Dhoopan Dravyas & Dhoopan kal

Acharya charaka & Sushruta has advised to do dhoopan with rakshoghna dravyas, which includes –

Haridra, Daruharidra, Manjishtha, Jatamansi, Yashtimadhu, Prapoundarik, Hiber, Tagar, Nagarmotha, Raktchandan, Jati, Guggulu, Vacha, Aguru, Sarjras, Nimb, Karanj, Ashwatha, Lodhra, Devdar etc.

All these drayas has one or more below mentioned qualities.

 vranshodhana, raktstambhak, lekhana, dahprashamana, kushthaghna, jantughna, vranropak, shothahara, putihara, kandughna, bhedana, krimighna, vranropana.

According to modern sciences, these drugs are antimicrobial, antibacterial, antipyretic, analgesics, antifungal, anti - exudative, anti – inflammatory, antiviral, antitumour qualities.

Some more details of selective dhoopan dravyas:

1. Guggulu:

• The volatile oil of guggulu was found to be highly effective against Rhizoperthadominica, which suggested its role as a fumigant.

• An active compound, 5(1 – methyl, 1 – aminoethyl) – 5 – methyl – 2 octane, of the methanolic extract of guggulu gum possessed significant antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria and moderate activity against gram-negative bacteria.

2. Vacha:

• The alpha & Beta asarone of Acorus calamus is mainly responsible for the antimicrobial activities. Further it has been established that beta asarone has high antimicrobial activity as compared to the alpha asarone.

• The leaf and rhizome part of Acorus calamus found to posseses the antimicrobial activity.

• The methanolic extract of Acorus calamus showed the inhibitory actions against the bacterial strains of salmonella typhi, Pseudomanas aeruginasa, klebsiella pneumoniae, & staphylococcus aures.

3. Neem:

• Azadirachtin in the neem seed oil is proven chemical for its insecticidal properties.

• In a study, staphylococcus aureus showed high level of inhibition of 100% in 10 min. and 50% in 5 min. to the fumes of Azadirachta Indica showed maximum of 90% inhibition rate.

• This natural fumigant not only kills pests but also affects them negatively by acting as a feeding and oviposition deterrence, mating disruption, inhibition of growth etc.

4. Fragrant substances like chandana, etc….

• This may have been done to mask obnoxious smells of some of some other pungent drugs.

• And to provide a soothing effect on the brain and spiritual balance.

Probable mode of action of these medicines:

• Dilates blood vessels and helps in oxidation of blood.

• It leads to adequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation.

• Thus reduces inflammation, itching and eliminates infection.

Dhoopan kal:

• Dhoopan kal is minimum of 10 nights.

• Dhoopan kal is for 10 – 15 minutes as per patients convenience.

• Dhoopan kal is patah & sayam kal.