A review on Otitis media (karnapaka): Ayurvedic aspects and treatment

Otitis media (karnapaka):

International Archives of Integrated Medicine, Vol.

Copy right © 2015, IAIM, All Rights Reserved.

Review Article

A review on Otitis media

Ayurvedic aspects and treatment

1Dept. of Shalakya Tantra, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India2Dept. of Kaumarbhritya, Govt. Ayurved College, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh,

*Corresponding author email:

How to cite this article: Nisha, Lokesh

treatment. IAIM, 2015; 2(1): 121

Available

Received on: 31-12-2014

Abstract

Otitis media (Karnapaka in Sanskrit) is defined as an inflammation of the middle ear due to the

infection caused by micro-organism. In Ayurveda

Ayurveda suggest prevention rather than treatment. A

with appropriate cleansings. The second course of action is the actual treatment. There are many

natural ways for the treatment of such conditions, Ayurveda possesses various route of treatment

for ear infections including; herbal formulations, cleansing,

product like Ghee. This article represents Ayurvedic overview on Otitis Media

Key words

Karnapaka, Ayurveda, Alternative Medicine, Pediatric.

Introduction

Otitis media is one of the most common

diseases of childhood. It has a peak incidence

between ages 6 and 15 months. As per

Ayurveda, ear disorders can be caused by one of

four imbalances. Vata: thin discharge, dried ear

wax, severe pain, tinnitus and deafness.

Yellow discharge, swelling, redness, tearing, and

burning. Kapha: White and slimy discharge,

abnormal hearing, itching, stable swelling, and

): Ayurvedic aspects and treatment

International Archives of Integrated Medicine, Vol. 2, Issue 1, January, 2015.

, IAIM, All Rights Reserved.

A review on Otitis media (karnapaka


Nisha1*

, Lokesh2

Dept. of Shalakya Tantra, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India

Dept. of Kaumarbhritya, Govt. Ayurved College, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh,

*Corresponding author email: [email protected]

Nisha, Lokesh. A review on Otitis media (karnapaka): Ayurvedic aspects and

121-124.

Available online at www.iaimjournal.com

2014 Accepted on:

in Sanskrit) is defined as an inflammation of the middle ear due to the

organism. In Ayurveda, there are many herbs available as antimicrobial.

Ayurveda suggest prevention rather than treatment. Ayurveda involve first line of treatment start



ns including; herbal formulations, cleansing, Panchkarma and utilization of animal

product like Ghee. This article represents Ayurvedic overview on Otitis Media.

Karnapaka, Ayurveda, Alternative Medicine, Pediatric.

edia is one of the most common

diseases of childhood. It has a peak incidence

between ages 6 and 15 months. As per

ear disorders can be caused by one of

thin discharge, dried ear

wax, severe pain, tinnitus and deafness. Pitta:

Yellow discharge, swelling, redness, tearing, and

: White and slimy discharge,

abnormal hearing, itching, stable swelling, and

mild pain. Sannipatataja: Characteristic

Vata, Pitta, and Kapha

together; the discharge is colored according to

the predominant dosha.

In Ayurveda, various formulations are described

for better approach to the disease

As per Ayurveda, Rasa of all the drugs a

and Tikta; Tikta Rasa induces cleanness, dryness,

and keenness and helps in such type of

infections. Ayurveda with

Puyashoshanashakara properties helps to

Ayurvedic aspects and treatment ISSN: 2394-0026 (P)

ISSN: 2394-0034 (O)

Page 121

karnapaka):


Dept. of Shalakya Tantra, Govt. Ayurvedic College, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India

Dept. of Kaumarbhritya, Govt. Ayurved College, Rewa, Madhya Pradesh, India

[email protected]

): Ayurvedic aspects and

Accepted on: 05-01-2015

in Sanskrit) is defined as an inflammation of the middle ear due to the

there are many herbs available as antimicrobial.

yurveda involve first line of treatment start



and utilization of animal

: Characteristics when

Kapha imbalance occur

together; the discharge is colored according to

various formulations are described

for better approach to the disease Otitis media.

of all the drugs are Katu

induces cleanness, dryness,

and keenness and helps in such type of

infections. Ayurveda with Krimihara and

properties helps to




remove ear debris, fungal mass, discharge, and

reduces itching. Tikta Rasa contains

property which can help to open channels and

clean the wound, ultimately leads healing

process [1, 2, 3, 4].

