Published Paper Details:

After birth, an infant is immediately exposed to the external environment, which contains billions of microorganisms. While the majority of these microbes are harmless, some can cause serious health risks--especially to newborns with compromised immunity. Therefore, maintaining a sterile environment in neonatal care units like Kumaragara (Infant's Abode and NICU) is essential to minimize microbial proliferation. Ayurveda emphasizes Raksha Karma (protective practices) for both wound management (Vrana Upakrama) and neonatal care (Navajaata- Shishu -Paricharya). Within this framework, Dhoopan Karma--a traditional fumigation method--is recognized for its disinfectant properties and potential in preventing and managing infectious diseases in newborns. Given the constant changes in microbial populations and the increasing resistance to conventional agents, Ayurvedic fumigation offers a promising alternative to formaldehyde-based sterilization, which may be used in hospitals despite its known health hazards. Some studies have reported the antimicrobial efficacy of bioactive compounds found in Dhoopan formulations. However, the lack of comprehensive scientific validation, standardized dosage forms, and well-defined methodologies limits its formal acceptance as a sterilization protocol. This paper aims to explore the advantages and limitations of implementing Dhoopan Karma as a sterilization strategy in neonatal care settings.