Siddha Formulations from Herbal Minerals and Animal Origin Used for Pediatric Treatment - A Literary Review

Abstract

The Siddha system of medicine is one of the oldest traditional medical systems, originating in South India. It is based on the fundamental principle of Mukkutram—Vaatham, Pitham, and Kabam. According to Siddha philosophy, health is maintained by the equilibrium of these three humors, and disease occurs due to their imbalance. Siddha medicine follows a holistic approach that includes herbal, mineral, and herbo mineral formulations, along with dietary regulation and lifestyle modification. This system is widely used in managing various systemic disorders. Respiratory ailments such as cough, bronchial asthma, and bronchitis are mainly attributed to Kabam imbalance. Classical Siddha drugs like Adhatoda vasica and Tinospora cordifolia exhibit anti-inflammatory, bronco dilatory, and antioxidant properties, supporting respiratory health. Fever and immune disturbances are managed through immuno modulatory herbs and formulations that enhance the body’s resistance. Digestive disorders are considered central in Siddha, as impaired digestion leads to humoral imbalance; herbs like Terminalia chebula and Zingiber officinale are commonly used to improve digestion and metabolism. Thus, Siddha medicine provides an integrative and complementary approach for managing respiratory, febrile, digestive, and dermatological conditions in contemporary healthcare.