Skin diseases in the Ganges plains of West Bengal and management by herbs and yogic approaches

Abstract

Skin diseases like boils, eczema, itch, rashes etc. are the diseases caused due to heavy humidity, irregularity in cleanliness of the body, impurities in the blood, some unwanted food habits as well as the prolonged hyperglycaemia. External application of several plant paste, and oral intake of decoction and plant extracts of some plants improves the blood impurities and heals the skin diseases. Seeking out the spreading skin diseases in the areas of gangetic plains of West Bengal and other part of the country, the locally available herbs in the management of skin diseases the present explorations were made. Exploration of Gangetic plains of West Bengal, from Rajmahal hills to Gangasagar, have been conducted. During the exploration, 338 medicinal plants were collected and specimen vouchers were prepared by usual methods of herbarium technique. Medicinal plants related with skin diseases were selected on the basis of the published literature and documented on the basis of authentic evidence through published literatures on pharmacology, phytochemistry of the related plants. During the exploration of herbs related with the formulation of medicines and tradition use of medicines described in different herbal system of medicines in the Gangetic areas, 57 herbs were documented based on the literature on the pharmacological properties. The 57 herbs useful in the management of skin diseases through local applications and or oral intake were documented. Pharmacological evidence of these plants are already described worldwide. Application of different Yogasana and Pranayams helpful in managing the skin diseases, while taking medication are also described.