Principles and Therapeutics of Yajna

ABSTRACT

Health is defined as a state of complete physical, mental, and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of diseases or infirmity. Yajna means selfless sacrifices performed along with sacred sounds, the mantras. The procedure includes offering selected herbal and sacred materials to the fire to obtain an array of benefits such as air purification and release of therapeutic compounds (antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antidepression, and anticonvulsant) in the form of aerosol that enriches the atmosphere and soil. Microbial intrusions into the human system such as severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 have proved their ability to hack the elements such as air, water, and earth to coerce humans’ physical and mental status. Panic during COVID (coronavirus disease) pandemic did not decline despite advanced therapeutic approaches. Vaccinating the human and animals of the entire globe within a specific time may not be a practically viable approach; adopting an alternative strategy that holistically represses the viral outbreak at various levels will support the medical and government authorities. Pandemic-combatted ancestors developed traditional remedies with secret medicinal portions prescribed to perform as rituals. One of those rituals is Yajna. Yajna procedure controls microbial load at both the environmental and zoonotic levels. The purpose of this literature review is to examine the advantages of scientifically establishing a correlation between Yajna and its potential contribution to prevent pandemics like COVID. An online search explored the phytotherapeutics of Yajna and correlated with the noninvasive drug delivery.

INTRODUCTION

Yajna, a holistic procedure, delivers herbal medicinal smoke to permeate via the skin (transcutaneous), nose (transnasal), and lung (pulmonary inhalation) for the inner and outer wellbeing. Yajna is an intentional practice aimed at cleansing the environment by utilizing natural resources and harnessing the thermal and sound energies. The word ‘Yajna’ means selfless sacrifice for noble purposes.[1] The other names for Yajna include Yagna, Yajnam, Hawan, Homam, and Agnihotra. Yajna is performed by burning selected medicinal compounds and herbs in a specifically designed fire pot named Agni Kundam (Agni means fire, Kundam means a pot or pit). The procedure is designed in a way that the therapeutic compounds are combusted and transformed into a gaseous form, which enables their entry into the skin, nose, and lungs.[2] It is important to note that the process does not involve burning the offerings but rather vaporizing them to release phytochemicals.[1,3] To enhance absorption, mantras (specifically modulated words) and pranayama (a breath pattern with sequential paces) are employed. Inhalation, the best, simplest, and fastest route of systemic entry for either infection or drug at a mass level, was well evidenced with the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic and is used in Yajna.[4]

Prevention is better than cure. Nevertheless, prediction is the absolute cure for viral infections because the virus-infected cells have no cure because after viral infection, the cell can never revert to normal; they either die or become abnormal permanently. Pandemic-combatted ancestors developed traditional therapy to treat the physical and mental disorder with some secret portions delivered as rituals. Despite the incredible advancements in current technology that allow us to analyze the cells and atoms at molecular levels, human intelligence holding double-strand DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) with 3 billion base pairs failed to prevent the entry of a simple single-strand RNA (ribonucleic acid) virus, SARS-CoV-2 (severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2), consisting of just 30,000 base pairs. If the medical technologists had been able to identify and implement effective primary prevention methods for COVID-19 during the early stages of the outbreak, it would have been considered a remarkable achievement, and the pandemic would have been controlled and halted. About 58% of the new or emerging pathogens are zoonotic, which jumped to humans.[5,6] The majority of these fatal zoonotic viruses include the Yellow fever, West Nile virus, Hepatitis C, Dengue, Zika, Rubella, Mumps, Chikungunya, Ebola, Measles, Nipah, Rabies, Lassa, Influenza, SARS, MERS, and the recent SARS-CoV-2.[7] Since almost all of them have an intermittent animal host, identifying the threat at the zoonosis level to design a vaccine might have presented a better infection control.[8,9] Modern medicine, which relies on evidence-based practices, requires substantial evidence for understanding and acceptance. Also, it is worth mentioning that modern science has yet to fully comprehend every aspect of 200 different types of human cells.

Generally, the knowledge and skills of traditional medicine are delivered to the next generation through hands-on experience that kept the innovative technical details as secret. A type of Yajna programmed for holistic cleansing of nature to sustain biodiversity is performed in the jungles near residential and agricultural lands [Figure 1] to control air pollution and microbial contamination in an ecofriendly manner. Simultaneously, the wild animals, birds, insects, reptiles, and aquatic animals are benefitted.

Figure 1.

