Ayurvedic medicine for itching

Question

For the past few weeks, I’ve been dealing with this non-stop itching on my arms and legs, and it’s driving me crazy. It gets worse at night and makes it impossible to sleep. I’ve tried antihistamines, moisturizing lotions, and even some home remedies, but nothing’s working. A friend suggested I look into ayurvedic medicine for itching, but I’m not sure where to start or what’s actually effective.

I don’t have any visible rashes, just red marks from scratching. I’m not allergic to anything that I know of, but this itching feels like it’s coming from inside. Someone mentioned that ayurvedic medicine for itching often addresses the root cause, like toxins in the blood or heat imbalance. Is that true?

Has anyone here used ayurvedic medicine for itching before? What worked for you, and how long did it take to notice a difference? Are there specific herbs or products that I should look for? I’ve heard names like neem and manjistha, but I’m not sure if they’re the right fit for my condition.

Also, do ayurvedic medicine for itching treatments require any special diet changes? If so, what should I avoid? I really want to try something natural but don’t want to end up wasting money on the wrong thing. Any advice or experiences would be super helpful.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Itching without a visible rash, especially if it worsens at night, can be quite uncomfortable, and Ayurveda often offers holistic treatments to address such symptoms by balancing the body's internal systems.

In Ayurveda, chronic itching like yours is typically linked to an imbalance in the doshas, especially Pitta (associated with heat) or Vata (linked to dryness and sensitivity). It can also be a sign of toxins (Ama) accumulating in the body, leading to skin irritation. Ayurvedic treatments aim to address these imbalances.

Here are a few effective Ayurvedic remedies you might want to try:

Neem: This herb is known for its detoxifying properties and is often used to cool the skin and reduce itching. It has both internal and external applications. Neem can be taken as a supplement (Neem capsules) or used topically in oils or pastes for its anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal properties.
Manjistha: Known for purifying the blood, Manjistha is often recommended for skin conditions like itching. It can help detoxify the body, and when combined with other herbs, it may provide relief from chronic itching.
Aloe Vera: Topically, Aloe Vera gel can cool the skin and reduce inflammation. It’s soothing for irritated skin and can help heal the redness caused by scratching.
Coconut or medicated coconut Oil like NALPAMARADI: Applying coconut oil can hydrate dry skin and offer relief from itching. It also helps to balance Pitta and Vata.
Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric can be used in paste form for topical application or taken internally. It can help reduce irritation and calm the skin.
As for diet, Ayurveda suggests avoiding overly spicy, oily, and salty foods, which can aggravate Pitta (heat). Focus on cooling, hydrating foods like cucumbers, melons, and leafy greens. Drinking aloe vera juice or coconut water can also help hydrate the body and reduce heat.

For quicker results, you may want to consult an Ayurvedic practitioner who can tailor remedies to your specific constitution and condition. Typically, improvement might be noticeable within a few days to a week if the right treatment is used, but it may take a bit longer depending on the severity of your condition.

Lastly, it’s important to remember that if the itching persists or worsens, it might be a good idea to rule out any underlying conditions through a healthcare professional.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Sounds like you're having a tough time with that itching situation. Ayurveda can be a game-changer here, but it's definitely got its own set of rules. First things first, itchy skin in Ayurveda often gets linked to an imbalance in Pitta dosha, especially when you feel heat without reducing itchiness — it's like the fire element is flaring up inside you. Let's break this down to make it more manageable.

Neem and manjistha, yep, you've got those right. Neem has cooling properties, while manjistha is known for purifying the blood. For the itch, you might wanna try a paste of neem powder mixed with water, apply it directly to the affected areas, leave it on for 30 mins then wash it off. Do this daily, and you might notice some relief sooner or later. Manjistha can be taken as a powder, about a teaspoon with warm water, once or twice a day. It works over time, so stick with it for atleast a few weeks.

Diet plays a big role, man. If the itching is tied to Pitta, avoid spicy foods, excessive salt, and fried stuff. Go for cool, hydrating foods like cucumber, almonds soaked overnight, and lots of watermelon. Coconut water can be your best buddy, soothing and cleansing. Stay away from caffeine, it gets Pitta even more excited.

Also, Ghee in warm milk before bed can be incredibly soothing. Calms the system down and aids in reducing dryness from inside-out. Ayurveda might not be instant magic, expect changes over weeks, sometimes longer.

Wear cotton clothing, loose and airy, it helps. Lukewarm showers (not hot) with oatmeal added actually soothe the skin too.... Stay consistent, though. You gotta give it some time. But remember, if it gets worse or you notice anything odd, don’t hesitate to see a pro. Self care’s great, but knowing when to call in the docs is smart too. Hope this sets you on the right path!

Ayurvedic medicine for itching - #2891

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