Review on Role of Dhoopan in the prevention of airborne infections (COVID-19)

Abstract

Dhoopan is a procedure in which fumes or smoke produced from defined drug formulations are inhaled/exposed by patients for the therapeutic relief or externally as a cleanser to the environment. There is a significant risk of spread of airborne infections with hospital-acquired infections and to mitigate Dhoopan is safe and effective to prevent such infections. The aim and objectives were to review and re-publicize the efficacy of Dhoopan in the prevention of diseases with the published data and Ayurveda compendium. The literature has been searched from database like Pubmed, Google Scholar, Scopus, Dhara online, other database and Ayurveda compendia from1980 to 2020. Dhoopan is an ancient method of sterilization for Vranitagar (vran/wound healing), Sutikagar, Kumaragar, etc. with preventive as well as curative efficacy. Smoke can be facilitated to expose or inhale in various diseases such as cough, coryza, piles, epilepsy, insanity, Asthma and wounds. The content of Dhoop are herbs, animal products (skin, hair, bones, horn, etc.) and minerals, described in Ayurveda compendia are potent anti-microbial, anti-fungal and antiviral action. Since time immemorial, sages used to clean the environment by Homa-havanadi rituals. However, due to the lacking scientific validation, these Dhoop methods are not popular, which bring attention to research opportunities and understand its safety and efficacy to prevent airborne infections. Dhoopakalpas are beneficial in dealing with airborne infection because of antioxidant and anti-microbial activity with safe, economical and eco-friendly potential. Thus, it can be publicized in the prevention of COVID 19 like a pandemic situation as an adjuvant.