Agnihotra (Homa)- an Ayurveda therapy in the prevention and control of covid-19

Abstract

Ayurveda always recommended the holistic approach for the prevention of diseases, health promotion and curing the ailments. Agnihotra/Yagya/ homa is a part of Indian rituals, and one of the ancient therapy of healing recommended by Ayurveda. An agnihotra is a simple form of homa. Various materials are used in this therapy like cow dung cake, rice, ghee and medicinal plants either as a firewood or Samidha, which are helpful for purification of the atmosphere resulting in prevention and control of various communicable diseases. In Ayurveda epidemic or pandemic has been described as Janapadodhwansa Rogas. And causative factors mentioned that vitiation of Vayu (air), Jala (water), Desh (area), and Kala (season). Abhishyangaja (effects of pathogens, evil forces and unhygienic condition) is also one of the causes of epidemic/ pandemic. For this reason, Ayurveda advocated sterilization of water, air, soil and atmosphere with the help of Agnihotra, i.e. Homa, Yagya, Dhupana. As Agnihotra is applied in Ayurveda for therapeutic purpose is also known as Homa therapy. Many studies showed the antimicrobial activity of smoke raises from Agnihotra. When the whole world is facing the pandemic  Coronavirus disease  (COVID-19), need to think about this therapy. According to world meter, there are 1,853,155 cases, 114,247 deaths till 13 April 2020. Hence it is the right time to think about the control and preventive measures of the infectious agent (SARS-Cov-2) of COVID-19 disease with the help of Agnihotra/Homa therapy.