Tinospora cordifolia

Tinospora cordifolia is one of the constituents of

several Ayurvedic preparations used in many

diseases including ear infections. It

inflammatory and antiseptic properties also.

� Kingdom: Plantae

� Division: Magnoliophyta

� Class: Magnoliopsida

� Order: Ranunculales

� Family: Menispermaceae

� Genus: Tinospora

� Species: T. cordifolia

It is distributed throughout the tropical Indian

subcontinent and China plant is commonly

known as Giloy. Other common names and

synonyms are Guduchi, Amrita, Amritavalli,

Madhuparni, Guduchika, Chinnobhava,

Vatsadani, Tantrika,

Chakralakshanika (Sanskrit), Gulancha

Gurcha (Hindi), Garo, Galac

Thippateega (Telugu), Amrutavalli

Amrita, Gilo (Kashmiri),

(Malayalam), Gulvel (Marathi),

Gilo (Punjabi), Seendal, Seendil

Siddhilata, Amarlata (Assamese)

Studies revealed that the aqueous extract of

cordifolia showed a significant anti

inflammatory activity. A study proved its

potency more than of acetylsalicylic acid in

acute inflammation. T. cordifolia

to have significant reduction in pain.

also inhibits in vitro growth of microorganism.

Due to all these properties it showed significant

response in Otitis Media. Study confirmed that

T. cordifolia (7.82% in 5 ml of syrup) was found




remove ear debris, fungal mass, discharge, and

contains Shodhana

property which can help to open channels and

clean the wound, ultimately leads healing

is one of the constituents of

several Ayurvedic preparations used in many

ncluding ear infections. It has anti-

inflammatory and antiseptic properties also.

Magnoliophyta

Menispermaceae

It is distributed throughout the tropical Indian

subcontinent and China plant is commonly

Other common names and

Guduchi, Amrita, Amritavalli,

Guduchika, Chinnobhava,

Kundalini,

Gulancha (Bengali),

Galac (Gujarati),

Amrutavalli (Kannada),

(Kashmiri), Chittamrutu

(Marathi), Guluchi (Oriya),

Seendal, Seendil Kodi (Tamil),

(Assamese) Guduchi etc.

that the aqueous extract of T.

showed a significant anti-

inflammatory activity. A study proved its

potency more than of acetylsalicylic acid in

T. cordifolia was reported

to have significant reduction in pain. T. cordifolia

growth of microorganism.

Due to all these properties it showed significant

. Study confirmed that

(7.82% in 5 ml of syrup) was found

to elicit good clinical response in children

suffering from chronic Otitis

Combinations of Ayurvedic formulations

Study established role of

Karnapichu and Rasnadi Guggulu

treatment of Otitis media. Significant results

were found in the signs and symptoms of the

disease. Since all the ingredients are having

Vrana ropana, Jantughna, Shothahara and

Vedana-hara properties. Study showed excellent

responses of selected formulation in disease

conditions.

Madhukadi Taila prepared

upto Kharapaaka state. It induces cleanness;

dryness and keenness help to remove ear debris

discharge and reduces itching. Due to

healing process hampered in

Taila and Rasnadi Guggulu,

Laghu, Tikshna Guna. Ruksha Guna

Shoshana Shakti which will absorb the discharge

in auditory canal and encounters the

Dosha. Laghu Guna has Lekhana

properties which will help in healing of wound.

Tikshna Guna is Shighrakaari

action very quickly and will encounter

Kapha Dosha. Ushna Veerya

of Madhukadi Taila and Rasnadi Guggulu

to Ushna Veerya it will encounter

and Gati of Vaata gets normalized. Due to all

these properties Madhukadi Taila Karnapichu

and Rasnadi Guggulu

conditions significantly [6].

Cleome viscose for Otitis m

Cleome viscosa Linn commonly known as "wild

or dog mustard," is an annual, sticky herb

belonging to family Capparaceae

common weed all over the plains of India and

throughout the tropics of the world. The herb


ISSN: 2394-0034 (O)

Page 122

cit good clinical response in children

suffering from chronic Otitis media [5].

