Concept of dhoopana and its role in prevention of air born infection during covid -19 outbreak

Abstract

Diseases that is caused by pathogens comes under airborne diseases. It can be transmitted through the air. It travels over a particular time and distance in the form of small particles. They may be viruses, bacteria or fungi. It may spread through breathing, talking, sneezing, coughing , etc which generate droplets in the air. Dhoopana Chikitsa (medicinal fumigation ) is one of the important faculties in Ayurvedic treatment. It is an example of drug delivery through the inhalation route. Due to its advantages like easy administration, potential to penetrate blood brain barrier, higher bioavability its effect are more compare to other form. It is used in various ailments and many dhoop yogas (formulations of fumigation) are found in Ayurvedic samhitas. Reference of dhoopana can be traced to vedic period and has been rooted in our traditions. Modern researches have also verified its ability as purifying ,disinfecting and sterilizing medium. Dhoopana is said to be extremely effective in preventing as well as curative aspects, yet, there remains an ample scope in this area as its practice is seldom in use. Kashayap Samhita has mentioned number of dhoopana formulations and present study is an effort to assess the efficacy of the same.