Scope of Visha Chikitsa
Home / Clinical Departments/ Scope of Visha Chikitsa
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Toxic Emergencies
Visha Chikitsa (Ayurvedic Toxicology) is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda (Ashtanga Ayurveda). It focuses on the identification, diagnosis, and management of poisoning caused by animate sources (snakebite, scorpion sting, insect bites, rabid animals) and inanimate sources (toxic plants, minerals, heavy metals, chemicals, and adulterated food). It also covers medico-legal aspects and forensic applications.
Acharya Sushruta and Vagbhata provided detailed descriptions of Visha (poisons), their types, signs, and the antidotal therapies (Agada) for emergencies. The Department of Visha Chikitsa serves both clinical and academic roles by providing life-saving care in toxicological emergencies, offering medico-legal expertise, conducting postmortems, and spreading awareness about toxic hazards in society.
Our Approach
THERAPEUTIC APPROACH
The department manages poisoning through Agada (antidotes), herbal and mineral formulations, and integrative emergency care. It also emphasizes prevention of toxic exposures and chronic poisoning.
Holistic Significance
Visha Chikitsa combines life-saving acute care with long-term preventive strategies, blending Ayurvedic wisdom and modern toxicology to safeguard individuals and communities from poisonous threats.
CLINICAL & FORENSIC FOUNDATION
With expertise in toxicology, medico-legal cases, and forensic medicine, the department provides clinical care, postmortem services, and legal guidance while training students in toxic hazards and their management.
Scope of Visha Chikitsa
The department provides rapid response to poisoning, snakebites, scorpion stings, and envenomation, integrating Ayurvedic antidotal therapies with modern emergency toxicology for life-saving care.
Specialized training equips students in forensic medicine, autopsy, toxicological screening, and medico-legal reporting, preparing them to handle poisoning cases, assaults, and injury analysis.
Physicians are trained to manage medico-legal responsibilities such as poison identification, certification, autopsy, and courtroom testimony—ensuring justice in poisoning-related cases.
Visha Chikitsa addresses toxic exposures from industry, agriculture, and environment, managing metal toxicity, chemical hazards, and cumulative pollution-related disorders through preventive and therapeutic care.
Community outreach spreads awareness about food adulteration, pesticide hazards, household toxins, and environmental pollution, promoting preventive health measures and early identification of toxic risks.
The discipline combines Ayurvedic Agadas with modern antidotes for acute and chronic toxicities, ensuring comprehensive detoxification, sustainable recovery, and prevention of future toxic effects.
Departmental Role & Contributions
- OPD and IPD care for poisoning and toxic emergencies.
- Integrated management of snakebite and scorpion sting.
- Medico-legal consultation, certification, and expert witness services.
- Postmortem examination and forensic reporting.
- Community programs for toxicology awareness and prevention.
- UG (BAMS) & PG (MD – Agadtantra) curriculum.
- Hands-on training in autopsy, poison identification, and case handling.
- Seminars, case discussions, and workshops on toxicology.
- Courtroom exposure for medico-legal testimony.
- Clinical trials on Ayurvedic antidotes for animal bites and toxicities.
- Studies on detoxification in heavy metal and chronic poisoning.
- Forensic research on identification methods and medico-legal science.
- Presentations and publications in toxicology and forensic forums.
Key Areas of Specialty
Focuses on diagnosis and emergency management of envenomation and bites through Ayurvedic Agadas and integrative care.
- Snakebite (Sarpa Visha)
- Scorpion sting (Vrischika Visha)
- Insect and spider bites
- Rabid dog bite (Rabies)
Deals with toxic effects of poisonous plants, minerals, and metals, with detoxification and antidotal therapies.
- Dhatura (Datura poisoning)
- Aconite (Vatsanabha toxicity)
- Arsenic, mercury, and lead poisoning
- Semi-poisonous drugs in higher doses (Upavisha)
Management of man-made and slow-acting poisons from daily life, environment, and industry.
- Food adulteration and pesticide poisoning
- Chemical exposure in agriculture/industry
- Chronic drug-induced toxicity
- Environmental pollution effects
Applies principles of toxicology in forensic practice and legal medicine.
- Postmortem examination and cause of death
- Injury and assault analysis
- Forensic identification (age, sex, skeletal remains)
- Courtroom medico-legal testimony
Addresses awareness, occupational safety, and preventive strategies to reduce poisoning risks.
- Household chemical safety
- Agricultural pesticide awareness
- Industrial toxic hazards
- Public health education programs