Combinations of Ayurvedic formulations

Study established role of Madhukadi Taila

Rasnadi Guggulu in the

edia. Significant results

found in the signs and symptoms of the

all the ingredients are having

Vrana ropana, Jantughna, Shothahara and

properties. Study showed excellent

responses of selected formulation in disease

prepared by Tailapaaka Vidhi

state. It induces cleanness;

dryness and keenness help to remove ear debris

discharge and reduces itching. Due to Sraava,

healing process hampered in Vrana. Madhukadi

Taila and Rasnadi Guggulu, both have Ruksha,

Ruksha Guna is having

which will absorb the discharge

in auditory canal and encounters the Kapha

Lekhana and Ropana

properties which will help in healing of wound.

Shighrakaari which starts its

action very quickly and will encounter Vaata and

Ushna Veerya is another property

Madhukadi Taila and Rasnadi Guggulu. Due

it will encounter Vaata Dosha

gets normalized. Due to all

Madhukadi Taila Karnapichu

improved disease

Otitis media

Linn commonly known as "wild

or dog mustard," is an annual, sticky herb

Capparaceae found as a

common weed all over the plains of India and

throughout the tropics of the world. The herb




Cleome viscosa showed broad spectrum

antimicrobial action towards

pathogens. Plant traditionally used to control

ear infections. Various researchers proved its

antimicrobial potency but recent study also

established plant as potent herbs for the

treatment of Otitis media. Study reveals that

extracts of Cleome viscosa

excellent role for the treatment of

this property of plant attributed to its

antimicrobial activities [7].

Acute Otitis media: Naturopathy vs.

Antibiotic treatment

Herbal products are currently available for use in

conjunction with or instead of conventional

agents. Study reveals the effectiveness of

naturopathic extracts in the management of ear

pain of Otitis media, relief in pain was found to

be greater in the children treated with

naturopathic than antibiotics. The antibacterial

and immunological abilities of plant extracts are

well documented in the treatment of middle ear

infection and the naturopathic solution showed

to have in vitro bacteriostatic and

activity against common pathogens. This

property makes it suitable option for

media. Some studies suggest that herbal

extracts stimulates the immune system. Herbal

extract (Naturopathy) works

enhancement of anti-inflammatory and

immunological activities. In addition, herbal

extracts are well tolerated, have a long half

and are easy to administer. Study reveals that

the naturopathic eardrop formulations are as

effective as amoxicillin for the resolution of

middle ear effusion and significantly work for

Otitis media. Thus the use of Naturopathy for

Otitis media reduces the need of systemic

antibiotic treatment without an increased risk of

secondary complications [8].




showed broad spectrum

antimicrobial action towards Otitis media

pathogens. Plant traditionally used to control

searchers proved its

antimicrobial potency but recent study also

established plant as potent herbs for the

Study reveals that

found to have

excellent role for the treatment of Otitis media

of plant attributed to its

Acute Otitis media: Naturopathy vs.

Herbal products are currently available for use in

conjunction with or instead of conventional

agents. Study reveals the effectiveness of

naturopathic extracts in the management of ear

relief in pain was found to

be greater in the children treated with

naturopathic than antibiotics. The antibacterial

and immunological abilities of plant extracts are

he treatment of middle ear

infection and the naturopathic solution showed

bacteriostatic and bactericidal

activity against common pathogens. This

property makes it suitable option for Otitis

Some studies suggest that herbal

stimulates the immune system. Herbal

works via local

inflammatory and

immunological activities. In addition, herbal

extracts are well tolerated, have a long half-life

and are easy to administer. Study reveals that

the naturopathic eardrop formulations are as

n for the resolution of

middle ear effusion and significantly work for

. Thus the use of Naturopathy for

reduces the need of systemic

antibiotic treatment without an increased risk of

Complementary and alternative medicine

for pediatric Otitis media

Ayurveda utilized some common herbs

traditionally in Otitis media

open the eustachian tubes.

throbbing and sharp pain accompanied by fever

and flushing in the outer ear.

children with Otitis media who are in great pain.

Lycopedium: For right-sided ear pain that is

worse in the late afternoon and early evening;

fullness of the ears, ringing or buzzing of the

ears. Eucalyptus: Used mostly late in the course

of treatment relief from pain and sensation

Conclusion

Otitis media is one of the most common

bacterial infectious diseases among children

Ayurvedic medicine, developed in ancient India,

is based on the principle of balance. Regular

cleaning and dry mopping of ear canal is

necessary before every application for better

efficacy. Local treatment is more effective than

systemic administration as it tackles the disease

effectively. Vitamin supplementation may be

helpful. Probiotics may also be beneficial as well.

