Theory and Hypothesis

Review 2019 June; 2(2): 166-172

Concept of dushi visha (latent poison) a review in ayurveda

Dr.Deepti Patel1*, Dr.S.R.Inchulkar1, Dr.Yuvraj Kaushik1, Dr.N.S.Chauhan2

1. Department of Agad Tantra Evam Vidhi Vaidyak, Govt. Ayurveda College, Raipur, India;
2. Senior Scientific Officer Grade-II Drug Testing Laboratory Avam Anusandhan Kendra, Raipur,
India.

*Correspondence to: Dr.Deepti Patel, Department of Agad Tantra Evam Vidhi Vaidyak, Govt.
Ayurveda College, Raipur, India. Email: drdeeptipatel11@gmail.com

Abstract

A poison, which is having fewer properties, which means less than it’s own ten classical properties
or the poison which is having lesser potency of all ten properties, attains a accumulative or hidden
stage in the body is called Dushi Visha (latent poison). Low potency of all the ten qualities of
poison are said to be responsible for the delayed action and cumulative toxicity on the body. A
much detailed description about DushiVisha is not seen in Ayurvedic classics. The concept of
DushiVisha is still an enigma. To understand Dushi Visha, it is important to understand that what
are the originating factors can be considered under DushiVisha, how it remains in the body without
under going elimination, how does it causes cumulative toxicity, which factors will aggravate Dushi
Visha, how the clinical features of DushiVisha will be presented in the body. To get proper answer
to all these practical queries, it is necessary to go through it’s pathology. Here an attempt is made to
review the concept of Dushi Visha in detail.

Key words: DushiVisha, Latent poison, Virudhahara, Cumulative toxicity

Citation: Dr.Deepti Patel, Dr.S.R.Inchulkar, Dr.Yuvraj Kaushik et al. Concept of dushi visha (latent
poison) a review in ayurveda. TMR Theory and Hypothesis 2019, 2(2): 166-172.
DOI: 10.12032/TMRTH201902001
Submitted: 1 May 2019, Accepted: 21 May 2019, Online: 20 June 2019
Submit a manuscript: https://www.tmrjournals.com/th 166
 Theory and Hypothesis

Review 2019 June; 2(2): 166-172

Background
The word "Visha" has originated from two
words i.e., Vish+ka, that means to get spread
quickly or to absorb. Visha rapidly gets spread
in to Rasadi Dhatus and occupies in the body
[1]. Visha which means poison, originated from
Vishada or Vishada means Dukha or depressed
spirits. By seeing this, the world became
hopeless or became Vishanna, it was termed
Visha by Charaka [2]. The word DushiVisha
is derived from the root Dusha which means
impure and the one which posses the property
or nature to vitiate [3].Susruta and Vagbhata
described Dushi Visha as any kind of poison
originating from inanimate (sthavara) or animate
(jangama) sources or any artificial poison
(kritrimVisha) retained in the body after partial
expulsion or which has provisionally undergone
detoxification, by the anti-poisonous drugs,
forest fire, the wind or the sun is termed as latent
poison (DushiVisha). Any poison that is devoid
of the natural ten properties of Visha, incapable
of producing acute symptoms of poisoning can
also be designated as DushiVisha. Low potency
of all the ten qualities is said to be responsible
for the delayed action and cumulative toxicity
on the body. Because of the low potency of the
poison, it usually will not cause death. Similarly
the enveloping (Avarana) action by Dosha
Kapha, these low potency poisons are retained
in the body for a long period without producing
any severe or fatal symptoms [4,5].

Figure 1 Inanimate (Sthavar) Animate (Jangama) Artificial Poison (Kritrim Visha)

