Subcutaneous intralesional Ksharodaka injection: A novel treatment for the management of Warts: A case series.

Warts are generally managed using cryosurgery, keratolytic ointments, curettage and electrodessication. Warts, vis‑a‑vis Charmakila, in Ayurvedic classical texts are classified into different types depending on the dominance of dosha. Ayurveda prescribes oral medications, topical use of Kshara (alkaline ash of herbs), Agni (thermal cautery) and Shastrakarma (surgery) for removal of Charmakila. Use of topical Kshara in the form of powder, aqueous solution i.e. Ksharodaka and Ksharasutra (thread smeared with Kshara) for warts has been reported. However, these methods necessitate multiple sittings and takea longer duration for removal of the warts. Herewith, we report a case series of different types of warts treated with intralesional infiltration of Apamarga Ksharodaka (AK), i.e. aqueous solution of Apamarga (Achyranthes aspera) Kshara. We observed that all these warts took a minimum of 2–6 days to shed off, leaving minor scars. There were no adverse reactions reported in any of these cases.

Basti: Does the equipment and method of administration matter.

Basti is one of the fi ve procedures of panchakarma in Ayurveda. Classically, it is advocated in the diseases of vata. It is mainly of two types viz. asthapana and anuvasana. According to the classical texts basti administration is done with the help of animal bladder (bastiputaka) and specially prepared metal/wooden nozzle/catheter (bastinetra), the whole assembly is called as bastiyantra. Nowadays, except in some of the Vaidya traditions in Kerala, basti administration is often done using enema-can or douche-set. In the aforesaid classical procedure active pressure is expected to be given on the bastiputaka whereas, in conventionally used enema-can only passive or gravitational force plays a role. This is important in the context of ‘basti danakala or pidanakala i.e. time for basti administration’.