Vajigandhadi Taila Basti and Agnikarma in the Management of Sciatica: A Comparative Clinical Study Approach

The study was undertaken to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Vajigandhadi Taila Basti & Agnikarma in the management of Sciatica. Vajigandhadi Taila contains Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera) (Balya, Rasayan), Dashamoola Kwatha (10 types of herbs viz Bilva, Agnimantha, Patala, Shyonaka, Gambhari, Shaliparni, Prushniparni, Gokshura, Bruhati, Kanatakari Vataghna -analgesic & anti-inflammatory properties ) Bala (Sida Cordifolia) (Balya, Vatashama), Bilva (Aegle Marmelos, - Vataghna, Astringent) & Eranda Taila (Ricinus Communis - Vatashamak, Anulomaka). Both these remedies prove extremely beneficial as it can be performed on the OPD & IPD basis, gives significant relief in the symptoms e.g. radiating pain, stiffness, twitching sensation. The objective parameters like Pain, Straight Leg rising test, Visual analogue scale & Verbal dating scale etc., were used to score clinical outcome. The average clinical improvement was calculated by proper statistical treatment. Our experience with this modality has been encouraging as the response pattern is good in considerably short duration of treatment. The patient improves gradually after 4 weeks of treatment. Agnikarma's pain alleviation combined with Basti's long-lasting healing creates a window of opportunity for the clinical therapy of sciatica. Ideally, this method could be scientifically assessed utilizing nerve conduction research and biophysical concepts, and it could be practically taught to doctors.