extremities, urticaria, fainting, ascites, vomiting,
Poorvaroopa (Prodromal Signs) of Dushi Visha diarrhoea, discoloration, epileptic attacks,
The prodromal symptoms of Dushi Visha are intermittent fever and increased thirst [9].
narcolepsy, a feeling of heaviness of the body,
yawning, laxity of joints, horripulation and body Symptoms
ache. One who suffers from Dushi Visha (latent According to site When DushiVisha is retained
poison) will have loose motion, his complexion in Amashaya (Stomach) it produces the diseases
will be altered, his mouth will emit foul smell, due to derangement of doshasKapha and
olfactory and gustatory senses will be impaired Vatadoshas. For example unconsciousness,
and he will suffer from unquenchable thirst. vomiting, diarrhoea, tympanitis, burning
Slurring and broken speech, vomiting, sorrow, sensation, tremors, altered sensorium etc. When
and sudden bouts of unconsciousness are also located in Pakvashaya (Intestine), it produces
seen, and symptoms of ascites (Dushya-udara) diseases of deranged Vata and Pitta doshas such
can be seen. The above symptoms are followed as burning sensation all over the body, fainting,
by sense of intoxication after consuming diarrhoea, tympanitis and anemia [10].
food, indigestion, anorexia, appearance of red
patches all over the body, edema of the face and Symptoms According to Predominance of Dosha
Submit a manuscript: https://www.tmrjournals.com/th 167

Review
Vitiation of each doshaproduces specific clinical
features and these are described in Charaka
Samhita. The predominance of dosha in Dushi
Table 1 Symptoms Produce By Doshas
Factors that aggravate Dushi Visha
Dooshita desha (Polluted land), Kala (deranged
seasons), Anna (toxic food) and Diwaswapna
(daytime sleep) are factors that aggravate Dushi
Visha. Existing DushiVisha (latent poison)
can aggravate in the presence of these factors.
Commentator Dalhana has explained these
symptoms in detail [12,13].
Polluted Land: Dushita Desha can be
considered as wet, watery or Anupa Desha
(humid land) where excess wind, cold weather
and increased rainfalls are present. Such land
(Anupa Desha) influences on humors Kapha and
Vata, and leads to aggravation of poison (Visha)
in the body as Dushi Visha (latent poison) is
enfeebled by humor Kapha.
Deranged Atmosphere: Kala can be considered
as Sheet Anila (cold wind) and Durdina (cloudy
days), which may have relation with Dushi
Visha (latent poison). Rain makes body moist
(Klinna), cold air reduces the power of digestion
(Pachakagni) i.e. metabolism or detoxification
is deranged and may lead to aggravation of both
Kapha and Vata Dosha.
Toxic Or Harmful Food: Anna can be
considered as alcohol, sesame oil and
horse gram, teekshna, Vidahi Dravyas and
Submit a manuscript: https://www.tmrjournals.com/th
Theory and Hypothesis
2019 June; 2(2): 166-172
Visha (latent poison) can be ascertained by the
respective symptoms (Tab. 1) [11]
unwholesome food, which aggravate Pitta Dosha
by their nature. Another aggravating factors
like anger, indulgence in sex, exercise etc.
affect both body and the mind are also equally
capable to aggravate Dushi Visha (latentpoison).
Hence these factors can be further classified
as Aharaja: the factors concerned to food like
Sura (alcohol), Tila (sesame) etc., Viharaja -
the factors concerned to activities like exercise,
over strain etc. and Kalaja (seasonal factors
like wetland, cold weather, cloudy weather
etc.). Based on the body and mind, they can
be classified as somatic (Sharirika) factors
that are concerned with the body and psychic
(Manasika), factors that are concerned with
the mind. These secondary causative factors
can again be broadly classified as Exogenous
(external factors) and Endogenous (internal
factors). Endogenous comprises of Psychic
(Manasika) and dietary (Aharaja) factors
whereas Exogenous factors comprises Seasonal
(Kalaja) and lifestyle dependent (Viharaja)
factors.
Complications of Dushi Visha and Their
Treatment
Complications like pyrexia, burning sensation,
hiccough, distension of abdomen, impotence,
168

