Abstract

GHREYA VAMANA: A CLASSICAL OLFACTORY ROUTE OF THERAPEUTIC EMESIS IN AYURVEDA – A SYSTEMATIC TEXTUAL REVIEW

Dr. Rohit Kashikar, MD (Panchakarma)*

Abstract

Background: Vamana Karma is a principal Shodhana procedure of Ayurveda. Ghreya Vamana is a classical olfactory method of inducing therapeutic emesis described in the Brihattrayi but rarely explored in modern practice. Objective: To critically review the classical textual evidence, pharmaceutical principles, indications and contemporary relevance of Ghreya Vamana. Methods: Narrative textual review of Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya with authoritative commentaries and relevant contemporary literature. Results: Six principal references describe Madanaphala, Ikshvaku, Dhamargava and Kritavedhana based Ghreya formulations. The therapy is particularly indicated in Sukumara, Aushadha-dveshin and appropriately Utklista Kapha conditions. Conclusion: Ghreya Vamana represents a sophisticated route-specific pharmaceutical intervention deserving rigorous clinical investigation.

Keywords: Ghreya Vamana; Vamana Karma; Panchakarma; Madanaphala; Ikshvaku; Olfactory route; Ayurveda.