WELCOME

AYURVEDA IN PUBLIC HEALTH

ROLE OF DHOOPANA
IN PREVENTING DISEASES
 Introduction
1
Dhoopana
2
Recent researches
3

Contents 4
Discussion

Conclusion
5
Reference
6
Introduction
Introduction
• Public Health is defined as “The art and science of preventing
disease, prolonging life and promoting health through the
organized efforts of society” (Acheson, 1988; WHO).
• Ayurveda has a holistic approach in preventing disease and
promoting health of society.
• Analyzing health of population and threats it faces is the basis
of public health.
• Rainy season is a dreaded season for the health hazards such
as air-borne, water-borne and vector-borne diseases.
Common Diseases of Monsoon
Cold and cough

Hepatitis Fever

Cholera Mosquito borne

diseases
Food infections
Dhoopana
Dhoopana
• Dhoopana is a method by which drugs of herbal, mineral or
animal origin are used for fumigation.
• Since Vedic period sterilization of house and surroundings
by Dhoopana has been going on traditionally.
• Dhoopana is an effective method to prevent the occurrence of
various air-borne and insect-borne diseases.
• Dhoopana is a very effective alternative to using disinfectants
and insect repellants.
Classification
Herbal
Guggulu
Hingu
Sidharthaka

Animal
Snake slough
Hair, Feather, Horn, Nail,
Feces of Animals

Mineral
Saindhava
Haratala
Manasila
 Shelf life Collected By
2 years if preserved in air Phisician having observed fast,
tight containers. cleanliness should collect

Precaution
Subsequent fumigation is Collection Time
Preparation
required to prevent recurrence Pusya or Maitra Nakshatra
of disease.

Storage Direction
New earthern pots South-east direction or
northward direction
 Applications of Dhoopana

To heal To disinfect To sterilize To protect To treat

Vrana Bheshajagara Vessels for prep Graha Arsha
Yonivyapada Vranagara aring Asavas Raksha Jwara
Karna Rogas Sutikagara and Arishtas Insects Unmada
Nasa Rogas Shastrakarmagh Dress, Bed, Poisonous animal Apasmara
Guda Rogas ruha pillow of babies s Hikka
Gatra Kumaragara
Shotha
Daurgandhya
Recent Researches
MICROBIAL GROWTH INHIBITION BY APARAJITHA DHOOMA CHOORNAM
- CINELA CELINE, Dr. SINDHU.A, Dr.MURALEEDHARN M.P

 Aparajitha Dhooma Choornam is mentioned in Ayurvedic texts

in the context of Jwara Chikitsa for fumigation.
 The antimicrobial activity of Aparajitha Dhooma Choornam
was evaluated against microbes commonly found in the
manufacturing unit of the Arya Vaidya Pharmacy Ltd,
Kanjikode.
 The choornam showed significantly higher inhibition of
various Aspergillus species. But, it was observed that the
overall activity was more pronounced against bacteriae as
compared to fungi.
EVALUATION OF ANTIMICROBIAL AND ANTIFUNGAL PROPERTY OF
DHOOPANA KARMA (FUMIGATION) BY “DHUP”AN AYURVEDIC DHOOPANA
PRODUCT - L. SUMITHA, B. S PRASAD

 Two rooms of same size which are in routine usage in

almost similar fashion were selected for the study. One room
served as control without any intervention.
 Dhoopana karma for 2 days with selected drugs showed
statistically significant results in both bacterial as well as
fungal count with sustained effects for 6 days.
 Ingredients of DHUP- guggulu, ushira, vacha, sarja, nimba,
arka, devadaru and sallaki
Discussion
Why Dhoopana over disinfectants and insect repellants?

 Chemical disinfectants may result in development of drug

resistance in microbes and insects.
 Chemicals used for disinfectants/ insect repellants are
generally known to cause toxicity and hypersensitivity
reactions(rashes, skin irritation, numb or burning lips, nausea,
headaches, dizziness and difficulty concentrating)
 Dhoopana unlike its counterparts is easy to execute and also
reaches all corners of the house.
What are the general qualities of Dhoopana Dravyas?
 Mostly Agni and Vayu Mahabhoot Pradhan Dravyas are used
 Laghu, Sheeta, Ruksha and Vishada in nature
 These help in its quicker combustion and rapid spread
 Keratin contains large amounts of Sulphur containing amino
acid – cysteine
 burning keratin releases volatile Sulphur compounds
 Haratala and Manasila also contain Sulphur
Elemental sulphur is one of the oldest fungicides, bactericide
and pesticide
 Researches have shown that volatile oils retard microbial
cocontamination
What can be done to improve Dhoopana?

 Standardisation of fumigants
 Analysing chemical components
 Developing as a drug delivery system
 Toxicity studies
How is it useful for public?

 Dhoopana is an effective as well as economical way to prevent

air-borne and insect-borne diseases
 It is easy to execute and doesn’t cause any side effects
 Dhoopana dravyas like guggulu, sallaki, aparajitha dhooma
choorna are easily available from market
 In Kerala, Govt. Ayurvedic hospitlas and dispensaries are
providing Aparajitha dhoopa choorna at free of cost for public
 In this rainy season itself everyone should start fumigating
their home and surroundigs for a healthy tomorrow
Conclusion
Dhoopana and Public Health

o Dhoopana can play a major role as a

o disinfectant
o insect repellant
o room purifier
o air freshener
o It is eco-friendly and relatively cheaper
o Fumigation helps in preventing diseases and is a good public
health practice to follow
Reference
 References

• Kasyapa samhitha. Kalpasthanam. Dhoopakalpaadhyayam

• Drugs and cosmetic act, rule no. 161 B
• Insecticide resistance modifies mosquito response to DEET
and natural repellents.Deletre E, et al. Parasit Vectors. 2019
Mar 12;12(1):89. doi: 10.1186/s13071-019-3343-9.
• National pesticide Information centre Oregon State, US
• Dorman HJD.Phytochemistry and bioac-tive properties of plant
volatile oils:anti-bacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activi-ties.
PhD Thesis, University of Strath-clyde, Glasgow. 1999
Thank you