Vartma Kandu and Krimigranthi in Ayurveda: An Insight into Inflammatory Eyelid Disorders

Vartma Kandu and Krimigranthi in Ayurveda: An Insight into Inflammatory Eyelid Disorders


1. Modern Explanation:

Blepharitis is a chronic inflammatory condition of the eyelid margins, caused by:

  • Bacterial infection (Staphylococcus)

  • Seborrheic dermatitis

  • Mite infestation (Demodex)

  • Poor eyelid hygiene

It affects the meibomian glands and eyelash follicles, leading to irritation and recurrent eye discomfort.


2. Signs and Symptoms:

  • Itchy, red, swollen eyelids

  • Crusting of eyelashes

  • Burning or gritty sensation

  • Watery eyes

  • Foreign body sensation

  • Flaky skin at lid margins


3. Ayurvedic Correlation:

🟢 Closely correlated with:

  • Vartma Kandu (वर्त्म कण्डु) – itching of the eyelids

  • Vartmarsha (वर्त्मर्ष) – burning and inflammation

  • Krimigranthi (कृमिग्रन्थिः) – worm infestation (symbolic for microbial or mite-related blepharitis)

These are conditions of the Vartma (eyelid), primarily caused by Kapha-Pitta dushti and Krimi involvement.


4. Doṣa–Duṣya–Samprāpti:

  • Doṣa: Kapha + Pitta + Krimi

  • Duṣya: Rasa, Rakta, Mamsa

  • Samprāpti: Kapha blocks eyelid channels, Pitta causes inflammation, and Krimi/microorganisms aggravate symptoms


5. Śloka References:

Suśruta Uttara Tantra 10/6:
"वर्त्म कण्डूः स वातेन, पित्तेन स्रावदारुणः।
कफेन स्थूलो गुरुश्चैव, त्रिदोषात्तु महाव्रणः॥”

🔹 Vartmakandu is caused by Vāta and Kapha-Pitta—itching, swelling, and oozing are observed.

Suśruta Uttara 10/18–20:
"कृमयस्तेऽत्र प्रसक्ता, तस्मात् कृमिहन्ति भेषजम्॥”

🔹 The disease involves Krimi (microbes/parasites), hence anti-Krimi treatment is essential.


6. Ayurvedic Management:


🔹 Local Therapies:

  • Lid hygiene with Triphala decoction wash

  • Aśchyotana:

    • Darvi + Triphala + Musta Kashaya

    • Yashtimadhu decoction + cow milk

  • Anjana:

    • Krimighna Anjana (Triphala Rasakriya + Jasada Bhasma)

  • Lepa:

    • Lodhra + Daruharidra + Chandana paste on eyelids (externally)


🔹 Internal Medicines:

  • Vidangadi Loha – Krimighna and Rakta-shodhaka

  • Nimbadi Guggulu – Pitta-Kapha-Krimighna

  • Triphala Churna – daily

  • Haridra Khanda – itching and Rakta dushti


🔹 Panchakarma:

  • Virechana: Mild purgation for Pitta control

  • Nasya: Anu Taila or Jeevantyadi Taila

  • Krimighna Basti: For chronic or recurrent cases


🔹 Rasayana:

  • Amla Rasayana, Triphala Rasayana

  • Guduchi + Haridra capsules


🔹 Pathya:

  • Use boiled Triphala water to cleanse eyes

  • Include: Amla, ghee, green gram soup, barley, neem

  • Avoid: Oily food, curd, sweets, dust exposure, cosmetics, rubbing eyes


📝 Summary Insight:

Blepharitis is understood in Ayurveda through the lens of Vartma rogas, especially Kapha-Pitta dushti and Krimi-related vitiation. Ayurveda focuses on local cleansing, Krimighna chikitsā, and Rasayana for recurrence prevention.

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