Diseases of the head including the mouth, throat, nose, ears and eyes are described under the Shalakya Tantra, one of the eight limbs of Ayurveda. The following is a summary of these treatments with the exception of diseases of the eyes, which are discussed separately.
General Treatment of Mouth and Throat
Many diseases of the mouth and throat described in this chapter can be treated with general medicines such as Pippalyadiyoga, made from a selection of four or five spicy herbs such as Maricham seed (black pepper / Piper nigrum), Jirakam seed (cumin / Cuminum cyminum), and Pippali fruit (long pepper / Piper longum). This formula is chosen when the mouth disease is related to digestive problems, as is often the case. Kasturadi vati is another medicine used as a specific against diseases of the mouth, throat and palate. This formula has an astringent property, and used to stop bleeding and reduce secretions. In addition, medicinal snuffs (nasya) are mentioned frequently, not only powders taken by nose, but also oils. They are used to nourish and heal and also to stimulate nasal secretions and the removal of toxins.
Diseases of the Lips (Ostharoga)
Diseases of the lips are classified into eight categories, with the characters of Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Sannipata, Raktaja, Mamsaja, Medoja and Abhighataja. Many can often be treated with the Ayurvedic remedies used for general diseases of the mouth mentioned at the beginning of this chapter.
Vataja Lip Disease
Disease of the lips with the character of Vata is caused by the aggravated function of the related nerves. Pain, dryness and cracking are the primary symptoms. It is treated with the general Vata treatments along with the application of steam, medicated oil snuff, medicated oily plasters and poultices. Powder of Shrivestaka compound is used to rub onto the lips.
Pittaja Lip Disease
Disease of the lips with the character of Pitta is caused by the aggravated function of the related veins. The primary symptoms are blisters and inflammatory eruptions, and is most closely associated with herpes simplex. It is treated with the remedies used for abscess with the character of Pitta along with venesection.
Kaphaja Lip Disease
Disease of the lips with the character of Kapha is diagnosed when there are painless and colorless eruptions on the lips. It is treated with the general treatments to reduce Kapha along with venesection, as well as the application of steam, medicinal snuff (nasya), and gargling with anti-Kapha remedies. Trisana compound is a specific remedy for lip application.
Sannipataja Lip Disease
Disease of the lips with the character of Sannipata is diagnosed by complicated eruptions. Although it is not curable, it can be maintained with symptomatic treatments.
Raktaja Lip Disease
Disease of the lips with the character of Rakta is caused by pathogenic defects in the blood. Dark red lips and bleeding are the primary symptoms. It is treated with the remedies used for abscess with the character of Pitta along with venesection.
Ostharbuda (Cancer of the lips)
Ostharbuda is correlated with cancer of the lips, and is caused by pathogenic defects of blood. In general, it develops after a persistent bleeding condition of the lips is left without proper treatment. This disease is counted as a form of raktaja lip disease, and is treated with the same methods.
Mamsaja Lip Disease
Disease of the lips with the character of Mamsaja is caused by pathogenic defects in the muscular tissues. Abnormal muscular growth is the primary symptom. Although it is not curable, it can be maintained with the treatments for muscular tissue defects.
Medoja Lip Disease
Disease of the lips with the character of Medoja is caused by pathogenic defect of fatty tissues. Lip torsion and copious white discharge are the main symptoms. It is treated with steam application, puncturing to let out the discharge, and cauterization. Priyangu compound is a specific remedy that can be used for external application.
Abhighataja Lip Disease
Disease of the lips with the character of Abhighataja is caused by trauma. A wound with coagulation of blood and itching are the main symptom. It is treated with the same process used for abscess with the character of Pitta, along with venesection.
Jalarbuda (Cancer of lips in the form of blisters)
Cancer of the lips taking the form blisters is related to a vitiation of both Vata and Kapha. It is an exceptional and rare disease, and so is generally not counted among the eight categories of diseases of the lips. It is treated with the general Vata-Kapha treatments along with the specific remedies used against arbuda.
Additional headings in this chapter*
Diseases Of The Mouth, Gums And Teeth (Mukha Roga)
Diseases Of The Tongue (Jihwa Roga)
Diseases Of The Palate (Talugata Roga)
Diseases Of The Throat (Kantha Roga)
Diseases Of The Nose (Nasa Roga)
Diseases Of The Ear (Karna Roga)
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