Ringworm and Its Ayurvedic Remedies
Ringworm, known as “Dadru” in Ayurveda, is a common fungal infection of the skin caused by dermatophytes. Despite its name, it is not caused by a worm but appears as a red circular rash with raised edges that spreads gradually. It commonly affects the scalp, groin, feet, arms, neck, and can be contagious. As per Ayurveda, ringworm results from imbalanced Pitta and Kapha doshas along with accumulation of Ama (toxins). Herbal remedies focus on purifying the blood, reducing heat, and removing the fungus naturally.
RING WORM This is a skin disease caused by fungi. In Ayurveda this is called dadru. The infection spreads peripherally and heals centrally with the result that the earlier region becomes a ring with scaly or vesicular border and a central zone of normal or recovered skin.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Ring worm: The patient should take regular bath and wear clean and dry clothes. Bath with hot water boiled with neem leaves is extremely useful in this condition. Applying a paste of neem leaves over the affected areas of the skin is desirable. In chronic patients, application of Paradadi malham or Dadrughna lepa proves very useful. A drug called Edgaja is commonly used for the treatment. The seeds of this plant are taken in powder form and applied over the affected area in the form of a paste.
Giving the patient Shuddhagandhaka internally proves very useful. It should be given in a dose of 0.2 gm., twice daily, mixed with honey. These medicines both internally and externally should be continued for some time, even after the patch is cured. There is every likelihood of the recurrence of this disease. Therefore, medicines should be continued for about 7 days after the patches have disappeared.
Diet to taken by Ring worm patients: Sour things, including curd and pickles, should be avoided.
Other regimens: The ring worm patient should wear clean clothes and take bath daily with water boiled with neem leaves.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Ringworm
1. Herbal Pastes & Oils
Neem (Azadirachta indica): Apply fresh neem leaf paste or neem oil to affected areas twice a day. Powerful antifungal, anti-itch remedy.
Turmeric Paste: Mix turmeric powder with water or coconut oil and apply to reduce fungus, inflammation, and irritation.
Camphor + Coconut Oil: Mix crushed camphor (kapoor) in coconut oil and apply to stop spreading of infection.
Wrightia tinctoria oil (Indrajao oil): Very effective Ayurvedic oil for resistant ringworm patches.
2. Internal Herbs
Triphala churna – detoxifies and purifies blood
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) – excellent for clearing chronic skin infections
Neem capsules or juice – boosts immunity and removes toxins
3. Dietary Recommendations
Eat light, non-oily, easily digestible meals
Include green vegetables, bitter gourd, neem, turmeric, amla, and aloe vera juice
Avoid sugar, fried food, pickles, curd, alcohol, fish, meat, bakery items
Drink plenty of warm water and herbal tea
4. Lifestyle Tips
Keep affected area clean, dry, and uncovered
Wear loose cotton clothes, avoid synthetic tight garments
Change undergarments daily and maintain hygiene
Do not scratch the rash to avoid spreading
Wash clothes/towels separately to prevent infection recurrence
RING WORM This is a skin disease caused by fungi. In Ayurveda this is called dadru. The infection spreads peripherally and heals centrally with the result that the earlier region becomes a ring with scaly or vesicular border and a central zone of normal or recovered skin.
Ayurvedic Treatment for Ring worm: The patient should take regular bath and wear clean and dry clothes. Bath with hot water boiled with neem leaves is extremely useful in this condition. Applying a paste of neem leaves over the affected areas of the skin is desirable. In chronic patients, application of Paradadi malham or Dadrughna lepa proves very useful. A drug called Edgaja is commonly used for the treatment. The seeds of this plant are taken in powder form and applied over the affected area in the form of a paste.
Giving the patient Shuddhagandhaka internally proves very useful. It should be given in a dose of 0.2 gm., twice daily, mixed with honey. These medicines both internally and externally should be continued for some time, even after the patch is cured. There is every likelihood of the recurrence of this disease. Therefore, medicines should be continued for about 7 days after the patches have disappeared.
Diet to taken by Ring worm patients: Sour things, including curd and pickles, should be avoided.
Other regimens: The ring worm patient should wear clean clothes and take bath daily with water boiled with neem leaves.
Ayurvedic Remedies for Ringworm
1. Herbal Pastes & Oils
Neem (Azadirachta indica): Apply fresh neem leaf paste or neem oil to affected areas twice a day. Powerful antifungal, anti-itch remedy.
Turmeric Paste: Mix turmeric powder with water or coconut oil and apply to reduce fungus, inflammation, and irritation.
Camphor + Coconut Oil: Mix crushed camphor (kapoor) in coconut oil and apply to stop spreading of infection.
Wrightia tinctoria oil (Indrajao oil): Very effective Ayurvedic oil for resistant ringworm patches.
2. Internal Herbs
Triphala churna – detoxifies and purifies blood
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) – excellent for clearing chronic skin infections
Neem capsules or juice – boosts immunity and removes toxins
3. Dietary Recommendations
Eat light, non-oily, easily digestible meals
Include green vegetables, bitter gourd, neem, turmeric, amla, and aloe vera juice
Avoid sugar, fried food, pickles, curd, alcohol, fish, meat, bakery items
Drink plenty of warm water and herbal tea
4. Lifestyle Tips
Keep affected area clean, dry, and uncovered
Wear loose cotton clothes, avoid synthetic tight garments
Change undergarments daily and maintain hygiene
Do not scratch the rash to avoid spreading
Wash clothes/towels separately to prevent infection recurrence
