The Role of Sthanik Chikitsa in the Management of Shweta Pradar: A Case Study

Int. Jr. of Contemp. Res. in Multi. PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL Volume 4 Issue 6 [NovDec] Year 2025 237 © 2025 Dr. Vineeta Yadav, Dr. Anjana Saxena, Dr. Shashi Singh, Dr. Deepika Gupta. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY NC ND).https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Case Study The Role of Sthanik Chikitsa in the Management of Shweta Pradar: A Case Study Dr. Vineeta Yadav 1*, Dr. Anjana Saxena 2, Dr. Shashi Singh 3, Dr. Deepika Gupta 4 1 PG Scholar, Department of Prasuti Tantra Evam Striroga, Rajkiya Ayurveda College, Chaukaghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India 2 Associate Professor, Department of Prasuti Tantra Evam Striroga, Rajkiya Ayurveda College, Chaukaghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India 3 H.O.D. & Professor, Department of Prasuti Tantra Evam Striroga, Rajkiya Ayurveda College, Chaukaghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India 4 Department of Prasuti Tantra Evam Striroga, Rajkiya Ayurveda College, Chaukaghat, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, India Corresponding Author: *Dr. Vineeta Yadav DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.17710653 Abstract Manuscript Information Acharya Manu has emphasised that the happiness of humanity depends significantly on the proper care and respect of women. Ensuring the well-being of women, therefore, is essential for a healthy and happy society. Shweta Pradar (leucorrhea) is one of the most common gynaecological complaints faced by women in their daily lives. While a mild vaginal discharge is considered physiological, excessive, foul-smelling, or itchy discharge causes considerable discomfort and indicates pathology. Conventional medications often fail to prevent recurrence, making management challenging. However, Ayurvedic treatments—particularly localised therapies (Sthanik Chikitsa)—have shown promising results in managing Shweta Pradar effectively. This case report presents a female patient with complaints of thin/thick white vaginal discharge, vulvo-vaginal itching, low backache, and constipation. She was advised Sthanik Chikitsa, which included Yoni Prakshalana (vaginal wash) with Lodhradi Kashaya and Yoni Pichu (vaginal tampon) with Lodhradi Taila. The procedures were administered for 7 days following the cessation of menstruation, over three consecutive cycles. Symptomatic relief was observed from the very first cycle, with significant improvement noted across all subsequent cycles. This case highlights the importance and efficacy of Sthanik Chikitsa in the management of Stri Roga (gynaecological disorders), particularly Shweta Pradar. ▪ ISSN No: 2583-7397 ▪ Received: 15-09-2025 ▪ Accepted: 27-10-2025 ▪ Published: 25-11-2025 ▪ IJCRM:4(6); 2025: 237-242 ▪ ©2025, All Rights Reserved ▪ Plagiarism Checked: Yes ▪ Peer Review Process: Yes How to Cite this Article Yadav V, Saxena A, Singh S, Gupta D. The role of Sthanik Chikitsa in the management of Shweta Pradar: A case study. Int J Contemp Res Multidiscip. 2025;4(6):237-242. Access this Article Online www.multiarticlesjournal.com KEYWORDS: Shweta Pradar, Yoni Prakshalana, Yoni Pichu, Sthanik Chikitsa, Stri Roga Int. Jr. of Contemp. Res. in Multi. PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL Volume 4 Issue 6 [NovDec] Year 2025 238 © 2025 Dr. Vineeta Yadav, Dr. Anjana Saxena, Dr. Shashi Singh, Dr. Deepika Gupta. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY NC ND).https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ 1. INTRODUCTION Women are the foundational pillars of any society. They play a crucial role in shaping healthy families and, by extension, a prosperous nation. According to a United Nations report, women constitute nearly 50% of the global human resource— second only in number to men— possessing immense potential for social and economic development. In the modern era, women are increasingly pursuing careers and financial independence. However, this shift in priorities has often led to the neglect of their own health. Changes in lifestyle, irregular dietary habits, disturbed sleep patterns, and increased stress levels have all contributed significantly to the deterioration of women’s physical well-being. Shweta Pradar—commonly known as white vaginal discharge—is one such health issue arising from contemporary lifestyle changes. Physiologically, a small amount of vaginal secretion is normal and essential for maintaining the moisture and cleanliness of the vaginal mucosa. A slight increase in discharge may also occur during mid-menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or periods of sexual