Review Article
Year: 2023 |Volume: 2 | Issue: 01 |Pages: 08-10
Ayurvedic Methods Of Air Purification-A Review of References of Dhoopan Karma from Sushrut Samhita
About Author
Correspondence Address:
Associate Professor, Department of Yoga and Swasthavritta, Bhausaheb Mulak Ayurved Mahavidyalaya, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India. Pin-440009
Date of Acceptance: 2022-12-22
Date of Publication:2022-01-11
Article-ID:AYU_76_01_23 https://ayuscript.com
Source of Support: Nill
Conflict of Interest: None declared
How To Cite This Article: Talmale M., Talmale S., Gulhane O. A Brief Review on the Effect of Guduchi as Rasayana in Stress. AYUSCRIPT 2023;2(1):8-10
Abstract
The first aim of Ayurved is to maintain good health and strong well-being and prevent unborn diseases. Ayurveda describes not only how to cure diseases but also lights up on prevention aspects, which are very effective in maintaining the health of the body, mind, and soul. Here we study the action of Rakshoghna Gana in Dhoopan karma(fumigation) to purify the air rather than face the polluted environment's disorders . We live in full billions of microorganisms. A maximum of them are not harmful but some of them are hazardous to children and old age, immunocompromised, and hin satva people. Hence proper sterilization and proper disinfection are necessary. But modern science disinfection processes many side effects. So, there is a constant need to develop disinfectant methods with negligible side effects. Due to many reasons like effectiveness, convenience, and cost, modern physical and chemical fumigating agents have been replaced by these classical techniques. The present study is aimed to compile the classical concept of Dhoopan Karma described in Sushrut Samhita.
KEYWORDS: Doopan Karma, Rakshshogna Gana, Krimi
Introduction
Our Acharyas were well aware of the existence of krimi that is microbes [3]. Since Vedic times the potentiality of those organisms in various diseases has been enlighted. In Ashtang Hridaya there is a detailed description of Dhoopan. There is the advice of Dhoopan to Sutikagar (maternity ward) and in Yonivyapad (vaginal and urinary disorders) with the help of Doopan dravya [3]. Acharya Kashyap has given separate Dhoomkalpadhyay for Dhoopan. Rakshoghna gana is described as a group of plants that possess krimighna properties [4]. Aacharya Charaka mentioned Krimighna Mahakashay as a group of antimicrobial drugs which may act in Dhoopan that is fumigation by natural and traditional methods to control infection.
For Rakshoghna action the drugs predominant with Vayu and Agni mahabhoot (fire element) are used. It is believed that the dravyas that protect us from any external hazardous influences are called as Rakshoghna. These are highly effective herbal plants described in Ayurveda. These bacteriostatic and bacteriocidal drugs are described in Classical texts of Ayurveda, especially as Jantughna (antimicrobial) and Krimighna dravya [5].
Materials and Methods
Classical texts of Ayurveda especially the references from Sushrut Samhita were studied. The information available on the internet is also incorporated into the study. Vedic literature is also studied.
Discussion
From ancient times Dhoopan karma is carried on in the form of Homa, Havana, and Yadnyakarma. The aim behind it is to purify the air from Bhoota or Rakshasa creating positive energy in the surrounding along with the religious values [6].
Various references are observed in Sushrut Samhita about its concern with the purification of the environment. He not only gives attention to polluted air but also to polluted water and even soil. He discussed the drugs for this purpose in the third chapter of Kalpasthan through the 9th and 10th sutras. He advocated following drugs for purification.
We may nomenclate the group with the name -Dooshit Vayushodhan gana with the following drugs in it.
1 Gopa-Sariva-Hemidesmus indicus
2 Laksha- An exudate released by certain insects- Lassifer lacca [7].
3 Haridra- Curcuma longa
4 Ativisha- Aconitum heterophyllum
5 Abhaya/ Haritaki – Terminalia chebula
6 Abda /Musta – Cyperus rotandus [8]
7 Harenuk/ Bruhat ela – Amomum subulatum
8 Ela- Elettaria cardamomum
9 Dal-Tejpatra – Cinnamomum tamala
10 Vakra – Tagar -Valeriana wallichii
11 Kushtha - Saussurea lappa
12 Priyangu - Callicarpa macrophylla
These drugs are advised to apply through the ‘Hawan process’ which means by fumigation or Dhoopan.
Along with the above-mentioned group Sushrut advocated various groups elsewhere in the Samhitas. Various quotations may be observed for this purpose in Sutrasthan 5/18, 19/28, 37/21 and Uttarsthan 27/20, 28/6-8, 29/8, 30/6, 31/7-8, 32/6, 35/6, 36/7, 60/46-50
The drugs mentioned in the above quotations are not only useful by the Dhoopan process but certain drugs are applicable even by wearing them that is by Dharan vidhi
On the basis of the origin of Dhoopan dravya, it can be classified as
1 Sthavar dravya- these are from plant origin like Guggul, Nimb, Vacha, Haritaki, Sarshap
2 Jangam dravya – these are of animal origin like Sarpnirmoka, Bastaloma, Nrukesh as well as feces of cats, cow(dunk) owls, hens, monkeys
3 Mineral origin- Hartal, Manshil.
Conclusion
Dhoopan karma is an important modality and primitive method of sterilization. Besides its antimicrobial potential, it can also be used as a route of drug administration without any side effects. The classical indication of Dhoopan karma is epidemics suggests exploring in role in managing the outbreaks of many new emerging infectious diseases.
References
1. Charak Samhita by Agnivesh, revised by Charak and supplemented by Dridhbal with Ayurved Dipika commentary by Chakrapanidatta edited by Vaidya Yadavji Trikamji, 25/84.
2. M. Monier William, A Sanskrit Hindi Dictionary.
3. Ashtanga Hridayam commented by Aruna Datt and Hemadri, edited by Hari Shashtri Paradkar, Krishnadas Academy, Varanasi publication.
4. Acharya Priya Vrat Sharma and Dr. Sanjay Talmale, Sushruta ki Dravyaguna Saptadhyayee critical study, Rashtriya Ayurved Vidyapeeth, New Delhi publication, 2001.
5. Dr. Sanjay R. Talmale, Priyavratanugrah, Dhanwantari publication, Nagpur, 2017.
6. Amarakosh, commentary Ramashrami, edited by Har Govind Shashtri, Chaukhamba publication, 1970.
7. Bhavaprakash Nighantu, edited and commented by Krishna Chandra Chunekar , Chaukhamba Bharti Academy, Varanasi publication.
8. Prof. P. V. Sharma, Dalhan and his comments on drugs, Munshi Rammanoharlal publication, Delhi, 1982.
9. Sushrut Samhita commented by Dalhan and Gayadas, edited by Yadavji Trikamji Acharya Chaukhamba Orientalia publication, Varanasi, 1992.
10. Thakur Balawant Singh, Glossary of Vegetable Drugs in Brihattrayee, Chaukhamba publication, 1972.