Critical Review of Dhoopana Kalpana Mentioned In Bhaishajy Ratnavali

Abstract

We are surrounded by billions of microorganisms. Many of them are harmless but some of them are very fatal.  Pathogenic microbes present in the environment around us are responsible for various health-related problems.  Reducing the microbial load to non-pathogenic levels could be the purpose of traditional fumigation techniques like Dhoopana, Homa, Havana etc. This is evident from Ayurvedic literature where fumigation is indicated for sterilization of operation theatres, labour theatres and also in wound management. Thus, proper disinfection and sterilization are emphasized. Ayurveda has mentioned many herbal drugs, which may be of help in preventive methods like fumigation. Dhoopana Karma is one of the classic ancient remedy of sterilization to maintain a healthy biological environment.  In classics, different dravyas were used in different disease conditions, but some dravyas are not easily available nowadays. So, a broad spectrum of drugs has been chosen from which it can be prepared and used per need. In this article, review of drugs is done which an explained in Bhaishajya Ratnavali for Dhoopana karma.