Dhoopana-A Concept of Fumigation in Ayurveda

Abstract

Concept of disinfection or fumigation is very important as every host has not optimum level of immunity to defence himself against pathogens causing diseases and so it is commonly practised in many developed nations to prevent transmission of viral diseases which are airborne in nature such as COVID -19. However various review of modern fumigating physical & chemical agents e.g. Formalin  which are expensive, having crumblesome technique & toxic nature are generally used for this purpose.Therefore, current situation of COVID pandemic demands for the replacement  in Ayurveda  e.g. Dhoopana Karma for  such techniques.As  it is  cost effective, safe, convenient, effective, and lucrative  method of sterilizaion. Main aim of this paper is to compile all scattered information regarding Dhoopana Karma from different Ayurvedic sculptures. All information of these karma which is in dispursed form is complied & described under different heads such as history pf Dhoopana Karma, synonyms, classification, indications (general & specific), various drugs useful for Dhoopana, their period for collection, different formulations for Dhoopana, instruments for Dhoopana, different modes of administration / procedure, method of storing and preservation of Dhoopana Dravya & duration of procedure in descriptive manner & tabular form. Extensive review related with Dhoopana Karma shows that that Dhoopan Karma which is a most common method of sterilization described in an ayurveda & it is categorised under topical (Bahiparimarjana) treatment.Broad spectrum utility of these different formulations of Dhoopana  suggests demands for researches in future to study their various  pharmacological properties & actions such as bacteriostatic or bactericidal, wormicidal, anti-inflammatory ,antiseptic, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, insecticidal anti –pyretic. Suchpe of vivid research may become helpful to prevent the need for medical intervention in entities such as COVID-19. On the basis of this review, it can be concluded that Dhoopana Karma can be used as a type of fumigation for massive & local sterilization in current dreadful outbreak of COVID-19.