THE ROLE OF DWAYA HARIDRA AND NIMBADI TAILA IN THE MANAGEMENT OF VICHARCHIKA (ECZEMA): A CASE STUDY

About Author

Correspondence Address

Dr. Monica Chavhan
Plot no. 16, Sant Dnyaneshwar Society, Near New India Church
Mankapur, distt.- Nagpur- 440030

Contact No. : 07448085058, Email : monica.chavan94@gmail.com

Date of Acceptance : 30 Dec 2025

Date of Publication : 31 Dec 2025

Article ID : SD-IJAY_193

How to cite this article : http://doi.org/10.55552/SDNJAY.2025.3416

Abstract

Vicharchika is one of the Kshudra Kushthas described in Ayurvedic classics and can be clinically correlated with eczema or atopic dermatitis. It is characterized by Kandu (itching), Pidika (eruptions), Shyavarna (blackish discoloration), Bahusrava (oozing), Rukshata (dryness), Rajyo (marked lining due to lesion thickening), and Ruja (pain). According to Ayurveda, Kushtha comprises a group of dermatological disorders resulting from Dosha-Dushya Sammurchana affecting Twak, Rakta, Mamsa, and Lasika. Contemporary medicine describes eczema as a chronic inflammatory skin disorder presenting with erythema, itching, papules, scaling, exudation, and skin discoloration. The present case study evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of Dwaya Haridra administered orally along with local application of Nimbadi Taila in the management of Vicharchika (Eczema). A 52-year-old male patient suffering from Vicharchika for ten years was treated with Ayurvedic interventions. Significant symptomatic relief was observed following treatment.

KEY WORDS:-  Vicharchika, Eczema, Dwaya Haridra, Nimbadi Taila, Kshudra Kushtha, Ayurveda

Introduction

All skin disorders have been described under the broad heading of Kushtha in Ayurvedic literature. The term Kushtha is derived from “Kushnati iti Kushtham”, denoting diseases that gradually impair or destroy the affected tissues. Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita classify Kushtha into Mahakushtha and Kshudra Kushtha. Vicharchika is included among the Kshudra Kushthas and is characterized by Kandu, Pidika, Bahusrava, Rukshata, Shyavarna, Rajyo, and Ruja.

The classical references of Vicharchika are:

1. "त्वचः कुर्वन्ति वैवर्ण्यं दुष्टाः कुष्ठमुशन्ति तत्" (Ashtanga Sangraha, Nidana Sthana 14/3).
2. "सकण्डूपिडकाश्यावा बहुस्रावा विचर्चिका" (Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 7/26; Bhavaprakasha 54/27; Yogaratnakara).
3. "राज्योऽतिकण्डूर्वतिवरुजः सरुजाभवन्ति गात्रेषु विचर्चिकायाम्" (Sushruta Samhita, Nidana Sthana 5/13).
4. "सकण्डूपिटिकाश्यावा लसीकाढ्या विचर्चिका" (Ashtanga Hridaya, Nidana Sthana 14/18).
5. "श्यामलोहितव्रणवेदनास्रावपाकवती विचर्चिका" (Kashyapa Samhita).
6. "कफप्राया विचर्चिका" (Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 7/30).

Clinically, Vicharchika closely resembles eczema or atopic dermatitis, which is characterized by chronic inflammation, intense itching, scaling, erythema, papules, and recurrent exacerbations. The chronic and relapsing nature of the disease significantly affects the patient's quality of life.

The etiological factors described in Ayurveda include Viruddhahara, Adhyashana, Diwaswapa, excessive consumption of Dadhi, Amla, and Lavana predominant foods, improper Panchakarma procedures, and Agnimandya. These factors lead to Dosha vitiation and involvement of Twak, Rakta, and Mamsa Dhatus.

Discussion

According to Ayurveda, Vicharchika is predominantly a Kapha-Vata Pradhana Vyadhi involving Twak, Rakta, and Mamsa Dhatus.

Hetu

Aharaja Hetu:

• Excessive intake of Dadhi

• Viruddhahara

• Vidahi Annapana

• Excessive intake of Amla, Lavana, and Katu predominant food substances.

Viharaja Hetu:

• Diwaswapa

• Atishrama

• Atapa Sevana

• Improper Panchakarma practices.

Samprapti Ghataka

• Dosha – Vata and Kapha

• Dushya – Rasa, Rakta, and Mamsa

• Srotas – Rasavaha, Raktavaha, and Mamsavaha

• Adhisthana – Twak, Rakta, and Mamsa

• Udbhava Sthana – Twak

• Vyakti Sthana – Twak

The Kushtaghna, Kandughna, and Kledaghna properties of Dwaya Haridra help alleviate itching and skin discoloration, whereas the anti-inflammatory effects contribute to reducing pain and eruptions. Nimbadi Taila effectively reduces dryness and promotes healthy tissue repair through its antimicrobial and antioxidant activities.

Conclusion

The present case study demonstrates that Dwaya Haridra, administered orally, along with local application of Nimbadi Taila, is effective in the management of Vicharchika (Eczema). The treatment provided appreciable symptomatic relief and may be considered a safe and promising Ayurvedic therapeutic approach for chronic dermatological disorders.

References

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