Evaluation of the effects of herbal formula mentioned in “Rajaushadhanidhiya” in the management of cracked feet

Abstract

Cracked feet are characterized by yellowing of skin on the heel, hard skin growth, cracked and peeling skin and sometimes causing deep fissures that can be painful or bleed. Cracked feet can be correlated with “Padadari”. This study aimed at finding the efficacy of herbal formula mentioned in “Rajaushadhnidhiya” for cracked feet. So far no known scientific study has been conducted to evaluate the effect of herbal oil which is made by using Cocos nucifera and Euphorbia antiquorum in treatment of cracked feet. In clinical study thirty patients were selected and randomly divided into two groups. The research group was treated by applying herbal oil over the cracked area of heel after washing with hot water in the morning and evening for 14 consecutive days. The control group was given no any application. The responses to the treatments were evaluated by using a specially prepared grading scale for the clinical features. The results showed significant reduction in number of cracks, depth of cracks, roughness, dryness, pain and itching of the feet in the research group. The research group showed p = 0.001 for number of cracks in the feet, p = 0.004 for the depth of cracks in feet, p = 0.000 for the roughness of the feet, p = 0.000 for the dryness of the feet, p = 0.001 for the pain in the feet and p = 0.334 for the itching of the feet. None of the patients experienced the aggravation of symptoms or any hypersensitivity reactions. So it can be concluded that the herbal oil is effective in managing cracked feet.