Review
edema, diarrhoea, fainting, cardiac disorders,
abdominal enlargement, insanity, tremors, and
similar other complications should be treated
with the respective remedial measures for the
aforesaid diseases by the use of anti-poisonous
drugs [14].
Prognosis of Dushi Visha
Dushivisha is curable for the person who is
having good will power and patience. It is
controllable with treatment for the person who
is suffering from Dushi Visha. It is incurable for
emaciated or debilitated person and one who
consume unwholesome diet [15].
Explanation on Dushi Visha (Latent Poison)
Partially metabolized: it has got two aspects:
1.When Visha, which is capable of producing
acute ill effects, is kept for long time, some of
them may lose its original properties, ultimately
gets converted to low potential Visha, which
is Dushi Visha (latent poison). 2.Poison
(Visha) whether inanimate (Sthavara), animate
(Jangama) or artificial (Kritrima) which is not
completely eliminated from the body or partially
detoxified and being retained or accumulated in
the body and localized at various sites of tissues
producing cumulative effect is latent poison
(DushiVisha). It can also be called chronic
poisoning or latentpoisoning. In the chronic
poisoning symptoms develop insidiously
and more gradually. There is exacerbation of
symptoms after the suspected food, medicine
and exposure to environment factors like
cloudy weather, rain etc. there is remission or
even complete disappearance of symptoms
on the removal of the patient from his usual
surroundings.
Incompletely inactivated by antitoxic drugs:
it means partial detoxification by antidotes
on in-complete metabolism of poison, which
also retains some properties. Detoxification
is a chemical process that occurs in the body
to convert toxic substances in to non-toxic
substances for eliminated from body through
excretion.
Burnt by forest fire: Exposure to heat flame or
fire etc. converts Visha in to DushiVisha (latent
poison). This is because, certain properties of
Poison (Visha) are altered by exposure to heat
Submit a manuscript: https://www.tmrjournals.com/th
Theory and Hypothesis
2019 June; 2(2): 166-172
and fire and this, in turn results in reduced
potency of Visha whereby, its properties are
altered, leading to Dushi Visha (latent poison).
Dried up in wind: Cold wind (Sheetala vata)
dries up the water content of poison (Visha)
reducing its properties such as Teekshna, Ushna
etc. thus transforming potent Visha into less
potent DushiVisha (latent poison).
Dried in the sun: Sunrays, which contain ultra-
violet rays, infra-red and x-radiations has got
influence on the earth as solar terrestrial effects.
Among those, UV rays are important because
of its effect on the biological phenomenon.
It disinfects air, water and other substances
including even poisonous substances if kept on
sun exposure more detoxification takes place,
which in turn reduces the potency of poison.
Lacking in the classical ten properties of
poison: Naturally all Visha whether it is
inanimate (sthavara), animate (jangama) or
artificial (kritrima) have all the classical ten
properties (Gunas) like Teekshna, hot (ushna),
dry (ruksha) etc. Presence of these Gunas can
cause acute or sub-acute poisoning. But if any
one or more of these properties (Gunas) are
absent in a particular Visha, it can become
DushiVisha that is of low potency by nature. In
DushiVisha, presence of Teekshna, hot (ushna)
etc, Gunas are not potent enough to produce
acute or sub-acute poisoning. At the same time
consumption of these will produce symptoms
ofDushiVisha. It flares up in the presence of
aggravating factors. This may be due to the
absence of quick spreading (Vyavaayi), Vikasi
and fast acting (Ashukari) Gunas, which are
more potent in acute poisoning. Some substances
are naturally less potent and may produce
symptoms oflatentpoison (DushiVisha) as
Charaka has classified worms & insects (Keetas)
into Pranaharakeeta and DushiVishakeeta and
commentator Chakrapani has commented on
Dushi Visha keeta as mild (AlpaVisha) keeta.
Management of Dushi Visha
Can be treated with the help of applying
Ayurvedic principle [16,17], it includes:
1. Nidana-Parivarjana find out factors which
are responsible for Latent poison and eliminate
it. 2.Dushi visha Detoxification through
Panchakarma therapy- The detoxification
169

