Ela Kizhi

“Patram”and “illa”mean leaf. ‘Kizhi’ means ‘bundle’. or Patrasweda’ is kind of sudation theraphy using herbal leaves. Leaves of Arka (calotropisgigatea) Karanja (pongamiaglabra) Dhatura (dutura metel) and so on are chopped and mixed with grated coconut mustard and rock salt. The proportion of the ingredients varies according to the symptoms of the disease. The mixture is warmed in a pan smeared with coconut oil and then tied up in linen

bundles to be used for fomentation. Prior to fomentation, oil is applied to the crown. As sudation is the primary aim of fomentation, the kizhis have to be kept at a constant high temperature by warming them every now and then. In rheumatic pains and associated swelling of the joints, fomentation And massage with IIakkizhi (bundles containing leaves) bring relief.