Department of Agada Tantra Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatheswara College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan
Air pollution is a critical environmental and health issue caused by harmful substances in the atmosphere, including gases, particulate matter, and biological molecules. It adversely affects human health, damages ecosystems, and contributes to climate change. Both natural processes and human activities, such as industrial emissions and deforestation, contribute to air pollution. Ancient Ayurvedic texts also discuss the impact of air pollution and its consequences on human health and society. Acharya Charaka in the Janapadodhwamsa chapter of the Charaka Samhita, elaborates on how environmental imbalances, including air pollution, can lead to widespread diseases and societal collapse. He emphasized that impure air mixed with toxins and pollutants can cause severe respiratory disorders, epidemics, and disturbances in the body's natural balance. Similarly, Acharya Sushruta, explains about Vishayukta Anila (toxic air) and highlighted the harmful effects of polluted air on human health, mentioning symptoms such as respiratory distress, Cough, headache, catarrh and severe eye diseases. To counteract these effects of polluted air, Sushruta also described the use of Laaksha Haridradi Dhupa. Laaksha haridradi dhupa is a polyherbal formulation. It has 11 ingriedients ,Laaksha, Haridra, Ativisha, Abhaya, Abda, Harenuka, Ela, Dala , Vakra, Kushta, Priyangu.Acharya Sushruta in Kalpasthana elaborately explains about using “laaksha haridradi dhupa” to detoxify the air by the process of Dhupana.
Air pollution, defined as the presence of harmful substances in the atmosphere, poses a significant threat to human health, biodiversity, and the built environment. Pollutants such as ammonia, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, methane, and particulate matter contribute to respiratory diseases, climate change, and environmental degradation. Human activities, including industrialization, vehicular emissions, and deforestation, have exacerbated air pollution, necessitating global efforts to resolve its impact. While modern science emphasizes technological and policy driven solutions such as air quality regulations, renewable energy adoption, and pollution control devices. Ayurveda extensively documented the effects of air pollution and developed preventive strategies. Laaksha Haridradi Dhoopa is an Ayurvedic fumigation therapy traditionally used to combat the harmful effects of air pollution and airborne diseases. Laaksha Haridradi Dhoopa offer a natural and holistic approach to air purification. This dhupa consists of Laaksha, Haridra, Ativisha, Haritaki, Musta, Harenuka, Ela, Patra, Kushta and Priyangu. These ingredients are known for their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and air-cleansing properties. When burned as fumigation, this dhoopa helps to sterilize the air, reducing microbial load, neutralizing harmful airborne toxins, and preventing respiratory disorders caused by polluted air. It is especially effective in managing symptoms like cough, rhinitis, sinusitis, headaches, and eye irritation all of which are commonly triggered or worsened by air pollution. In Ayurvedic practice, it is also used to prevent infections during seasonal changes or epidemic outbreaks. By using Laaksha Haridradi Dhoopa not only benefits from respiratory relief but also promotes a cleaner, healthier indoor environment through natural means, without the side effects of chemical air fresheners or purifiers.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The study being a literary review, the sources of data is collected from all Ayurveda textbooks and also from the contemporary textbooks, relevant Journals and websites.