Review
(Panchakarma) process contains three steps-
(1) Purva karma-Preparations before the
detoxification.
(2) Pradhana karma-The main detoxification
process. It includes Vamana and Virechana
Karma.
(3) Pashchat karma-After detoxification of Dushi
visha Agni and strength of the body becomes
weak. So to restore the strength of Agni and
body Rehabilitation and special dietetic regimen
is advised.
3.Supplementary Medication-Dushi Vishari
Table 2 Ingredients of
by taking these 12 drugs in the same amount
and coverted into, fine powder. It should be
taken in dose of 1-2 masha with the unequal
part of ghrith and madhu. This drug is excellent
for the treatment DushiVisha and also for other
visha vikara[18].
Discussion
According to Charaka Dushi Visha (latent
poison) vitiates Rakta dhatu and causes skin
diseases such as Kitibha and Kota. DushiVisha
Submit a manuscript: https://www.tmrjournals.com/th
Theory and Hypothesis
2019 June; 2(2): 166-172
Agada, medication in form of Agada as mention
in our classical text can be used in Latent poison
(Dushi Visha).
Treatment of Dushi Visha
A patient afflicted with the effect of DushiVisha
inherent in the system should be first done
Swedana and follow the Vamana and Virechana
Karma (detoxifying procedures) according to
Dosha predominance. After Kaya Shodhana
(purificatory therapies), daily Agadapana
(anti-toxic drugs) should be done with
DushiVishaRiagada
vitiates the Doshas one by one and at last
causing death. Chakrapani’s comment on this
verse as, the poison, which gets aggravated
after a long time is Dushi Visha. Even
Dushi Visha Keetas are also considered as
HeenaVisha (low potency poison). Vagbhata
has also explained the same view as Susruta as
mentioned earlier. Madhava Nidana has given
same explanation as that of Sushruta. But in
Madhukosha commentary on Madhava Nidana
author has given some clarifications regarding
DushiVisha (latent poison). Sheetanila (cold
170

Review
wind), Durdina (cloudy days) are considered
as aggravating factors of Dushi Visha they
aggravate Kaphadosha, and DushiVisha is
Avritta (covered) by Kapha. Laxity of joints
(Vishlesha) and Romaharsha (horripilation) are
Vata-kapha Lakshanas, Annamada is considered
as improperly metabolized tissue rasa
(Rasaajeerna) by author Gadadhara. Avipaka
is clarified as improper digestion (Annasya
apaka). It is also stated that, latent poison
(Dushi Visha) can cause impotence. Author
Bhavamisra, in his work Bhavaprakasha has
also established to the same explanation as of
Susruta. The commentator has explained some
of the points like ‘Kaphavrittam’ by saying that
the potency of ushna (hot), Sukshma (minute),
Ruksha (dry) etc. Gunas are reduced by Kapha.
Because of Kapha Dosha, Avarana Agnimandya
(defective digestion) and Dhatwagnimandya
(defective metabolism) occurs which in turn
leads to Apakata of Dushi Visha (latent poison)
and stays for long time in the body without
producing any signs and symptoms. According
to Yogaratnakara, KritrimVisha (artificial
poison) is of two types, one is DushiVisha
formed by mixing Savishadravyas (toxic
components) another is GaraVisha formed
by Nirvishadravyas (non-toxic components).
According to Kriyakoumudi, the author agrees
with the explanation of Susrutha but added
that, even external application of medicated
paste (Pralepadi) may transform to DushiVisha
after the initial absorption. Bacterial toxins and
drugs like antibiotics, steroids etc, Adhyshana
(frequent food), Viruddhahara (incompatible
food), intake of food prior to digestion of food
last taken (Ajeernaavastha) also come under
Dushi Visha (latent poison). He adds that
Mala (feces), Mutra (urine), Artava (menstrual
blood), not properly discharged from the body
may also become Dushi Visha (latent poison).
Some secondary aggravating factors mentioned
are Bhaya (fear), Trishna (thirst), Dourbalya
(weakness), Vyasana (sorrow), Kshuda (hunger),
Vyayam (exercise), Atisara (diarrhoea), and
an increase in Vata and Pitta, thunder, sexual
intercourse, and Visha Sankata. In Gara Visha
condition also same features of Dushi Visha
are seen but death supervenes only in and not
in Dushi Visha. He also has mentioned some of
Submit a manuscript: https://www.tmrjournals.com/th
Theory and Hypothesis
2019 June; 2(2): 166-172
Dushi Visha keeta, Luta (spider) and Mushika
(rat) Lakshanas (Features). In Dushi Visha asad
hya lakshana (symptoms), bleeding and fever
are extra symptoms mentioned. In classics it
is very well mentioned that any type of poison
irrespective of Sthavara (inanimate), Jangama
(animate) and KritrimVisha (artificial poison)
will reach a stage called Dushi Visha after they
get of rid their potency to some extent or if they
are improperly expelled or partially detoxified
in the body. And some things are basically less
toxic can be considered as Dushi Visha. Present
food habits, life style and mental attitudes etc.
are entirely different from that of the past. The
basic essentials of life air, food and water are all
polluted and the hazards paint a gloomy picture
for the coming generation. So by considering
factors such as Viruddhahara and Ahitahara,
Fast foods and drinks like colas, alcohol,
tobacco, drugs like quinine, NSAIDs, steroids,
pesticides, metals, minerals, pollutants etc. can
be considered under Dushi Visha.
Conclusion
In present era people should have clear cut
knowledge regarding Dushi Visha. This article
will be the channel to understand this concept
clearly. Present life style like taking junk food,
soft drinks, baked foods, using cosmetics,
working in chemical industries are the root
causes for Dushi Visha. This review article
focussed on all these points like – causative
factor, prodromal symptoms and line of
treatment. The one who understand this concept
thoroughly will get rid of from all these worries.
Ayurvedic literatures mainly focussed on these
aspects many decades ago. Now we the people
should take care on these life style problems
like consuming fast food, carbonated food
material, over polluted environment etc. and
also prevention factor for all these causes.
References
1.Vachaspatyam Shri.Tatanatha Tarakvachaspati,
Khanda-6, Varanasi, Chukhambha Sanskrit
Sansthan 2002: 4926.
2.A charya Charaka Charaka Samhita of
Agnivesa by Bramhanand Tripathi, part-II.
171
 Theory and Hypothesis

