Jwara Chikitsa in Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Review of Ayurvedic Understanding, Diagnosis, and Management of Fevers

Jwara Chikitsa in Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Review of Ayurvedic Understanding, Diagnosis, and Management of Fevers

Abstract:
Jwara (fever) is considered one of the most important diseases in Ayurveda and is classified as the first disease described in the Chikitsa Sthana of Charaka Samhita. This article provides a comprehensive overview of Jwara Chikitsa, including its etiology, classification, signs and symptoms, pathogenesis (samprapti), treatment principles, medicinal formulations, and Panchakarma therapies, with appropriate classical references.

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1. Introduction
Jwara is defined as a pathological state in which the vitiated doshas affect the rasa dhatu and produce systemic symptoms, especially rise in body temperature. It is considered as both a disease and a symptom of other diseases. Charaka identifies Jwara as a Mahagada (major disease) due to its capacity to vitiate both body and mind.

2. Nidana (Etiological Factors)

• Mithya Ahara-Vihara (Improper diet and lifestyle)

• Adhyashana (overeating)

• Exposure to cold wind or rain

• Suppression of natural urges (Vegadharana)

• Agantu (external factors like infection)

Reference: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 3/4

3. Classification of Jwara

• Nija Jwara (endogenous)

  • Vataja Jwara

  • Pittaja Jwara

  • Kaphaja Jwara

  • Sannipataja Jwara

  • Amajwara

  • Vishama Jwara (Irregular)

• Agantuja Jwara (exogenous)

  • Bhuta Abhishanga (microbial, psychological)

  • Abhighataja (traumatic origin)

Reference: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 3/58–3/76

4. Purvarupa (Prodromal Symptoms)

• Angamarda (body ache)

• Aruchi (loss of appetite)

• Gaurava (heaviness)

• Utsahahani (lack of enthusiasm)

5. Rupa (Signs & Symptoms)
Depending on dosha dominance:

• Vataja Jwara: Chilly feeling, body ache, dry mouth, anxiety

• Pittaja Jwara: Burning sensation, thirst, bitter taste, sweating

• Kaphaja Jwara: Heaviness, nausea, white-coated tongue, drowsiness

• Sannipataja: Mixed symptoms, severe condition

Reference: Ashtanga Hridaya, Uttara Tantra 1/25–1/30

6. Samprapti (Pathogenesis)
Doshas get aggravated due to nidana and enter the Rasavaha Srotas causing blockage and improper digestion of rasa. Ama formation results, which circulates and causes jwara (fever).

7. Sadhya-Asadhyata (Prognosis)

• Sadhya: Single dosha involvement, early stage

• Asadhya: Sannipataja, chronic, or in immunocompromised individuals

8. Chikitsa Sutra (Treatment Principles)

• Langhana (fasting)

• Pachana (digestive medicine)

• Svedana (sudation)

• Mridu Virechana (mild purgation in Pittaja Jwara)

• Samshamana Chikitsa in chronic or mild fevers

• Rasayana after fever subsides

Reference: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana 3/162–3/175

9. Shamana Aushadhi (Medicines)

• Shadangapaniya

• Guduchi kwatha

• Musta churna

• Sudarshana churna

• Tribhuvan Kirti Rasa

• Amritarishta

• Mahasudarshan kwatha

10. Panchakarma Therapies

• Svedana: Useful in Vataja and Kaphaja Jwara

• Mridu Virechana: Indicated in Pittaja Jwara

• Basti: For chronic Vata-dominant fevers

• Nasya: In case of Sannipata with head involvement

11. Diet and Lifestyle

• Light, easily digestible foods like Yavagu, Manda

• Warm water for drinking

• Avoid heavy, oily, sour, and cold foods

12. Conclusion
Jwara is a systemic disorder caused by deranged doshas affecting the Rasa dhatu and manifesting in the form of fever. Ayurvedic management includes acute phase treatment with Langhana, Pachana, and Svedana, supported by Shamana medicines and Rasayana in recovery phase. Panchakarma helps in chronic and stubborn fevers.

13. References

1. Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana, Chapter 3

2. Ashtanga Hridaya, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 1

3. Madhava Nidana, Chapter 1

4. Bhavaprakasha Nighantu - Guduchi, Musta, Sudarshana

5. CCRAS Formulary of Classical Ayurvedic Medicines