Abstract:
Ayurveda is mainly focused on preventive and
curative aspects of health. Ratharoga/ Rathagaya is
a disease that commonly occurs within infants and
children, which can correlate with the Charmadala
in Ayurveda and atopic dermatitis in Paediatrics.
According to Traditional Medicine, Ratha taila is
the commonest external application for Rathagaya
with Ratha kalka internally. This study aims to
supply a comprehensive review on Ratha taila by
analyzing the suitability of the ingredients
theoretically, through their Ayurveda and modern
pharmacodynamic properties and actions for
Rathagaya with the modern correlation to atopic
dermatitis. The review was conducted by referring
related textbooks and online research articles and by
analyzing the pharmacodynamic properties and
actions listed in each ingredient of Ratha taila. The
recipe mentioned under the 20th chapter of the 1st
volume of the Ayurveda Pharmacopeia was used.
Upon analysis of the ingredients and the base oil of
Ratha taila, it comprises of Pitta shamaka, Tvachya
and Raktha shodhaka actions at a higher ratio owing
to their Rasa, Guna, Veerya, Vipaka and Dosha
karma comparatively. As per modern medicine,
pharmacological actions such as anti-inflammatory,
antimicrobial and antioxidant actions present in
these ingredients are vital to skin health. Ratha taila
contributes to pacify the other Dosha since Kushtha
roga (skin disorders) have Tridosha origin. It can be
concluded that Ratha taila is therapeutically useful
in the management of Rathagaya as a unique
external application on the skin.
