Shotha refers to the localized or any generalized swelling caused by the vitiation of doshas and the obstruction of the strotas. It is characterized by utsedh (swelling), Gaurava (heaviness), shool (Pain), Ushma (Burning), Vivarnata (Discolouration) and changes in the tissue function. The concept of Shotha can be correlated with the term Inflammation according to allopathic science. Both concepts overlap significantly in terms of etiology, pathogenesis, clinical features and treatment goals; although ayurveda presents a more systemic understanding. In Ayurvedic literature there are many formulations mentioned with shothahara properties. In this article we are studying various shothahara kalpas from sharangdhar Samhita an old classical ayurvedic text. The purpose of this study is to make a compilation of all shothahara kalpas and analyze their mode of action based on its ingredients, bhavana Dravya, Anupan and sevan vidhi. Now a days NSAID’s are popularly used to treat inflammations in the body but long term use of these drugs come with some side effects like GI Bleeding, Hypertension, Hepatotoxicity and Renal damage etc. Compared to an allopathic drugs, ayurvedic medicines can be used for a longer duration with lesser or no side effects. Thus it is innovative to list down the medications under shothahara properties and interpret its probable mode of action.
2Vd. Gayatri Gaonkar 1Vd. Vinita Yadav (Mon,) studied this question.