A literary survey on therapeutic formulations used in Nasya Karma (inhalation therapy) and their properties with special reference to Carakasamhita.

Abstract

Nasya Karma (inhalation therapy) is one of the procedures of Pancha Karma where instillation of medicine is done through the nasal route. It is considered as the best treatment for diseases above the clavicle. Despite the extensive use of Nasya prescribed in authentic texts for various ailments, only a very limited number of formulations are being used today. The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge on therapeutic formulations of Nasya, taking Carakasamhita as the source material. The formulae were collected and their Ayurveda pharmacodynamic properties and bioactivities were analyzed. In the present study, 150 formulations consisting of 210 ingredients were found. The majority of the ingredients originate from plants (84%), 14% of the ingredients are from animal sources while 2% are from minerals. On the basis of usable parts, the herbal ingredients can be categorized into seven types viz. Phala, Patra, Mula, Pushpa, Niryasa, Tvak and Kandha. These formulations can be used in the form of Navana (6%), Avapeeda (80%), Dhmapana (5%), Dhuma (4%) and Pratimarsha (5%). These formulations are indicated for Urdhvajatrugata Roga (diseases above the clavicle) as well as other systemic diseases. According to Caraka, most prominent Rasa of the ingredients used in Nasya Karma is Katu (70%), followed by Tikta (68%). The ingredients predominantly exhibit Ruksha (78%) and Laghu (62%) attributes. These ingredients are mostly of Ushna Veerya (70%), Katu Vipaka (75%) and Kapha Vata Shamaka (79%). Anti-inammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, hypoglycemic and antioxidant properties of some of the ingredients are scientically proven. Ayurveda pharmacodynamic properties of collected ingredients indicate that Nasya Karma is most suitable in the treatment of Kapha Vata Janya diseases. It is concluded that a wide range of therapeutic formulae is mentioned in Carakasamhita for Nasya Karma that can be administered differently according to the nature of the disease and the strength of the patient.