Patra pinda swedana or also popularly known as Elakizhi is a treatment where locally available anti-inflammatory Ayurveda fresh leaves are collected and finely chopped and stir-fried in medicated oil along with coconut, lemon and various herbs heated with garlic, is then tied in thick cotton linen to a firm bag or bolus.
Any or all of the seasonal plant leaves of Calotropis gigantean, Ricinus communis, Vites nigundo, Moringa oilfera, Tamarind are used. The inclusion of herbal leaves in the preparation of bouls depends on the DOSHAย condition of the individual.
Medicated oil is applied to the whole body of the affected area. Prepared herbal bags are heated in a small quantity of medicated oil and are applied over the body as soft punches with rhythmic hand movements. This rhythmic stroke with heated bags applied regularly dipped in the warm oil nourishes the strained body parts and alleviates sore muscles and joints.
Very effective in various types of arthritis, spondylitis, lumbago, frozen shoulder, sciatica, post paralytic spasm, sports injuries, and for all other spastic and inflammatory conditions and also enhances peripheral blood circulation, cleanses the channels of circulation and expels toxins through the sweat. It helps in toning and rejuvenating the body. It takes a day for its preparation as fresh leaves are to be collected and prepared for the bolus. The duration of application of bouls to the body may vary 30 to 60 minutes depending upon the individual conditions or the area of concentration