AYURVEDA DHOOPANA (MEDICATED SMOKE) CHIKITSA IN PRESENT SCENARIO: A REVIEW

Abstract

Environment we are leaving in is laden with billions of microorganisms. Maximum of them lives in commensalism with human, and are not harmful, or are opportunistic which may prove hazardous in immune-compromised hosts and children. They may prove harmful in open wounds, Operation theatre settings, in neonatal wards or labor room. Thus proper disinfection and sterilization is always a major concern especially in hospital settings and neonatal wards. The bacterial flora are dynamic in nature, differ from place to place and also change over time, which have made modern disinfectant procedure a cumbersome process with emerging resistance. Ayurveda have provided an elaborated explanation of many herbal drugs which may prove to be safe, effective and lucrative in present settings. In the present study nine such drugs which are explained in Ayurveda classical text Kashyapa samhita for Dhoopana (fumigation) namely Nimba, Guggul, Sarshapa, Ela, Haridra, Bhallatak, Jatamansi, Nirgundi and Tulasi have been studied for their effectiveness as anti-bacterial and disinfectant properties. All drugs have been found to be effective and safe to be used especially in neonatal wards. Further study is needed on large scale for practical implementation of these herbs as primary drug for disinfection of neonatal wards and as preventive aspect in areas with epidemic outbreaks of infectious diseases.