Other therapies Aromatherapy with lavender

essence, chamomile, cajuput, evening primrose

oil, flax oil, and borage has been used to trea

Otitis media.

References

1. Agnivesha. Charaka Samhita

Ayurveda Dipika Commentary of

Cakrapanidatta. Edited by Vaidy

Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya. Re

edition. Varanasi, India: Chaukhamba

Surbharati Prakashana; 2008.

2. Acarya Jadavaji

Nibandhasangraha Commentary of Shri

Dalhanacarya. 7th

edition


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Page 123

nd alternative medicine

Ayurveda utilized some common herbs

edia like; Amla used to

open the eustachian tubes. Belladonna: For

throbbing and sharp pain accompanied by fever

and flushing in the outer ear. Chamomilla: For

who are in great pain.

sided ear pain that is

worse in the late afternoon and early evening;

fullness of the ears, ringing or buzzing of the

sed mostly late in the course

of treatment relief from pain and sensation [9].

edia is one of the most common

bacterial infectious diseases among children

Ayurvedic medicine, developed in ancient India,

is based on the principle of balance. Regular

cleaning and dry mopping of ear canal is

necessary before every application for better

efficacy. Local treatment is more effective than

it tackles the disease

effectively. Vitamin supplementation may be

helpful. Probiotics may also be beneficial as well.

Other therapies Aromatherapy with lavender

essence, chamomile, cajuput, evening primrose

oil, flax oil, and borage has been used to treat

Charaka Samhita - Sutra 26,


Cakrapanidatta. Edited by Vaidya

Jadavaji Trikamji Acharya. Reprint

. Varanasi, India: Chaukhamba

Surbharati Prakashana; 2008.

Acarya Jadavaji Trikamji., editor.


edition. 3-5. Vol. 20.




Varanasi: Chaukhamba Orientalia; 2002.

Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Uttara

Tantra.

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Cakrapanidatta. Reprint edition. 3

Vol. 26. Varanasi, India: Chaukhamba

Surbharati Prakashana; 2008. Agnivesha.

Charaka Samhita - Chi.

4. Acarya Jadavaji Trikamji., editor.


Dalhanacarya. 7th

edition. 8. Vol. 22.


Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Sutra.

5. Chaudhari Shefali, Shaikh Nilofer.

“Gaduchi - The Best Ayurvedic Herb”.

The Pharma Innovation

2: 97.

6. Gupta Jyoti, Fiaz Shamsa, Sharma

Aparna. Role of Madhukadi Taila

Karnapichu and Rasna

Source of support: Nil





Sushruta, Sushruta Samhita, Uttara



Reprint edition. 3-5.

Vol. 26. Varanasi, India: Chaukhamba

Surbharati Prakashana; 2008. Agnivesha.



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The Best Ayurvedic Herb”.

The Pharma Innovation – Journal, 2013;

Gupta Jyoti, Fiaz Shamsa, Sharma

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Karnapichu and Rasnadi Guggulu in

Karnasrava (Chronic Suppurative

Media), I.A.M.J., 2013; 1: 1

7. Jane R.R., Patil S.D.

Effective Medicinal Herb for

Media. I.J.S.N., 2012; 3(1): 153

8. Sarrell EM, Cohen HA, Kahan E.

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Efficacy of Naturopathic Eardrops vs.

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2012; 9: 31-39.

9. Jessica R. Levi, Robert M. Brody, Katie

McKee-Cole, Edmund Pribitkin, Robert

O’Reilly. Complementary and alternative

medicine for pediatric

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931.

Nil Conflict of interest:


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Page 124

Karnasrava (Chronic Suppurative Otitis

), I.A.M.J., 2013; 1: 1-5.

Cleome Viscosa: An

Effective Medicinal Herb for Otitis

I.J.S.N., 2012; 3(1): 153-158.

Sarrell EM, Cohen HA, Kahan E.

Management of Acute Otitis Media:

Efficacy of Naturopathic Eardrops vs.

Antibiotic Treatment. Medicina Familiar,

Jessica R. Levi, Robert M. Brody, Katie

Cole, Edmund Pribitkin, Robert

O’Reilly. Complementary and alternative

medicine for pediatric Otitis Media.

International Journal of Pediatric

Otorhinolaryngology, 2013; 77(6): 926-

Conflict of interest: None declared.

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A review on Otitis media (karnapaka): Ayurvedic aspects and treatment