Review 2019 June; 2(2): 166-172

Varanasi, Chaukhambha Orientalia 2012: 746. 18.K avirajaAtridevagupta. Acharyavagbhata-
3.I l l u s t r a t e d M a h a r s i S u s r u t a - S u s r u t a AstangaHridyam. Chaukhambhaprakashan
Samhitaharya by KavirajaAmbikaDuttashasrti. Varanasi 2016: 788.
Chaukhambha Sanskrit sansthan Varanasi
2015: 32.
4.AgadTantra Dr. P.V.N.R.PrasadChukhambha
Sanskrit Sansthan, Varanasi 3rd ed 2016: 40.
5.K avirajaAtridevagupta. Acharyavagbhata-
AstangaHridyam. Chaukhambhaprakashan
Varanas 2016: 787.
6.KavirajaAmbikaDuttashasrti. MaharsiSusruta-
SusrutaSamhitaharya. Chaukhambha Sanskrit
sansthan Varanasi 2015: 25.
7.Dr. S. R. Inchulkar. Agada Tantra Evum Visha
Vighyan. 1st ed. Vaibhav Prakashan Raipur
2017: 143
8.K avirajaAtridevagupta. Acharyavagbhata-
AstangaHridyam. Chaukhambhaprakashan
Varanasi 2016: 787.
9.KavirajaAmbikaDuttashasrti. MaharsiSusruta-
SusrutaSamhitaharya. Chaukhambha Sanskrit
sansthan Varanasi 2015: 33.
10.K a v i r a j a A m b i k a D u t t a s h a s r t i .
MaharsiSusruta-SusrutaSamhitaharya.
Chaukhambha Sanskrit sansthan Varanasi
2015: 32.
11.Kavirajaambikaduttashasrti. Maharsisusruta-
Susrutasamhitaharya. Chaukhambha Sanskrit
Sansthan Varanasi 2015: 22.
12.Kavirajaatridevagupta. Acharya vagbhata-
Astanga hridyam. Chaukhambha prakashan
Varanasi 2016: 134.
13.Ajaykumar Sharma. Kayachikitsa –Part Iv.
Chaukhambha Orientalia Delhi Edition,
2011: 10.
14.K a v i r a j a A m b i k a D u t t a s h a s r t i .
MaharsiSusruta-SusrutaSamhitaharya.
Chaukhambha Sanskrit sansthan Varanasi
2015: 37.
15.K a s i n a t h a S a s t r i . A c h a r y a C h a r a k a –
CharakaSamhita of Agnivesa.
Chaukhambha bharti academy Varanasi
2014: 630.
16.K a v i r a j a A m b i k a D u t t a s h a s r t i .
MaharsiSusruta-SusrutaSamhitaharya.
Chaukhambha Sanskrit sansthan Varanasi
2015: 34.
17.K avirajaAtridevagupta. Acharyavagbhata-
AstangaHridyam. Chaukhambha prakashan
Varanasi 2016: 787.
Submit a manuscript: https://www.tmrjournals.com/th 172