Abstract

CONCEPT OF AMAJA JWARA: AN AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO TYPHOID (ENTERIC FEVER)

Dr. Praveen Gour*, Dr. Ramesh Kumar Gautam, Dr. Y. C. Sharma

Abstract

Jwara (fever) is considered the foremost among diseases in Ayurveda due to its ability to affect the body, mind, and sensory functions simultaneously. Among the various stages of fever, Amaja Jwara represents the initial and metabolically deranged phase caused by impaired Agni leading to the formation of Ama. Clinically, Amaja Jwara is characterized by heaviness, anorexia, coated tongue, malaise, gastrointestinal disturbance, and persistent fever. Enteric fever (typhoid), a systemic infectious disease caused by Salmonella enteric-a, presents with sustained fever, toxemia, abdominal symptoms, and immune dysregulation, which show close resemblance to the classical description of Amaja Jwara. The present article critically reviews the Ayurvedic concept of Amaja Jwara with reference to its nidana, samprapti, lakṣaṇa, upadrava, and chikitsa siddhanta, and correlates it with the modern understanding of typhoid fever. Special emphasis is given to Kantakaryadi Yoga, a classical formulation indicated in Amaja Jwara, highlighting its composition, pharmacological properties, and therapeutic relevance. The integrative interpretation supports the role of Ayurvedic principles in understanding and managing enteric fever through correction of Agni, elimination of Ama, and restoration of systemic balance.

Keywords: Amaja Jwara, Ama, Agni, Typhoid, Enteric Fever, Kantakaryadi Yoga, Ayurveda, Samprapti.