Abstract

KRIMIGHNA MAHAKASHAYA OF CHARAK SAMHITA: A CRITICAL REVIEW

Sharma M., Sahu S.*, Kumar M. and Nayak U.

ABSTRACT

The term “Krimi” is frequently used in ancient Ayurvedic classics and it is a causative factor for various pathological conditions like weight loss, anaemia, vomiting, headache etc. The Krimi may be external or internal in nature. The Krimi described in ancient texts are more or less similar to microbes or helminths mentioned in present time. Ayurveda has advised specific drugs for specific Krimi. Acharya Charaka has mentioned a group of ten medicinal plants with Krimighna properties and actions, which is known as Krimighna Mahakashya. On close observation it has been observed that plants of this group have specific rasa, guna, veerya, vipaka and prabhava by which they act. They are used in clinical practice frequently in form of single drug or in combinations. Here an attempt has been made to critically analyse the Krimi and Krimighna Mahakasaya individually as well as in group.

Keywords: Charak Samhita, Krimighna Mahakashaya, Helminths.