Fumigation Practices in Classical Texts: A Review of Dhoopana Karma in Laghutrayi
Author : Dr. Shubhangi Badole and Dr. Akanksha Jilate
Abstract :
Ayurveda, the ancient science of life, embraces a holistic and natural approach to healing by not only aiming to cure diseases but also by emphasizing the promotion of overall health and well-being; it is rooted in the fundamental belief that true wellness can only be achieved through a harmonious balance between the individual's physical body, mental state, soul, spirit, and the external environment, and to maintain or restore this equilibrium, classical Ayurvedic texts have extensively described various purificatory and spiritual practices such as water purification, Homa (ritualistic fire offerings), Havan, Yagna (Vedic rituals), and Dhoopana (medicated fumigation), all of which are intended to cleanse both the internal and external environment, uplift the energy of the space, and strengthen the connection between human beings and the natural world around them.
Dhoopana is a traditional Ayurvedic therapeutic method that involves the controlled fumigation using drugs of herbal, herbo-mineral, or animal origin, and serves a wide range of healing, disinfecting, and sterilizing purposes; it is primarily employed for the treatment and management of various conditions such as Vrana (wounds), Yonivyapad (gynecological disorders), Karna Rogas (ear disorders), Nasa Rogas (nasal diseases), Guda Rogas (anal diseases), and for eliminating foul odors (Daurgandhya Nashana), while also playing a crucial role in disinfecting and purifying environments such as Bheshajagara (pharmacy), Vranagara (wound care unit), Sutikagara (maternity room), Shastrakarmagruha (surgical theatre), and Kumaragara (paediatric ward), as well as in the sterilization of Ayurvedic preparations like Asavas and Arishtas; moreover, Dhoopana forms an integral part of Rakshavidhi—Ayurveda’s ancient protocol for microbial protection—and the fumigation of specific medicinal plants has also been recommended for the treatment of other diseases including Arsha (piles), Jwara (fever), Unmada (insanity), Romantika (skin eruptions), and Shotha (inflammation or swelling), highlighting its broad-spectrum utility in both preventive and curative healthcare within the Ayurvedic system.
Different formulations for Dhoopana have been mentioned by Acharya Charaka, Sushruta, Vagbhata, kashaypa, harit, bhel and sharangdhara samhita. In the current review, an attempt has been made to compile all such references of Dhoopana Dravyas referred in Brihatrayi and laghutrayi.
Keywords :
Ayurveda, Dhoopana, Fumigation, Rakshavidhi, Sterilisation.
