Visha Chikitsa — known in the classical texts as Agada Tantra — is one of the eight branches of Ayurveda. It is the science of toxicology: the diagnosis and treatment of poisoning from animal, plant, mineral and artificial sources.
In Kerala, this knowledge has been preserved through hereditary lineages of physicians who treated snakebite, scorpion sting, spider and insect venom long before modern hospitals existed. At Sree Kayakalpam Vaidyashala, Vaidyar Shine Bhaskar carries this rare tradition forward, and has authored a Malayalam reference text on the subject.
Types of Visha
The classical texts distinguish between Sthavara Visha (toxins of plant and mineral origin), Jangama Visha (toxins of animal origin such as snakes and scorpions), and Gara/Dushi Visha (accumulated, slow-acting and artificial toxins). Each requires a different approach to neutralisation.
Treatment Principles
Agada Tantra combines emergency first-aid, herbal antidotes (agada formulations), purification procedures and dietary regulation. The goal is both to neutralise the toxin and to restore the body's balance afterward.
It is important to understand that for any venomous bite, modern emergency hospital care comes first. Ayurvedic Visha Chikitsa complements that care — guiding first response, supporting recovery and treating lingering effects of envenomation.
If you or a family member needs guidance, contact Sree Kayakalpam Vaidyashala for advice and follow-up care.