Role of haridradi tailam application in prevention of nabhi paka (umbilical sepsis) in neonates

Abstract

Ayurveda is the oldest science of life. The first cut wound which the newborn gets is at birth in Nabhinal paricharya is clearly explained in Charak Samhita. Due to improper Nabhinal paricharya babies are more prone to develop complications like local sepsis, septicemia, tetanus neonatorum, portal vein thrombosis, peritonitis, umbilical hernia, etc. Charaka has mentioned haridradi tailam application after cutting the umbilical cord on umbilical stump in the prevention of nabhipaka. In this study two groups of 30 newborns each irrespective of sex, weight and gestational age were selected randomly. Haridradi tailam was applied to umbilical stump till it completely shaded off. Parameters such as redness, tenderness and swelling at umbilicus, pus discharge through umbilicus were adopted to assess the effect of Haridradi Tailam. At the end of study it was found that Haridradi tailam was very effective in Nabhinal paricharya in the prevention of nabhipaka. It also reduces signs like redness, tenderness and swelling but shown insignificant changes in C-reactive protein.