DRUG REVIEW
Table 1: Ingredients of Laaksha Haridradi Dhupa
|
Sl. No |
Sanskrit Name |
Latin Name |
Family |
Part Used |
Quantity |
|
1. |
Laksha |
Lacifera lacca Kerr. |
Lacciferidae |
Niryasa |
1 Part |
|
2. |
Haridra |
Curcumalonga Linn. |
Zingiberaceae |
Kanda |
1 Part |
|
3. |
Ativisha |
Aconitum heterophyllum Wall. |
Ranunculaceae |
Mula |
1 Part |
|
4. |
Abhaya |
Terminalia chebula Retz. |
Combretaceae |
Phala majja |
1 Part |
|
5. |
Abda |
Cyprus rotundus Linn. |
Cyperaceae |
Mula |
1 Part |
|
6. |
Harenuka |
Vitex agnus Castus Linn. |
Verbenaceae |
Beeja |
1 Part |
|
7. |
Ela |
Elettaria cardomomum Maton. |
Zingiberaceae |
Beeja |
1 Part |
|
8. |
Dala |
Cinnamomumtamala Nees. |
Lauraceae |
Patra |
1 Part |
|
9. |
Vakra |
Valeriana wallichi DC. |
Valerianaceae |
Mula |
1 Part |
|
10. |
Kushta |
Saussurea lappa .B.Clarke. |
Astraceae |
Mula |
1 Part |
|
11. |
Priyangu |
Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl. |
Verbenaceae |
Phala |
1 Part |
Table 2: Pharmacological properties of ingredients of Laaksha Haridradi Dhupa
|
Sl No |
Sanskrit Name |
Rasa |
Guna |
Veerya |
Vipaka |
|
1. |
Laksha[3] |
Tikta, Kashaya, Madhura |
Laghu, Snigdha |
Sheeta |
Katu |
|
2. |
Haridra[4] |
Tikta, Katu |
Ruksha, Laghu |
Ushna |
Katu |
|
3. |
Ativisha[5] |
Tikta, Katu |
Laghu, Ruksha |
Ushna |
Katu |
|
4. |
Abhaya[6] |
All Rasas except Lavana |
Laghu, Ruksha |
Ushna |
Madhura |
|
5. |
Abda[7] |
Tikta, Katu, Kashaya |
Laghu, Ruksha |
Sheeta |
Katu |
|
6. |
Harenuka[8] |
Tikta, Katu, Kashaya |
Laghu, Ruksha |
Ushna |
Katu |
|
7. |
Ela [9] |
Katu, Madhura |
Laghu. |
Sheeta |
Madhura |
|
8. |
Dala [10] |
Katu, Madhura |
Tikshna, Laghu, |
Ushna |
Katu |
|
9. |
Vakra[11] |
Tikta, Kashaya, Katu |
Laghu, Snigdha |
Ushna |
Katu |
|
10. |
Kushta[12] |
Katu, Tikta |
Laghu, Ruksha |
Ushna |
Katu |
|
11. |
Priyangu[13] |
Tikta, Kashaya |
Ruksha |
Sheeta |
Katu |
REVIEW OF INDIVIDUAL DRUG
|
Laksha (Lacifera lacca Kerr.) |
Kapha- Pitta shamaka (pacifies pitta and kapha dosha), Kushtagna. Antiseptic. [14] Artinuth, Balya, Bhutanashini, Krimighna, Raktadoshahara, Twakdoshahara, Varnya, Vishaprashamani, Vranaropana. [15] |
|
Haridra (Curcumalonga Linn.) |
Vishaghna, krimighna, shothahara, varnya, raktadoshahara, pitta rechaka, pitta shamaka, vrana shodhana, vrana ropana, lekhana (scarring), vednasthapana, kapha vata hara [16]. It is one of the basic constituent of cosmetic products due to its antimelanogenic, anti-oxidative and free radical scavenging profile added with anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor activity and is also used as a nutraceutical product in some disease like diabetes, skin allergy or hepatic disorder etc[17] |
|
Ativisha (Aconitum heterophyllum Wall.) |
Vishagna,kapha-pittahara (reduces kapha and pitta doshas), dipana (increases digestive fire) , pachana (digests undigested material) grahi(prevents water loss from the body) , shotahara (anti-inflammatory) , vishaghna (antipoisonous) , krimihara (anthelmintic), arshoghna (antihemorrhoid), jwarahara (antipyretic), kasahara (antitussive) and atisaraghna (antidiarrhoeal) [18]. In the classical Ayurvedic text Charaka Samhita, Ativisha is listed in the following categories: Tikta skandha (bitter tasting drugs), lekhaneeya (has scraping action on tissues and kapha), arshoghna (treating hemorrhoids). |
|
Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz) |
Anulomana (causes downwards movements), rasayana (rejuvenative), hrudaya, indriya prasadana (clarity to senses), medhya (nootropics), shothahara, vednasthapana, rechaka (laxative), krimighna, vatrakta, mootrala (diuretic), kasa, shwasa, pliharoga, vishamjvara, tridoshaghna (Predominantly vatashamaka).[19] T. chebula possesses antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antidiabetic, antimutagenic, antioxidant, antiulcer and wound healing properties. It also prevents cardiac damage and is used for the treatment of kidney disease. It is a mild, safe and effective laxative in traditional medicine. [20] |
