Utility of Lepa Kalpana with special reference to Visha Chikitsa - A Review

Agadtantra is the one of the branches of Ashtang Ayurveda, which deals with the signs and symptoms and also with management of poisoning resulting from various sources. Poison or Visha is mainly classified as Sthavar, Jangam and Krutrim Visha. Signs and symptoms of any poisoning is seen externally, internally or both. The external signs and symptoms appear on the skin in the form of local pain, Raga (Redness), Shotha (inflammation), Sphota (blisters/vesication), Kandu (Itching), Srava (oozing) etc. Treating these external signs and symptoms is important in the management of poisoning. Lepa is an important treatment modality told by Acharya Charaka in Chaturvimshati Upakram. Its importance is also described by other Acharyas. Agada plays very important role in the Visha Chikitsa and is well described in Agadtantra. Vishaghana Lepa is used in the treatment of various poisonous conditions arising due to Sthavar Visha, Jangam Visha, Gara Visha and Dooshi Visha. Lepa has important role in local treatment and prevention of further spread of poison. In this article Lepa treatment which is used for the treatment of poisoning is well explained along with importance of Lepa, mode of application, mode of action and list of various Vishaghna Lepas and Agada’s