Covering The Ulcers and Wounds With Leaves Patradaana

By Dr Raghuram Y.S. MD (Ay) & Dr Manasa, B.A.M.S
Patradana means covering with leaves. This is a unique measure followed in covering the wounds / ulcers on which the medicinal pastes are applied. Over the leaves the bandaging of wounds and ulcers are done. This method of surgical dressing has been explained in the context of Shashti Upakrama i.e. 60 kinds of treatment explained by Master Sushruta in the first chapter of Chikitsa Sthana section. All these 60 treatments are useful for treating the ulcers and also to prevent their complications. These 60 kinds of treatments are included in 7 types of treatments called Sapta Upakrama which Sushruta has mentioned in the Sutra Sthana Section (Chapter 17).

Vaikrutapaha is the seventh treatment among these 7 treatments. Vaikrutapaha means removing the deformities caused by the ulcers and wounds. This is a kind of cosmetic rebuilding of the ulcer area and to promote healing in a comprehensive way. Vaikrutapaha comprises of 26 kinds of treatments among which Patradana is one.
Read – Sushruta’s 7 Types of Treatments Sapta Upakrama

Patradana

Below mentioned are the conditions in which the ulcers / wounds need to be covered with leaves –

• Sthiranam – immobile ulcers / wounds
• Alpa mamsanam – ulcers / wounds covered with less muscles, the muscles would have got destroyed due to ulcers / wounds as a complication
• Raukshyaad anuparohataam – wounds / ulcers which have not healed due to extreme dryness in them

In the above said conditions the ulcers / wounds are covered by the leaves. This is done in accordance to the doshas involved and the prevailing seasons. Leaves having medicinal properties shall be covered on the wounds after having applied medicinal pastes on them.

In the above mentioned conditions, first the medicinal pastes are applied on the ulcer / wound. Next the ulcer / wound on which the medicinal paste has been applied are covered with leaves such that the leaves cover the paste.
Read – Avasechana Method of Wound Care: Meaning, Types, Clinical Significance

Sanskrit Verses

Types of leaves

a. In ulcers caused by vitiated vata – the below mentioned leaves are used for covering –

• Eranda Patra – leaves of Ricinus communis (castor)
• Bhurja Patra – leaves of Betula utilis
• Karanja Patra – leaves of Pongamia pinnata
• Haridra Patra – leaves of Curcuma longa (turmeric)

b. In ulcers caused by vitiated pitta and blood – the below mentioned leaves are used for covering –

• Ashvabala Patra – leaves of Medicago sativa
• Kashmari (Gambhari) Patra – Gmelina arborea
• Kshiri Vrksha Patrani – leaves of latex yielding plants / trees
• Audaka Patra – leaves of plants growing in water (like lotus etc)

c. In ulcers caused by vitiated kapha – the below mentioned leaves are used for covering –

• Patha Patra – leaves of Cissampelos pareira
• Murva Patra – leaves of Marsdenia tenacissima
• Guduchi Patra – leaves of Tinospora cordifolia
• Kakamachi Patra – leaves of Solanum nigrum
• Haridra Patra – Turmeric leaves
• Shukanasa Patra – leaves of Corallocarpus epigaeus / Oroxylum indicum
  Read – Injury, Wound care Ayurvedic Remedies, Medicines

Read – Charaka Vrana Chikitsa – 25th Chapter – Wounds, Ulcers

Qualities of leaves which are used for covering the ulcers and wounds

• Akarkasha – not rough
• Avichchinnam – not torn
• Ajirnam – not old (should be fresh)
• Sukumarakam – tender
• Ajantu jagdham – not infested with worms and insects
• Mrdu – smooth

Leaves used to cover the wounds / ulcers – Reasons and benefits

The below mentioned should be applied on the ulcer / wound from inside out –

• Medicinal paste directly applied over the ulcer
• Leaves having medicinal property placed over the medicinal paste
• Bandage tied over the leaves

If the leaves are not placed in between the paste of medicine and bandage cloth, the fats and essence of medicines in the paste would come into direct contact with the bandage cloth and get wasted. To prevent the loss of fats and medicinal essence the leaves are layered between the paste and bandage cloth. Leaves are also applied on the anointment / medicinal paste for inducing cold or heat as per need and to prevent loss of fats in the medicinal pastes as said above.

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