Visha Chikitsa

Visha Chikitsa” refers to the branch of Ayurveda dealing with the treatment of poisoning and toxicology. Here’s a detailed description:

• Visha: Means “poison” in Sanskrit.
• Chikitsa: Refers to “treatment” or “therapy”.

Thus, “Visha Chikitsa” encompasses the diagnosis, management, and treatment of various types of poisoning, including those from plants, animals, minerals, and artificial toxins. The key aspects of Visha Chikitsa include:

1. Types of Poisons: Classification and detailed descriptions of different types of poisons, including their sources (e.g., snake venom, insect stings, plant toxins, heavy metals).
2. Symptoms of Poisoning: Detailed accounts of the symptoms and signs associated with different types of poisoning, helping practitioners identify the specific poison involved.
3. Diagnostic Techniques: Methods to diagnose poisoning, including physical examination, patient history, and sometimes, the use of specific diagnostic tools mentioned in Ayurvedic texts.