SAINDHAVA IN KSHEERAVASTHI

Vasthi is said to be a preventive, promotive and curative therapeutic intervention and is considered as ardhachikitsa  among all therapies by different acharyas. Ksheera vasthi is a mrudu niruha vasthi. Functionally it acts as a dosha shamana and brimhana vasthi. It is mainly indicated in asthi pradoshaja and majjavaha sroto vikaras and when there is involvement of pitta and rakta. There is reference of ksheera being used as kashaya dravya and also as avapa dravya in vasthi kalpa and it is these formulations that are considered as ksheera vasthi. This observational study analyzed data from 40 participants who underwent Ksheeravasthi at VPSV Ayurveda College Hospital, Kottakkal, between January 1, 2025 and February 15, 2025. Notably, some participants received Saindhava (rock salt) as an ingredient while others did not. This variability prompted an investigation into the rationale behind the inclusion or exclusion of Saindhava in Ksheeravasthi preparations. Our findings will shed light on the theoretical and practical implications of using Saindhava in Ksheeravasthi, contributing to the optimization of this Ayurvedic treatment.