Research Article: Formulation and Evaluation of Mosquito Repellent Incense Dhoop batti From Herbal Material

Currently the use of synthetic mosquito repellent chemicals has several issues related to environment and human health. This project was formulated and developed to have safer mosquito repellent, which was free from carcinogenic chemicals and are significantly cheaper and simple to develop. Dried powdered herbs like Neem leaves, Eucalyptus oil, camphor, starch, were used to make mosquito repellent formulation. The powdered blend was mixed with binders and additives like charcoal powder. The solid formulation was rolled in the form of dhoop batti. Further to add value, it was later scented with essential oil like lemongrass oil and dried. The dhoop batti when ignited releases vapours with a pleasant fragrance and herbs which repels the mosquitoes. The dhoop batti were tested for its potency by burning near the mosquito net cage with sufficient mosquitoes. The dhoop batti also distributed to random peoples for feedback and were deemed to be very effective in controlling the mosquitos. Dhoop is widely used product in various religious rituals or practices in rural as well as in urban areas. Dhoopana is a technique practiced in Ayurveda literature for its contribution in reducing the microbes count in specific areas. There are number of mosquitoes around us which are mainly responsible for health related problems such as influenza, pertussis, common cold, etc. The patients suffering from swine flu, bronchial spasms, bronchitis, asthma, dyspnoea, rhinitis, bad smell of the nose and mouth can be aided. The current work is focused on modifications in general dhoop formulation. Medicated Dhoop is prepared by incorporating hydro-distillated extracts of Neem and Eucalyptus oil. By performing dhoopana, various air borne diseases can be prevented as the product being easily available in remote areas leading to its sterilization.