Role of Agnihotra in Maternal and Child Healthcare: A Narrative Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Ayurveda, the Traditional Indian system of medicine with a philosophical background, has a holistic approach to health. Yuktivyapashraya chiktsa (rational treatment by use of drugs), Satvavjaya chikitsa (psychotherapy), and Daivavyapashraya chikitsa (celestial therapy) are the methods of treatment adopted in Ayurveda. Daivavyapashraya chikitsa includes the wearing of gems, chanting of mantras, and performances of homas (fire oblation rituals) which have great results but lack scientific documentation. Agnihotra is advised as a part of garbhasamskara therapy, but its scientific benefits are not documented. These therapies revive normal functioning of the mind, build sattva guna, and remove obstacles from rajas. Agnihotra, also known as homa therapy, yaga, yajna, or sacrifice, is one of the rituals of ancient Vedic traditions. This study aims to review the earlier studies on Agnihotra and illuminate the scientific benefits of Agnihotra rituals and further relate their application as rakshognavidhi (preventive measures) in pregnant women (grabhini), postnatal women (sutika), and in infants (bala). This review covers the concepts of “Agnihotra,” “Mantra,” “Maternal and child health,” “Preconception care,” “Postpartum care” with the hope to evoke more studies and scientific evidences in this area. There were 13 articles selected from PubMed central and two articles from the Cochrane database. These reviews pay attention to the clinical trials and the scientific effect of the ingredients used in the rituals of Agnihotra with their benefits. Agnihotra rituals are practiced by chanting Vedic mantras. The scientific aspects of Agnihotra rituals and their application as rakshognavidhi in pregnant women (grabhini), postnatal women (sutika), and infants (bala) were analyzed with references for the antibacterial, antifungal, and antimicrobial factors that cause sterilization effects. The ingredients such as cow dung cakes, ghee, and rice grains used in these rituals are antimicrobial and hence cause sterilization of the environment. The combined result of all ingredients practiced at the prescribed time produces positive vibrations that enrich electromagnetic radiation and cosmic energy. Such rituals are beneficial for maternal and child health because they maintain physical, mental, and spiritual health.