What is Itching? How to cure it Naturally with Ayurveda?

Itching (Kandu) in Ayurveda

Itching, known as Kandu in Ayurveda, is an irritating skin sensation that triggers the urge to scratch. It may appear in a small patch or spread over the whole body. While it may seem minor, persistent itching can indicate underlying imbalances in the body. Ayurveda attributes itching mainly to Kapha and Pitta dosha aggravation, along with Rakta Dushti (impure blood) and sometimes Vata involvement in cases of dry skin.

Causes of Itching (Ayurvedic View)

1. Dosha Imbalance

   • Kapha excess → stickiness, clogging of skin channels.

   • Pitta excess → heat, redness, inflammation.

   • Vata excess → dryness, roughness, flakiness.

2. Impure Blood (Rakta Dushti) from poor digestion and toxin accumulation.

3. Dietary Causes – Excess oily, spicy, sour, fermented, junk food, or incompatible food combinations.

4. Lifestyle Causes – Poor hygiene, excessive sweating, irregular sleep, excessive sun exposure.

5. Medical Conditions – Allergies, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infections, liver disorders, diabetes.

6. Environmental Factors – Dust, insect bites, pollution, chemical contact.

Symptoms of Itching

• Continuous or intermittent urge to scratch.

• Redness or rash on skin.

• Burning sensation (if Pitta is involved).

• Dry, flaky skin (if Vata is involved).

• Oozing, swelling, or stickiness (if Kapha is involved).

• In severe cases – skin thickening, discoloration, or infection due to scratching.

Natural Ayurvedic Remedies for Itching

1. Blood Purification

• Use herbs like Neem, Manjistha, Giloy, and Turmeric to cleanse toxins.

• Drink neem leaf juice or turmeric water daily for prevention.

2. Cooling and Soothing Herbs

• Apply Sandalwood paste, Aloe vera gel, or Coconut oil for cooling effect.

• Consume Aloe vera juice to hydrate and detoxify from inside.

3. Dietary Recommendations

• Eat cooling, light meals: cucumber, bottle gourd, coriander, pomegranate.

• Avoid spicy, fried, sour, fermented foods, alcohol, and caffeine.

• Drink lukewarm water and herbal teas like fennel or coriander seed tea.

4. Detoxification Therapies (Panchakarma)

• Virechana (purgation) for excess Pitta.

• Raktamokshana (bloodletting) in chronic cases.

• Must be done under an Ayurvedic physician’s guidance.

5. Lifestyle Practices

• Wear loose cotton clothes, keep skin clean.

• Avoid scratching vigorously.

• Manage stress via yoga, meditation, and pranayama.

6. Home Remedies

• Bath with water boiled with neem leaves.

• Apply paste of turmeric and coconut oil.

• Use baking soda paste for quick itch relief.

Conclusion:
Ayurveda sees itching as a sign of inner imbalance, not just a skin issue. By purifying the blood, balancing doshas, improving digestion, and applying soothing herbs, one can achieve lasting relief naturally. Preventing recurrence involves following a healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, and regular detox practices.