Skin disorders (twak rogas) revealed in the Atharvaveda: Descriptions of medicinal plants and utilization

Abstract

In the Atharvaveda, two distinct words are mentioned namely, the krimi and kṛmi. The word kṛmi means insect (kīṭakamu) and whereas krimi refers to worm/germ. It mentions a large number of skin diseases, both of major and minor types, caused by the micro-organisms (krimi), which are of human concern. It describes the skin diseases, twak rogas, in the name of takman, yakṣma, kuṣṭa, kilasa, palita and śvitra, having grey and white spots, generally from deeper layers of skin and refers herbal remedies for them. A deep knowledge of the herbs and their various medicinal properties can be inferred from many of the Atharvaveda hymns for skin disorders. In this article, the human skin diseases revealed in the Atharvaveda, their classification, causative factors, liturgies and a number of herbal medical remedies with special reference to skin disorders are discussed.