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Article by Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD (Ayu) Ph.D (Ayu) and Dr Hebbar.
Burning sensation of the body is a characteristic feature in many diseases like Alcoholic intoxication, Diabetes mellitus, Cachexia etc. This is termed as ‘Daha’- in Ayurveda, mainly influenced by increase of Pitta Dosha.
Table of Contents
Causes
Causes of burning sensation in body:
1. Intake of pitta provoking food and drinks
2. Excess intake of alcohol
3. Dry and spicy food
4. Suppression of thirst and hunger
5. Severe emaciating disorders
6. Long lasting illnesses
7. Injury
8. Long term medicinal intake
9. Poisoning
10. Stress
11. In all disorder types wherein Pitta is dominant. For example, in Pittaja Jwara (fever due to imbalanced Pitta).
Origin of burning sensation
Regular intake of causative factors like suppression of thirst, spicy food, alcohol etc lead to collective aggravation of Pitta Dosha in Stomach and then in different body parts. This causes warming / hotness in the body and in turn both internal and external burning is complained by the patient. One of the qualities of Pitta is hotness. So when Pitta is increased, hotness is exhibited more in the body.
General features
Cardinal features of burning sensation
1. Burning all over the body or some specific parts of the body based upon the gradation and site of aggravation of Pitta
2. Excessive thirst (pathological in nature), which is not satisfied by common drinks
3. Disorientation
4. Fatigue etc.
Types, features
Types, features and line of management
Pittaja Daha
All the features are similar to Pittaja Fever; Mouth ulcer, headache, burning sensation in chest, eyes and face. The measures prescribed for Pittaja fever are adopted here.
Madyaja Daha
Madya means alcohol. Excessive consumption of alcohol provoke Pitta due to warm and penetrative qualities (Ushna and Teekshna guna of Madya). As a result, Rasa and Rakta dhatus (nutritional juice and blood) dry up. When this enters the related organs like stomach, liver, spleen etc, it causes burning sensation in chest and stomach.
This is also managed similar to Pittaja Daha.
Raktaja Daha
Hot –spicy and penetrative food and beverages aggravate Rakta Dhatu (blood) and in turn burning and reddish discoloration is caused in the dependent body parts like eyes, tongue, axilla and chest. Severe thirst, coppery complexion, redness of the eyes are the other characteristic features. Metallic smell is felt in the body as well as mouth.
This is managed by cooling therapies.
Trishna nirodhaja daha
(burning due to suppression of thirst)
Constant suppression of thirst aggravates Pitta and in turn it dehydrates the tissues.
Thus it causes burning sensation internally and externally, debility, dryness of the throat, palate, lips and tongue, trembling etc.
This is treated by cold infusions and coolant food and drinks.
Shastra Praharaja Daha
(burning due to injury or effusion of blood in visceral organs)
It produces features described as in the condition of fresh wound.
It is managed by the remedies prescribed under the heading of acute ulcers.
Kshayaja Daha
(burning due to emaciation)
Emaciation of the tissue brings about severe burning sensation accompanying with dryness, thirst, feeble voice, retarded activities etc.
It is managed by Rakta and Pitta pacifying measures.
Kshataja and Marma abhighataja Daha
(burning due to injury to vital area)
When a person is inured and vital organs are affected, ingested food gets mixed with blood (in vital organs) or is accompanied by various agonies and hence internal burning is caused. Unconsciousness, severe thirst and fever are the characteristic features of this condition.
Such a condition is managed by all pitta pacifying measures and with pleasant atmosphere which cools both body and mind.
Single drugs for burning sensation
Single drugs used in treatment of burning sensation:
1. Chandana- Sandalwood- Santalum album
2. Usheera – vittiver – Vittivur zizinoides
3. Shatavari – Asparagus racemosus
4. Karpoora – camphor – Cinnamomum camphora
5. Amalaki – goose berry (amala)- Emblica officinalis
6. Kooshmanda – ash gourd – Benincasa hispida
7. Durva – Cynodon dactylon
8. Kamala – lotus- Nymphea nouchali
9. Draksha – raisins – Vitis vinifera
10. Dhanyaka – Coriander – Coriandrum sativum etc
Ayurvedic medicines
Medicines used in treating burning sensation:
1. Mukta pishti – made from pearl
2. Pravala pishti – made from coral
3. Chandrakala rasa – useful in burning sensation while passing urine, originating in urinary tract.
4. Kamadugha rasa – Useful in treating burning sensation of chest and stomach, associated with gastritis, GERD etc.
5. Usheerasava – wherein Usheera (Cus Cus grass / Vetiver is the main ingredient.). it is very useful in Raktaja Daha – burning sensation associated with bleeding.
