Preparation of Podikkizhi

Podikkizhi or Choornasweda is a therapeutic sweating in Ayurveda, a sacred medicinal system in India. It is used to treat ailments due to vitiated Vata and Kapha Doshas.

Podi means powder and Kizhi is linen bundle. As the name indicates, this medicine is prepared by filling linen clothes with medicinal powder. Horsegram, black gram, sesame and other curative ingredients are powdered and tied up in linen bags. Occasionally, coconut scrapings are also used in the preparation of Kizhis.

Moderate heat is needed for the sweating process. For this, the Kizhis are warmed up by heating them in a pan smeared with castor or neem oil. This oil prevents Kizhis from charring.