|
Musta (Cyprus rotundus Linn.) |
Vishagna, Lekhana, Kapha – Pitta shamaka, lekhaneeya (scraping action on body fat and kapha), trishnanigrahana (alleviating morbid thirst), kandughna (reducing itch) and stanya shodhana (clearing the problems of breast/breast milk) [21] |
|
Harenuka (Vitex agnus) |
Anti-bacterial, Anti-microbial, Anti-filarial, Krimigna.[22] |
|
Ela (Elettaria cardomomum Maton.) |
Tridosha shamaka, Sugandhi, Hrdya. Anti-microbial. [23] |
|
Patra (Cinnamomumtamala Nees) |
Kapha – Vata shamaka, Deepana, Ruchya, Anti-bacterial, Anti-fungal, Anti-microbial, Anti-viral. [24] |
|
Tagara (Valeriana wallichi DC) |
Tridosha hara, Kapha – Vata shamaka, Vishagna, Antibiotic, Anti-amoebic, Anti-bacterial. Vishaghna, vedna sthapaka, vranaropaka, jvaraghna (antipyretic), Bootaghna, madahara (stimulant), shiro roga (disease of head), apasmara (epilepsy), kapha vata hara. [25] The sedative effect of the plant extract was confirmed by a significant reduction in locomotor activity. [26] |
|
Kushta (Saussurea lappa .B.Clarke) |
Vata-Kapha shamaka,vrishya ,varnya ,deepana, Insecticidal, Anti-bacterial, Antiseptic.[27] |
|
Priyangu (Callicarpa macrophylla Vahl.) |
kapha-pitta hara, vishagna [28] |
DISCUSSION:
Ayurvedic fumigation, a method of drug delivery through inhalation, offers several advantages, including easier administration, enhanced bioavailability, and a strong potential to cross the blood-brain barrier. Dhupana formulations are typically composed of a synergistic blend of medicinal ingredients that amplify the effectiveness of the primary antimicrobial agent. When burned, the chemical constituents of these medicinal substances transform into their oxide forms, converting inactive solids into active gaseous compounds. These oxides disperse into the air, effectively purifying it by eliminating impurities. The ingredients in Laaksha Haridradi Dhupa possess potent antimicrobial, insecticidal, effects, while Haridra exhibits Krimighna and Vishaghna properties. Ativisha is both Krimihara and Vishaghna, making it effective against krimi. and detoxifying properties. Laaksha is known for its Krimighna and Vishaprashamani.Haritaki has Krimighna, antibacterial, and antifungal benefits. Musta acts as a Vishaghna and Kandughna, whereas Harenuka is recognized for its Krimighna and anti filarial properties. Ela serves as an antimicrobial, Patra has antibacterial and antifungal properties. Tagara is Vishaghna and anti-amoebic, Kushta has insecticidal properties, and Priyangu is a known Vishaghna agent. Most of the ingredients in Laaksha Haridradi Dhupa exhibit Vishaghna, Krimighna, and Kushtaghna properties, making them highly effective in purifying the environment and promoting overall health.
CONCLUSION:
Ayurvedic fumigation, or Dhupana, serves as an effective method of air purification. Laaksha Haridradi Dhupa results in the transformation of their chemical constituents into active gaseous forms, which disperse into the air, effectively eliminating impurities and harmful microorganisms. The ingredients used in this formulation exhibit potent antimicrobial, insecticidal, and detoxifying properties. Laaksha, Haridra, Ativisha, Haritaki, Musta, and Kushta, possess Vishaghna, Krimighna and Kushtaghna properties, contributing to overall environmental and human well-being. By integrating traditional knowledge with modern solutions, we can develop a holistic approach to tackling air pollution for a healthier future.
REFERENCE
Madhusudhana V.*, Chaitra H., Neethu M., Ananya Latha Bhat, A Review on Laaksha Haridradi Dhupa, Int. J. Sci. R. Tech., 2025, 2 (8), 376-380. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.16919297
10.5281/zenodo.16919297
