Benign tumors and cysts are common health concerns today, often managed through surgical procedures or observation in modern medicine. Derived from the Sanskrit root “grantha,” meaning knot or lump, Granthi refers to small, encapsulated, often slow-growing swellings that resemble cysts or benign tumors. These growths are typically painless, firm to the touch, and can occur anywhere in the body, be it on the skin, lymph nodes, or internal organs like the ovaries or the vocal cords.
And as certain surgeries are feared by people, they opt for Ayurvedic practices for treatment, which are a mix of incisions, herbal pastes, Ayurvedic medicines, and more.
What is Granthi in Ayurveda?
In Ayurvedic texts, Granthi is described as a condition caused by the vitiation of one or more of the Doshas, of the Vata, Pitta, or Kapha, and along with it comes the malfunctioning of bodily tissues like blood, muscle, or fat. The imbalance causes these tissues to aggregate and form localised lumps.
And when it comes to treatment, Ayurveda emphasises a stage-wise and personalised approach to managing the Granthi. The treatment depends on the maturity of the cyst, its location, and the individual’s constitution.
Ama Granthi
In the early or inflammatory phase, Ayurvedic management of the cyst or tumour focuses on detoxification and reducing swelling.
In the book ‘Holistic Health: Laws and Facts’ by Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna, the duo mentions ancient techniques used by experts in Ayurveda, like Leech therapy, which is used to extract vitiated blood and reduce inflammation.
There is also Fomentation therapy, where a warm, medicated decoction is used on the tumour to encourage blood flow.
In some Doshas, experts suggest to not go for surgeries for the cyst or tumour, but rather balance the aggravated dosha. For example, Pittaja Granthi is treated with cooling and anti-inflammatory herbs like Draksa (grape), Madhuka, and Jambu.
And Vataja Granthi is managed with nourishing herbs like Himsra, Kutaki, Guduki, Bilva, and more, and when they are ground to a paste and applied as a paste on the nodules, they can help lead to the destruction of the Granthi.
But, one must make sure that any treatments, invasive or non-invasive, should only be done by an expert practitioner or an Ayurveda expert.