Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Ayurvedic view of karnaroga, why karnapurana oil is clinic-only, and how Ayurveda fits alongside medical care.
In classical Ayurveda, ear disorders belong to Shalakya Tantra, the branch for diseases of the head, eyes, ears, nose and throat. The ear is called karna, and its diseases karnaroga. The Sushruta Samhita (Uttara Tantra) and the Ashtanga Hridaya (Uttara Sthana) each have chapters on them, and the Sushruta Samhita lists a large number of ear conditions.
The classical picture
Karnapurana - a clear safety point
Classical texts describe karnapurana, filling the ear with warm medicated oil. This was a clinic practice done by a physician after examining the ear. It should not be copied at home. If the eardrum has a hole (which you cannot see yourself), oil, juice or drops in the ear can cause real harm and make the infection worse. Do not put garlic oil, onion juice, tulsi juice, or any home drops into the ear of a child or adult with an ear infection.
What is reasonable
Ayurvedic scholars also stress general head and neck care, such as covering the ears in cold wind and avoiding loud noise. These are low-risk measures and can be followed alongside medical treatment. Ask your doctor first if you are thinking of any herbal or oil-based product, and tell them what you have already used.
Written By
Dr. Daksh
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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