Dhoopana or Ayurvedic Fumigation formulations comprise minerals, herbs, and animal products with the view of reaping benefits from these formulations by discarding microbial contamination. This method of practice in Ayurveda is for maintaining the internal and external environment of the human. This is a part of preventive measures in Ayurveda practices.
We live in an environment that is filled up with millions of microorganisms such as bacteria, fungi, protozoa, viruses etc. As per the study, 37% of our household dust is contributed by these microorganisms. Approximately, microbes in the air range from 10 to 10,000 per cubic meter. These microbes are powerful enough to live in temperatures from -20 degrees celsius to 100 degrees. Even though all the microbes are not pathogenic, we consider them all as infection-causing agents. It is found out that only 25-25 percent are pathogenic
Dhoopana Karma in Ayurveda Classics
According to Ayurvedic classics, Dhoopana is a significant mode of disinfection in preventive medicine within the Ayurvedic system. The method has been characterized as a secure, organic, and economical means for disinfecting. Fumigation sticks known as Dhoopanavarthi are created by using a combination of drugs derived from herbal, herbo-mineral, and animal sources, which contain volatile and antimicrobial constituents. These drugs are used either individually or in combination. These sticks are utilised for facilitating administration during the process.
The positive aspects of Dhoopana are distinct. This method works as a disinfection measure for indoor spaces and surroundings, especially in inclement weather conditions such as winter and rainy seasons. It aids in the management of pests, rodents, and insects, and mitigates the risk of epidemic outbreaks. Furthermore, it effectively purifies and sterilizes therapeutic rooms, as well as puerperal and neonatal rooms, thereby rendering it advantageous in healthcare environments. Dhoopana is utilized as a means of drug delivery in a variety of medical conditions, including wounds, fever, poisoning, ENT ailments, gynecological disorders, and psychological disorders.
In addition, Dhoopana is known to contribute to the preservation of the potency of raw drugs and cereals, thereby extending their shelf life when performed prior to storage. Additionally, it has the capability to disinfect vessels that are utilized for the preparation of medicine, thereby ensuring optimum levels of cleanliness and hygiene. In addition, fumigation can effectively disinfect and sterilize clothes and other household items.
The Ayurvedic classics have presented formulations and guidelines for the practise of Dhoopana. Some of the commonly used drugs for fumigation purposes are Guggulu resin, Neem leaves, Sarsap/Indian mustard seeds, Hingu, Agaru, Kutki, Jatamansi, and Devdaru, among others. These formulations are environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and dependable, with no potential for the emergence of drug-resistant microorganisms.
The practise of Dhoopana is extensively discussed in classical Ayurvedic texts such as Caraka Samhita, Astanga Samgraha, Susruta Samhita, Kashyapa Samhita, Sharngdhara Samhita, and Bhela Samhita. Dhoopana is classified based on its pharmacokinetic actions, specifically in the context of wound management. Certain texts refer to the utilization of medicated smoke for the purpose of fumigating garments.
Types of Dhoopana in ayurveda
In Ayurvedic practice, Dhoopana is typically categorized into three classifications according to its effects.
- Dhoopana is a term used to describe the standard fumigation process carried out for the purpose of disinfection.
- Anudhoopana is a supplementary fumigation process aimed at augmenting the efficacy of Dhoopana
- Pratidhoopana is an anti-fumigation technique employed to impede the recurrence of ailments.
The 12 Amazing Benefits of Ayurveda Fumigation (Dhoopana)
- It can be used to avoid pests, insects, and rodents in houses or offices or in the hospital to prevent an outbreak, especially when moisture in the air is very high or in the winter or rainy season.
- It is highly effective to purify therapeutic rooms or patient care area
- Ayurveda fumigation was also used before storing grains, cereals, and raw drugs, as it can increase the self-life of these items.
- It can also use to disinfect vessels, used for medication, or preparation of medicines
- This method of fumigation is effective to disinfect clothes or household items
- Used as a means of drug administration
- It is used in disease conditions like wounds, fever and mental conditions, etc.
- Dhoopana did before storing of raw drugs and cereals helps increase their shelf life and preserve potency.
- Disinfects vessels used for medicine preparation.
- Clothes and other household items can be kept disinfected and sterile by the Ayurveda fumigation (Dhoopana) method.
- This form of drug delivery through the inhalation route has several benefits such as ease of drug administration, higher bioavailability & high potential to penetrate the blood-brain barrier
- The volatility of drugs used in Dhoopana, has an advantage in lowering microbial contamination in the area which is difficult to reach
List of Various Drugs Used In Ayurveda Fumigation / Dhoomapana
Sr No. | Dravya | Latin Name | Family | Official part | Proportion |
1 | Guggulu | Commiferamukul Engl | Burseraceae | Niryasa | 1.5 parts |
2 | Ushira | Vetiveriazizanoids Linn | Graminae | Root | 1.5 parts |
3 | Vacha | Acoruscalamus Linn | Araceae | Rhizome | 1 part |
4 | Rala | Shorearobusta Gaertn. | Dipterocarpaceae | Niryasa | 1.5 parts |
5 | Nimba | Azadirectaindica Juss. | Meliaceae | Stem bark | 1.5 parts |
6 | Arka | Calotropisprocera Linn | Asclepiadaceae | Moola | 1.5 parts |
7 | Devadaru | Cedrusdeodara Loud. | Pinaceae | Bark | 1.5 parts |
8 | Loban | Boswelliacarterii Roxb. | Bursuraceae | Niryasa | 3 parts |
The Proven effectiveness of Ayurveda Fumigation / Dhoopana
Many hospitals in India have conducted studies about the effectiveness of this fumigation, links to those reports are given below. However, the effectiveness of this on viruses is yet to be proven
Ayurveda Fumigation Report 1
Ayurveda Fumigation Report 2
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