arousal, and can be influenced by factors such as stress, nutritional status, emotional wellbeing, or medication use. However, when this discharge becomes excessive or pathological in nature, it may present with associated symptoms like a thick, foul-smelling white discharge, vulvar itching, vaginal irritation, lower abdominal or back pain, and generalised fatigue. These symptoms can significantly affect a woman’s quality of life, interfering with her ability to focus on family and professional responsibilities. This paper presents a case study of Shweta Pradar (white discharge) managed through Lodhradi Kashaya Yoni Prakshalana (vaginal wash) followed by Lodhradi Taila Yoni Pichu (tampon therapy), illustrating the therapeutic efficacy of Sthanik Chikitsa (local treatment) as described by the classical Ayurvedic Acharyas. CASE REPORT A -55-year-old female patient reported to the Outpatient Department (OPD) of Prasuti Tantra evam Stri Roga, Government Ayurvedic College, Varanasi, with the chief complaint of thin/ thick, white vaginal discharge (per vaginam) associated with vulvo vaginal itching (on/off) persisting for the past 20 years. Associated complaints included lower back pain and constipation. History of present illness. According to the patient, she was suffering from thin/ thick white discharge P/V for 20 years (on/off). The discharge was thin/thick in consistency. Along with discharge, she was also having complaints of vaginal itching. Also, she is having complaints of constipation and lower back pain. She had taken medication several times but did not get a complete cure. That's why she decided to take ayurvedic treatment. History of past illness -Patient does not have a history of major illness. Surgical history of surgery. Medical historyPatient does not have any medical history. Family history -No family history of DM/HTN/TB/Thyroid dysfunction, Contraceptive history-Patient is not taking any OCP or has not had any IUCD inserted. Personal history - Patient does not have any history of hospitalisation or blood transfusion. Patient does not have any history of allergy to any substance or any drug. Patient is not addicted to tea or coffee or cigarettes, or alcohol. Menstrual historyMenopause × 3 years ago Obstetric history - G3. P2. A1 P1-34 yrs. Male child, FTND P2: 30 yrs. Female child, FIND A-28 yrs. Ago, 2 months GA, D & C was performed Examinations Per abdomen examination -NAD Gynecological examination O/EEx. Genitalia -Thick discharges present on the vulva Per speculum examinationCervix hypertrophied with congestion, Thick white discharge present on the external os of the cervix, a Strawberry spot present on the cervix and the lateral wall of the vagina Per vaginal examinationAnteverted parous size, bulky uterus, Tenderness present in the B/L fornix Ashtavidha Pariksha (Table 1) Dashvidha Pariksha (Table 2) Investigations (Table 3) Treatment protocol (Table 4) Advice 1. To avoid intercourse during treatment. 2. To avoid spicy food, overeating, fried food, bakery items, and fermented items. 3. To avoid mental stress. 4. To take green leafy vegetables & simple food & to maintain an adequate amount of fluid intake. ASSESSMENT CRITERIA Improvement of the patient will be assessed mainly based on relief in the signs and symptoms of the disease. To assess the effect of therapy, all the signs and symptoms are given a score depending on their severity. A special pattern is adopted as follows: - Int. Jr. of Contemp. Res. in Multi. PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL Volume 4 Issue 6 [NovDec] Year 2025 239 © 2025 Dr. Vineeta Yadav, Dr. Anjana Saxena, Dr. Shashi Singh, Dr. Deepika Gupta. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY NC ND).https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ SUBJECTIVE PARAMETERS Srava (Vaginal discharge)- Grade Score Symptom Normal 0 Normal/ physiological discharge Mild 1 Slight excessive discharge (occasionally wetting the undergarments) Moderate 2 Moderately excessive discharge (wetting the undergarments) Severe 3 Heavy discharge may need pads Consistency Grade Score Symptom Normal 0 Normal Mild 1 Thin Moderate 2 Thick Severe 3 Sticky Yonidaha Grade Score Symptom Normal 0 No burning Mild 1 Mild-occasional burning Moderate 2 Moderate-frequent burning Severe 3 Severecontinuous burning Yonidurgandha Grade Score Symptom Normal 0 Absent Mild 1 Present General weakness Grade Score Symptom Normal 0 Absent Mild 1 Present Adho-Udarashoola (pelvic pain) Grade Score Symptom Normal 0 No pain Mild 1 Mild pain with discomfort Moderate 2 Moderate pain with discomfort, but her daily activities are not affected Severe 3 Severe pain with discomfort and her daily activities are also affected Yonikandu (vaginal itching) Grade Score Symptom Normal 0 No Itching Mild 1 Mildslight rub Moderate 2 Moderate itching causing redness Severe 3 Severe continuous itching causes redness and discomfort Katishoola (low backache) Grade Score Symptoms Normal 0 No pain (occasional, only feeling of discomfort) Mild 1 Mild pain (at a special time of menses, with excessive workload, or intercourse) Moderate 2 Moderate pain (continuous, relief after taking medicine) Severe 3 Severe pain (tivra shool, no relief after taking medicine) OBJECTIVE PARAMETER Vaginal pH Grade Score pH Normal 0 3.5-4.5 Mild 1 >4.5-6 Moderate 2 >6-7 Severe 3 >7 Int. Jr. of Contemp. Res. in Multi. PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL Volume 4 Issue 6 [NovDec] Year 2025 240 © 2025 Dr. Vineeta Yadav, Dr. Anjana Saxena, Dr. Shashi Singh, Dr. Deepika Gupta. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY NC ND).https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Epithelial cells in urine examination Grade Score Symptom Normal 0 Not found Mild 1 Occasionally Moderate 2 1-3 cells Severe 3 >4 cells Pus cells in urine examination Grade Score Symptom Normal 0 Not found Mild 1 Occasionally found under high high-power field Moderate 2 1-3 cells found under high-power field Severe 3 Above >4 cells found under high power field Table 1 Shows Ashtavidha Pariksha Nadi Mala Mutra Jihva Shabda Sparsha Drika Akriti Kapha Pitta Niram Pale yellow Prakrita Prakrita Samsheetoshna Pandura Samanya Table 2: Shows Dashvidha Pariksha Prak riti Vikri ti Saar Samhanana Pramana Satmya Satva Ahara shakti Vyaya m shakti Vaya Vara Pitta Atisr ava Madhy ama Madhya ma Madhy ama Sarvar sa Madhy ama Madhy ama Madhy ama Madhyama vastha Table 3: Shows investigations CBC RBS HIV HBSAG HCV VDRL URINE (R/M) Vagina l PH USG Pap Smear within norma l limits Hb% 12.10 gm /dl 111 mg/d l NR NR NR NR R - Within normal limits MYeast cell present . Pus cells occasionally y . Epithelial cell0 to 1/hpf 7.5 Bulky uterus with a mild hypertrophi c cervix with minimal Free fluid in culdesac ∆ Negative for Intraepithelial Lesion or Malignancy Table 4shows the Treatment protocol Complaints Treatment given Duration Outcome First cycle – thin/Thick white Lodhradi Kashaya yoni prakshalana (vaginal douche) For 7 days after the cessation of menses Mild relief in white discharge P/V with vulvovaginal itching discharge P/V with vulvovaginal itching (on/ off), Low back ache, Constipation. followed by Lodhradi taila yoni pichu (vaginal tampon) Chandraprabha vati 2 BD, triphala churna 3 gms BD with lukewarm water for associated complaints For 10 days Vaginal pH-7 Got relief in low backache &constipation Second cycle – Mild thick white discharge P/V & mild vulvo vaginal itching (on/off) Lodhradi Kashaya yoni prakshalan & Lodhradi tail yoni pichu For 7 days after the cessation of menses Got moderate relief in discharge & vulvovaginal itching Vaginal pH-6.5 Third cycleThick white discharge P/V on & off got improved Lodhradi Kashaya yoni prakshalana & Lodhradi tail yoni pichu For 7 days after the cessation of menses Got relief from discharge P/V & vulvo vaginal itching Vaginal pH-5 Int. Jr. of Contemp. Res. in Multi. PEER-REVIEWED JOURNAL Volume 4 Issue 6 [NovDec] Year 2025 241 © 2025 Dr. Vineeta Yadav, Dr. Anjana Saxena, Dr. Shashi Singh, Dr. Deepika Gupta. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC BY NC ND).https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Table 5: Shows Results Urine R/M USG VAGINAL PH Within normal limits ∆ Uterus is normal in shape & size. No Free fluid in the cul-de-sac. 5 RESULTS Following the completion of the drug trial, which consisted of three cycles of 7-day treatments, the patient experienced significant relief from vaginal discharge. Notably, improvement was observed from the very first cycle. Post-treatment investigations further confirmed the clinical improvement (see Table 5). One key finding was the change in vaginal pH. Initially, the pH was 7 (alkaline), which is abnormal. After the full 21-day treatment period across the three cycles, the vaginal pH was reevaluated and found to be 5, within the acidic range. This shift toward an acidic environment is essential for maintaining a healthy vaginal flora and preventing infections. DISCUSSION In Ayurveda, all gynaecological disorders are broadly categorised under the term Yoni Vyapad (gynaecological diseases). Shweta Pradara (white vaginal discharge) is a common symptom observed in many types of Yoni Vyapad, often arising due to the vitiation of Kapha or a combination of Vata and Kapha doshas. Conditions such as Arajaska, Karnini, Acharana, Aticharana, Shleshmala, Upapluta, and Prasramsini are commonly associated with such symptoms. The term Shweta