Open label single arm clinical trial on the efficacy of vacha (Acorus calamus Linn.) aromatherapy on smriti

Smriti is remembrance of things directly perceived; heard or experienced earlier. Memory is a higher mental process in which information is encoded, stored and retrieved. Shiras is said to be the Uttamanga, a site where higher intellectual functions take place. Nasa is the nearest route of drug delivery to the Shiras and is called as the door to Shiras. Nasa is also considered as Indriya Adhishtana for Gandha Ghrana. The therapeutic use of Gandha has been emphasized in Ayurveda. Aromatherapy is one such therapeutic modality carried out using only the fragrances or mere volatiles to cure or mitigate or to prevent disease, infection and indispositions by means of inhalation. Olfaction enhances social and emotional interactions by odors and enriches memory as limbic system is the common center for both olfaction and memory. Vacha (Acarus Calamus Linn.) a Medhya drug which is aromatic and is indicated as a brain tonic in weak memory. Vata Prakrithi individuals being Alpa Smriti have a lot of difficulties in managing the day to day activities due to their poor memory and face problems in their educational or professional career leading to anxiety, depression and mental stress. Swasthasya Urjaskara and Aturasya Roganuth are the types of Bheshaja. Swasthasya Urjaskara signifies that certain Dravya and Chikitsa can be used to improve the health condition of healthy individuals To know whether Aromatherapy has an effect on Smriti, a clinical trial is required on this perspective in the field of Kriya Sharir. Present study is a preliminary attempt to evaluate the effect of Aromatherapy using Vacha coarse powder in Vata Prakrithi individuals with Alpa Smriti to enhance Smriti.