Dhumapana in Ayurveda: A Critical Review of Its Preventive, Promotive, and Therapeutic Potential in Respiratory and Neuro-Olfactory Health

Background: The global rise in chronic respiratory disorders—including allergic rhinitis and chronic sinusitis—demands innovative and targeted drug-delivery approaches. Limitations of systemic pharmacotherapy, such as first-pass metabolism and restricted blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, necessitate alternative routes. Dhumapāna (medicated inhalation), described in Ayurvedic classics, represents a potential nasopulmonary intervention for preventive and therapeutic care. Methods: This critical review integrates evidence from classical Ayurvedic texts, including the Caraka Saṃhitā and Suśruta Saṃhitā, with contemporary literature retrieved from PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar (2000–2026). The analysis emphasizes pharmacodynamic transitions from dhūmavarti (medicated wicks) to volatile phytoconstituents and their possible physiological pathways. Results: Available evidence suggests that Dhumapāna may facilitate rapid mucosal absorption of lipophilic compounds via nasal and pulmonary routes, with potential engagement of olfactory and trigeminal pathways. Its uṣṇa (thermal) and tīkṣṇa (penetrative) properties are postulated to enhance mucociliary clearance and reduce airway obstruction. However, direct evidence for “nose-to-brain” delivery remains preliminary and requires further validation. Conclusion: Dhumapāna may represent a non-invasive, targeted aerosol-based intervention with preventive and adjunctive therapeutic potential. Standardization of delivery systems, dosage, and safety profiling is essential for its integration into evidence-based global healthcare. Keywords: Dhumapāna, Nasopulmonary Delivery, Allergic Rhinitis, Ayurveda, Dhūmavarti, Dinacaryā