Krumi (Microorganisms) in Ayurveda- A critical review

The microorganism or bacteria and their role in the cause of several infectious diseases have been recognized and elaborated in Ayurveda since Vedic period. There are many references relating to bacteria in ancient literature such as Rigveda, Atharveda, Shatapatha Bramhana etc. Krimi, Rakshas, Pishacha, Apsara, etc. terms are used for microorganisms and several types of microorganism have been recognized and described in Vedic literature. Some organisms are visible and macroscopic (Drishya) and some are of microscopic (adrishya). They may originate either inside or outside of body. They have identified for primary seat of infection (vesa) and secondary seat of infection (parivesa) in the body. Ayurveda recommended four methods to destroy microorganisms; viz. refraining, disentangling, removing and fumigating. This paper attempts to review the Vedic and Ayurveda understanding of the microbes is essential here to follow the contemporary knowledge for recognition and development of microbiological science in Ayurveda.