Deepana (दीपाना) is a particular dietetic effect or poorva karma which “enhances agni” according to the 17th century Bhojanakutūhala (dravyaguṇāguṇa-kathana), and is commonly found in literature dealing with the topics of dietetics and culinary art, also known as Pākaśāstra or Pākakalā.
Deepana is classified under the Pachanasansthana karma (action on the alimentary canal especially on stomach). It is followed by Pachana where digestion increases.
Deepana is considered to be one of the karma of plants, including herbs and spices that increases the absorptive capacity of the body by increasing digestive secretions.
Karma primarily means and indicates its action or work. As per ayurveda, plants (herbs & spices) are living entities with the potency to affect us not only physically, but also energetically, mentally, and spiritually.
Some plants are simple and have singular actions. Some are complex and have many potential actions, or karmas.
There are many ways to group herbs by action. For example, herbs can be grouped by their action on different tissues and organs or by their therapeutic action. This means grouping by their being “nutritive“, “rejuvenative” & “regenerative“.
Deepana karma is defined as the function of “enhancing agni”. It increases the digestive fire or digestive secretions.