6. Sarivadyasava – Sariva is Indian sarsaparilla. It is useful in burning sensation in stomach and urinary bladder.
7. Chandanasava – useful in burning micturition.
8. Gulkhand – made from rose petals. Useful in relieving burning sensation associated with excessive thirst and gastritis.
9. Shatavari lehya
10. Shatavaryadi choorna
11. Amalaki rasayana made from amla
Yogas From sahasra Yoga Text Book
Pitta Jvarahara Kashaya
Vatapitta Jvarahara Kashaya
Trishnahara Kashaya
Tiktaka Ghrita
Maha Tiktaka Ghrita
Aranaladi Taila
Candanadi Taila
Sitopaladi Choorna
Chinchadi Lehyam
Brahmi Drakshadi Kashaya
Hriberadi Kashaya
Mudgadi Kashaya
Trayantyadi Kashaya
Amritaprasa Ghrita
Karaskara Ghrita
Unwholesome diet and habits
1. Madya (alcohol)
2. Hingu (asa foetida)
3. Lashuna (garlic)
4. Katu rasa (pungent substances)
5. Lavana rasa (salts)
6. Krodha (anger)
7. Vyayama (heavy exercise)
8. Viruddha hara (incompatible food stuff)
9. Atapa (exertion in sunshine) etc.
According to Yogaratnakara
Exercise, exposure to sunlight, buttermilk, betel chewing, honey, asafetida, sexual intercourse, pungent and bitter foods, foods that are hot in nature etc.
Wholesome diet and habits
1. Purana shali (old rice)
2. Shashtika shali (red rice)
3. Draksha (raisins)
4. Amalaki (amla)
5. Ksheera (cow’s milk)
6. Mudga (green gram)
7. Kadali (banana)
8. Tikta dravya (bitter substance)
9. Sheeta dravya (herbs of cold potency)
10. Cold water bath.
11. Intake of Pitta balancing diet
According to Yogaratnakara
Red rice, rice harvested in sixty days, green gram, red lentil, bengal gram, barley, soup of meat of animals living in desert like land scum of parched rice, roasted barley powder, sugar candy, hundred times washed ghee, milk, butter, pumpkin, snake cucumber, banana, jackfruit, sweet pomegranate, pointed gord, dates, bottle gourd, ivy gourd, grapes, deer grass etc.
Even though Daha (burning) is a common feature in people with Pitta body type and summer seasons, it may be found wherever such a condition is manifested due to the aggravation of Pitta. Careful management of burning sensation in its early stage helps to prevent the major Pitta disorders like Visarpa (herpes), Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), Atyartava (menorrhagia), Raktatisara (bloody diarrhoea) etc.
Addition by
Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay)
Best ‘burning sensation relieving decoctions’ from Sahasrayogam
1. Brahmi Drakshadi Kashayam
Ref – Sahasrayogam, Parishishta Prakaranam, 6
Read more – Brahmi Drakshadi Kashayam – Benefits, Dosage, Ingredients, Side Effects
2. Hriberadi Kashayam
Ref – Sahasrayogam, Parishishta Prakaranam, 15
Ingredients | Botanical Name | Method of using | Indications |
Hrivera | Pavonia odorata | The decoction prepared with these ingredients should be served fresh, mixed with honey and sugar | 1. Severe bleeding disorders 2. Thirst 3. Burning sensation 4. Fever |
Coriander | Coriandrum sativum | ||
Ginger | Zingiber oficinale | ||
Sandalwood | Santalum album | ||
Madhuyashti | Glycyrrhiza glabra | ||
Vasa | Adhatoda vasica | ||
Ushira | Vetiveria zizanioides |
3. Mudgadi Kashayam
Ref – Sahasrayogam, Parishishta Prakaranam, 35
Ingredients | Botanical Name | Method of using | Indications |
Fried Green gram | Vigna radiata | The decoction should be served with parched grains, honey and sugar | 1. Vomiting 2. Diarrhea 3. Burning sensation 4. Fever |
4. Trayantyadi Kashayam
Ref – Sahasrayogam, Parishishta Prakaranam, 111
Read more – Trayantadi Kashayam – Benefits, Dose, Side Effects And Ingredients
Method to Use – Served fresh admixed with ghee
5. Gopanganadi Kashayam (Pittajwarahara Kashayam)
Ref – Sahasrayogam, Kashaya Prakaranam, 3
Read more here – Gopanganadi Kashayam Benefits, Dosage, Ingredients, Side Effects
Method of Use – This decotion should be served fresh with honey and sugar
6. Drakshadi Kashayam (Vata-Pitta Jwarahara Kashayam)
Ref – Sahasrayogam, Kashaya Prakaranam, 6
Read – Drakshadi Kashayam – Benefits, Dose, Side Effects And Ingredients
Method to Use – Served fresh with honey, sugar and powder of parched grains
7. Sarivadi Kashayam (Trishnahara Kashayam)
Ref – Sahasrayogam, Kashaya Prakaranam, 33b
