in alleviating the symptoms and controlling disease progression.

The combination of internal medications and external therapies showed significant improvement in clinical features such as itching, scaling, dryness, and discoloration within a short duration. Raktamokshana (Siravedha) proved to be particularly effective in eliminating vitiated Rakta and reducing local symptoms.

Thus, Ayurvedic treatment provides a safe, cost-effective, and holistic approach in the management of psoriasis with promising outcomes and minimal chances of recurrence. However, further large-scale clinical studies are required to validate these findings.

References

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