Sheetapitta - Causes, Symptoms & Ayurvedic View On It!

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, usually occurs due to an allergic reaction. Sheetapitta is a similar condition in Ayurveda, as the symptoms are similar. Sheetapitta is comprised of two words- ‘sheeta’ (cold) and ‘pitta’ (warm). The condition occurs due to the dominance of cold (existing in Kapha and Vata dosha) over pitta dosha. Here we discuss how Ayurveda helps in Sheetapitta or hives problem and also try to find out causes, symptoms this allergy problem.

Causes of Sheetapitta / Urticaria

Ayurveda believes, sheetapitta is caused due to the following reasons:

1. Excess intake of pungent (katu) and salty (lavana) food, mustard
2. Overconsumption of sour gruels
3. Sleeping during the day
4. Contact with cold substances
5. Exposure to cold wind
6. Improper emesis (vomiting)
7. Insect bite (keeta damsha)
8. Coming in contact with poisonous bugs and insects (krimi samsarga)
9. Effect of seasonal changes on the body

Due to the factors mentioned above, especially because of exposure to cold wind, Kapha and Vata doshas become aggravated and inevitably combine with pitta dosha. These spread all over the body and produce rashes on the surface of your skin.

Symptoms of Sheetapitta

A person having sheetapitta / urticaria will encounter these symptoms-

• Itching/pricking sensation
• Nausea/vomiting
• Fatigue
• Tastelessness (aruchi)
• Thirst (pipasa)
• Lethargy
• Reddish discoloration of the eyes (rakta lochanata)
• Fever

Ayurvedic Ways to Cure Sheetapitta

Ayurveda focuses on eradicating the doshas and purifying of the body toxins with Ayurvedic medicines & Panchkarma procedures. This is an essential part of the Ayurvedic approach to cure urticaria. Abhyanga (massage), svedana (fomentation), vaman (induced vomiting), and virechen (induced lose motion) are very effective in treating Urticaria.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Urticaria / Sheetapitta Problem

Ayurvedic treatment for urticaria involves body purification therapy like Samshodhana, and oral medications. Some popular, effective techniques used in the treatment are-

• Applying mustard oil all over the body.
• Applying mustard oil mixed with Saindhava lavana and Yavakshara.
• Use of a herbal powder named Eladi choornam that contains natural ingredients like elaichi.
• Applying a medicated paste prepared from Haridra and Doorva, Kushta and Ghee over the rashes.
• Apart from these, herbs such as Guduchi, Yashtimadhu, Amalaki are recommended in the treatment of sheetapitta.

Although urticaria is not a fatal condition, it can seriously affect one’s quality of life. Many people suffer from urticaria for several months or years. Continual intake of conventional medicines reduces the body’s immunity. Moreover, the incidence of recurrence of this condition is often found. Thus, Ayurveda has an upper hand in treating hives, as it offers a comprehensive and permanent solution for this problem.

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