Preventive and Curative Aspect of Dhumnasya (Nasal Insufflation of Medicated Smoke)

Abstract

Background- Panchkarma is a group of procedures known for its preventive, promotive, prophylactic and rejuve- nating properties as well as radicle cure. Nasya is one of the Panchkarma treatments. Among the various forms of Nasya, Dhumnasya is a very effective type of Nasya which has further been classified into different types based on various potency of herbs with their respective properties. Aim and Objective: To find out the role of Dhumnasya in the preventive and curative aspects. Material and Methods: Classics of Ayurveda having references regarding Nasya, Modern literature, published articles in peer-reviewed journals, published books and subject-related material available online have been screened, compiled, organized and described systematically. Result: In Dhumnasya medicinal herbs with other constituents are burnt in such an effective manner to produce a medicated fume contain- ing volatile phytochemical of herbs, which when inhaled through nasal route exerts their efficient role in both pre- vention and treatment of various forms of disease both at a local and systemic level. Conclusion: In this review article, it has been tried to focus on the preventive and curative aspect of Dhumnasya so to help to address issues related to poor bioavailability, slow absorption, drug degradation and adverse event in the GIT tract and avoid the first-pass metabolism in the liver and discover the advantage of smoke based therapies as rapid delivery to the brain, more efficient pulmonary absorption and become the suitable substitute for the oral and parental administration. Keywords: Panchkarma, Dhumnasya, Nasya, Medicated smoke.