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.

An Ayurvedic Conceptual Study on Pratishyaya (Rhinitis) with Special Emphasis on Pediatric Population-A Review

“…Dhoopanadravyas are volatile and aromatic and work by their antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. 55 As per Kashyapa Samhita, various comorbidities are associated with Pratishyaya which, including eye diseases, oral cavity, head diseases, putrefaction, and bad odor or loss of smell from the nose. Due to the functional and anatomical links between the nose, eyes, nasopharynx, paranasal sinuses, middle ear, and larynx, the infection may spread from the nose to other adjacent parts.…”

A Review to Summarize the Available Evidences on Turmeric's (Curcuma Longa) Medicinal Properties to Understand the Scope of Its Efficacy in the Treatment and Prevention of Covid19 Diseases.

“…However, due to the lack of scientic validation, its safety and efcacy to prevent airborne infections was not proved. [21] Sushma Bagde Bhatwalkar et al in their research study evaluated environmental disinfection efciency of traditional fumigation practice by using natural plant products such as garlic (Allium sativum) peel, turmeric (Curcuma longa) powder, Carom (Trachyspermum ammi) seeds (Ajwain) and Loban (resin of Styrax benzoin and Boswellia species). The effect of traditional fumigation on the microbiological quality of air was revealed by active air sampling.…”