A critical review on the pharmacodynamics of Nasya Karma

Acharyas have mentioned -“Nasa is the doorway to Shira”. It is considered as one among the Panchagyanendriya, whose functions are not only limited to olfaction and respiration but also considered as a pathway for drug administration. Modern pharmacology has explained various routes of drug administration so do Ayurveda, which have proved very beneficial over long years. Among different routes of drug administration, nasal route is the most efficient one in diseases related above supraclavicular region. The process of instilling drug herbalized oils and liquid medicines through nostrils is called Nasya Karma. Present review article shows the probable mode of action of Nasya Karma in both Ayurveda as well as in Modern, how it will probably act on vital points located in the brain and the structures associated with it.