Article: A REVIEW ON VISHAVILWADI AGADA

Article Category: Review articles

DOI: 10.7897/2277-4343.154124

Pages: 89-92

Author: Jesney Rodrigues NC *, Gopikrishna S

Abstract: Kerala has a proven unique background in the field of toxicology (Visha chikitsa). Many eminent Visha vaidyas in Kerala managed snake bites and other poisonous stings/ bites. Rather than classical Ayurvedic texts, many books were written by the Visha Vaidyas of Kerala based on their practical knowledge. Kriyakoumudi is one such book which describes many yogas which contain herbal and herbo-mineral drugs for the treatment of Visha as well as its complications. Many formulations mentioned in this book, once used as first-line management of poisonous bites and stings, are now being neglected and forgotten. Vishavilwadi agada is one such antitoxic formulation. In the present day, only a few antitoxic formulations and practices are used for the management of poisoning, the reason for the same being the non-availability of the drugs, the controversy regarding the identity of the ingredients of the formulations mentioned in the classical texts and the lack of knowledge about the traditional treatment procedures and formulations. Vishavilwadi agada, once practised as a lifesaving medicine, remains unrecognized.

Keyword: Vishavaidyas, Vishavilwadi agada, Kriyakoumudi, Visha