Effect of smoke from medicinal herbs on the nosocomial infections in ENT outpatient department

Abstract

Introduction: From time immemorial, human beings have used smoke of medicinal plants for curing disorders. Smoke produced from natural substances has been used extensively in many cultures, and famous ancient physicians have described and recommended such use. Aim and Objective: To reduce the nosocomial infections at the ENT outpatient department. Materials and Methods: Air sampling is done by set plate method. Air sampling of the medicinal smoke arising after burning a mixture of wood of mango or pipal tree andmedicinal herbs (obtained from shantikunj haridwar ) with rituals in an indoor environment. Results: Medicinal smoke caused over 95% reduction of aerial bacterial counts by 60 min. Conclusion: We have observed that 1 h treatment of medicinal smoke emanated by burning wood and a mixture of odoriferous and medicinal herbs (havan samagri = material used in oblation to fire all over India) on aerial bacterial population caused over 95% reduction of bacterial counts by 60 min.