Ingredients | Botanical Name | Method of using | Indications |
Sariva | Hemidesmus indicus | The decoction prepared with these ingredients should be served fresh | 1.Burning sensation 2.Bleeding disorders 3.Thirst 4.Fever |
Ushira | Vetiveria zizanioides | ||
Kashmarya | Gmelina arborea | ||
Madhooka | Madhuca longifolia | ||
Shishira dwaya/ Chandana dwaya | Santalum album & Pterocarpus santalinus – white and red types of sandalwood | ||
Licorice | Glyzyrrhiza glabra | ||
Parushaka | Grewia asiatica |
Click to Consult Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ayu) – Skype
19 comments on “Burning Sensation – Ayurvedic Understanding And Treatment”
Bhargav
Very helpful and informative article. You have mentioned Draksha (Raisins). Is it black or brown? How should it be consumed? I have read about Black Raisins, it should be kept in water overnight and consumed next morning. Is it so? Can these Raisins be chewed and consumed straight away?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Both versions of raisins can be used to calm Pitta as long as they are sweet to taste.
The way that you have explained is one of the best ways to consume raisins.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, it seems related. Try giving a murabba or a teaspoon of Gulkand a day for a week time. If the symptoms do not improve, then consult an Ayurveda doctor in person.
rrindia8
thanks for info. i have seen many diabetic patient suffer from burning sensation in feet . any remedy for it?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
1. Effective blood sugar control,
2. External application of https://www.easyayurveda.com/2012/03/06/how-to-use-ghee-for-skin-care-a-simple-ayurveda-method/
3. And usage of a few Ayurvedic nervine tonic such as ksheerabala will be very helpful.
Dr.Nagabhushana
Very helpful and good guidance to sustain normal health
Dr.Nagabhushana
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Thank you!
jayanthi
My grandmaa always feeling very tiredness and fatigue. Chronic burning sensation in stomach since 2year. Please give any suggestions
Pratik
Hello since 2 years im facing many problems like dry skin burning sensetion in whole body weak digestion, i have consult many doctors but no one gave me a proper treAtment pls suggest something ????????
Vishwas Sohoni
I am having burning sensation in my feet and urine since ,4 months I am diabetic patient .I have gone through your suggestions.My sugar level is under control.pl advice and let me know special doctor in Dharwad.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
sent by email.
S k kundu
Sir PL advice good ayurvedic Dr. In Bhilai DURg area of chhattisgarh.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Total Health Ayurvedic And Panchakarma Centre
Plot 70/ A – 1, Near Krishna Public School, Vidya Vihar Colony, Nehru Nagar, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh 490020, India
lanjewarspanchakarma.com
Hemant
Dear sir
I have burning sole especially during night when i sleep and i wake up with pain in the foot..since 2years …All allopathy tests were negative and medicines failed.
Which type of pitta dosha do I have and what is the medicine or remedy for this problem.
Jason
Good day I read this article am from the west Indies I’ve been getting this burning for a couple weeks now I can’t sleep because of it as I lay down I feel it burning in my arms stomach and back. I had an anxiety attack last year but each doctor I go by they can’t find anything wrong they say anxiety and just gave me sleeping pills. once I don’t sleep I frequently urinate next day and get the burning pinny feelings. I’ve tried everything now this burning is causing insomnia I can’t sleep I sleep like 1 in 3 days can’t seem to get an answer and my body is getting weak help please. Even sleeping pills don’t work anymore help
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It is sufficient.
Rajesh.S
thanks
for how many months is the recommended use
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
2 months.
Krish Chandran
Hello doctor,
I’ve been having burning sensation in the stomach sometime after meals. What’s the best remedy for this?
Thanks.