Pradara, specifically for white vaginal discharge, is described in classical Ayurvedic texts like the Sharngadhara Samhita, Bhava Prakasha, and Yoga Ratnakara. In the present case, the patient presented with complaints of thick white vaginal discharge (per vaginum), along with vulvovaginal itching. This clinical picture suggests the involvement of Kapha and Pitta doshas predominantly. The Kapha dosha is responsible for the thick, mucoid nature of the discharge, whereas the Pitta dosha accounts for the burning sensations experienced in the vaginal region and during urination. Additionally, as stated by Acharya Charaka, no Yoni Vyapad can manifest without the involvement of Vata dosha. The Yoni Pradesh (vaginal region) is governed by Apana Vayu, a subtype of Vata, which plays a critical role in the regulation of reproductive and excretory functions. Why Lodhradi Kashaya and Lodhradi tail – The drug used for this case is Lodhradi Kashaya & Lodhradi Taila, mentioned in Ashtang Sangraha Uttar Tantra 39/97. The contents are Lodhra and Vata having Katu vipaak, Sheet veerya and Kashaya rasa Pradhan (astringent). All these properties make it Kapha – Pitta shamak, Stambhaka, Vrana shodhaka (wound cleaner), Vedanasthapak (analgesic), Vranaropaka (wound healer) & Raktadoshahara (blood purifier) The Lodharadi kwath used for yoni dhawana has antiseptic, antimicrobial well as pain-relieving action. It prevents the growth of microorganisms and helps in restoring the pH of the vagina. Drugs used for yoni dhawan are absorbed through the mucosa and the blood circulation and also have a beneficial effect on the uterus. Both the dravyas in kwath are Kashaya rasatmak, so having properties like stambhan, Grahi guna helps in reducing vaginal discharge and also contains kandughan and krimighan action. Taila diminishes the chances of infection in the genital tract, as Taila is Yoni Vishodhaka, Vranaropaka and Vataghna. Why Yoni Prakshalana and Yoni Pichu? As the term Prakshalana denotes "cleansing," Yoni Prakshalana refers to the therapeutic washing of the vaginal canal. This procedure aids in the removal of excessive secretions, discharges, or accumulated toxins. The efficacy of this procedure largely depends on the properties of the medicated decoction (Kwatha) used for the cleansing. Similarly, Yoni Pichu involves the insertion of a sterile cotton swab soaked in medicated oil (Taila) or ghee (Ghrita) into the vaginal canal. This method ensures prolonged local retention of the medicament, allowing sustained therapeutic action. Due to the rich vascular supply of the vaginal mucosa, the absorption of the active constituents is enhanced. Furthermore, the lipophilic nature of the vaginal mucosa supports better absorption of oilor ghee-based formulations, making Taila and Ghrita ideal vehicles for intravaginal drug delivery. CONCLUSION Shweta Pradara (white vaginal discharge) is a common gynaecological complaint among women of reproductive age and represents a significant clinical concern in day-to-day practice. Beyond its physical symptoms, it can also impact the overall well-being of the individual, potentially leading to psychological distress. Therefore, a structured and evidencebased therapeutic approach is essential for effective management. The treatment modalities discussed above may be considered as a comprehensive protocol in the management of Shweta Pradara (white discharge per vaginum), to address both the underlying pathology and improve the patient's quality of life. REFERENCES 1. Tiwari PV. Ayurvediya Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga. Vol II. Chap 4. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014. p. 266. 2. Bulusu S. Bhavprakasha of Bhavmishra. Madhyama Khanda. Vol II. Chap 69/3-6. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014. p. 689. 3. Tiwari PV. Ayurvediya Prasuti Tantra and Stree Roga. Vol II. Chap 4. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014. p. 268–271. Int. Jr. of Contemp. Res. in Multi. 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Prabhakar Rao G. Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Vol I. Chap 8/32. Varanasi: Chaukhambha Orientalia; 2014. Creative Commons (CC) License This article is an open-access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY 4.0) license. This license permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. About the corresponding author Dr. Vineeta Yadav is a PG Scholar in the Department of Prasuti Tantra Evam Striroga at Rajkiya Ayurveda College, Chaukaghat, Varanasi. She is dedicated to advancing Ayurvedic research in women’s health, focusing on traditional therapeutic practices, clinical care, and evidencebased approaches to maternal and reproductive well-being.