"Patra" means leaves, "potali" means a poultice and "swedanam" means fomentation. In Patrapotala Swedam, the affected region is made to sweat by application of heat using a poultice made up of specific fresh leaves of medicinal plants with some powdered herbs.
Method:
The leaves of Arka (Calotropis gigantea), Karanja (Pongamia glabra), Dhatura (Datura metel), Eranda (Ricinus communis), etc., are chopped and mixed with grated coconut 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 medicated oil and then tied up in 4 linen bundles to be used for the fomentation. The patient is made to lie on his/her back on the treatment table. Oil is applied on his head and the body and mild massage is given. The poultices are warmed by dipping them in the medicated oil on a gentle fire and applying them on the body placed in 7 different postures. It is to be done for 5-10 minutes in each posture. After the treatment, the patient is advised to take rest for few minutes and hot water bath is given after the rest.
Therapeutic value:
• Effective cute for neurological disorders • Removes the root cause of arthritis • Highly effective in myalgia (muscle pain), sciatica (pain/numbness in the leg), lumbar spondylosis, cervical spondylosis and post-traumatic dysfunctions of the body