This figure schematically explains the ancient method of Yajna performed in the jungles near residential and agricultural areas to control the air pollution and microbial contaminations at the zoonosis level. The wild animals, birds, insects, reptiles, and aquatic animals benefit from the aerosol delivery of herbs through the process of Yajna. The blue arrow in the right lower corner of the picture points to the Sage conducting the Yajna

Regrettably, traditional practitioners faced challenges in strengthening their institution during the introduction of modern therapies. The challenges faced by ayurvedic and siddha traditional practitioners were chiefly due to their limited ability to explain the concepts outlined in the Vedas (the book of Yajna), inadequate language skills, inconsistent reproducibility of their methods, insufficient knowledge about the active medicinal compounds, and the abundance of amateur practitioners. The contemporary advancements in Ayurveda and Siddha contribute to increase the awareness and update the pharmacovigilance and materiovigilance.[10] However, there is a need for intensified clinical trials or similar research works on active compounds.[11] The modern dispensary has already incorporated numerous traditional compounds, such as curcumin.[12] Similarly, evaluating the scientific basis of Yajna is essential to fully understand its potential benefits.

This review explored the history, the scientific information of the procedure and materials, modes of actions, associated hypothesis, sound therapy, advantages, precautions, and the importance of understanding the truth of Yajna for the health and wellbeing of the living and nonliving. The review included online search related to Yajna, Agnihotra, noninvasive drug delivery, scientific benefits of Yajna, and an extended search of published reports directed to support the construction of the manuscript.

HISTORY OF YAJNA

The details of the Yajna are explained in Vedas, the book of Yajna. The Vedas and their explanations are not gatherings of religious beliefs and rituals but organized procedures with subtle scientific details beyond the perception level of modern science. ‘Sanadhana darma’ based on the Vedas is a set of practices with scientific intentions accepted by people of Indus valley groups. The practiced philosophies raise the energies of the physical, mental, and subtle body to live with the maximum ability as humans by treasuring and mastering the various elements of Earth and cosmos. According to Sanadhana darma, Brahma, the God of pre-Veda, is the creator of the universe and Vedas. Vedas, the divine treasures of scientific philosophies are designed for the human to enjoy the pleasures in the world internally with physical, mental, and spiritual wellness and externally creating oneness with the universe by respecting nature.

The five elements of nature, namely, air, fire, water, earth, and ether (space) are the basis of the universe according to the Vedas and worshipped as Gods (devadas) along with many devadas (around 330 million) of the entire universe. Bhagavat Geetha, the holy book, narrates that the creator, Brahma, created humans together Yajna for their wellbeing and spiritual uplifting. It dictates that ‘Prushan or Prush’ (human) should regularly offer oblations to devatas of nature. The devadas refund by a healthy planet. Vedas were exclusively taught by uttering the sound during the Vedic period but later assembled and written by Sage Veda Vyasa. Among the four Vedas, three of them were dedicated to Yajna. Rig and Yajur Vedas explain the Yajna procedures and mantras. The remaining two, Sama and Atharva, have a considerable portion dedicated to the mantras, the sound energy of Yajna (Devi et al., 2004).[13]

Each Veda has four subdivisions, named Samhitas, Brahmanas, Aranyaka, and Upanishad. The three of four subdivisions elucidating the intricacies of Yajna techniques evidence the importance given to the practices from the Vedic era [Figure 2]. Yajna uses the physical energies of thermal and sound vibrations to purify the subtle energies of the microcosm (human) to unite with the macrocosm (universe). According to Sanadhana darma, the health definition essentially includes the upliftment of the subtle body or the spiritual uplifting, not merely the physical and mental and social wellbeing.

Figure 2.

This figure details the divisions and the subdivisions of Vedas and the contents. Three of the four Vedas mainly detail the Yajna procedures

The microbes were mentioned as ‘Krimis’ in the Vedas. The antimicrobial herbs and antiseptic methods were detailed by Sages who formulated Ayurveda.[14,15] The details include the microbial toxins, contamination of containers, the importance of sterilizing them, and the methods of sanitization and hygienic practices to be followed at different occasions of life.[14] Vedas are not just religious manuscripts but the ‘Science of life’ perceived with conscious observations and techniques narrated perfectly by Sages of the Vedic period.

YAJNA, THE SCIENTIFIC PRACTICE OF WELLBEING

Yajna principles detailed in Vedas start from deciding the time and place; methods of creating fire and collecting ingredients including quality, quantity, and delivery sequence; and the details of people who can conduct and attend. Among the many types of Yajna mentioned in Veda, some were conducted privately daily at home on a small scale, and some were conducted among a community on special ceremonies like birthdays, marriage, new-house-warming functions, and after-death rituals. A few were rarely performed for many days with large gatherings to benefit the community during or after natural calamities. A few were also conducted to attain special spiritual powers. The large-scale Yajna rituals performed in forest areas have significantly declined in contemporary practices. The Vedas mention that the energies generated by Yajna bestow benefits upon both humans and animals, even if they are unaware of the rituals, if they remain in the vicinity. The detailed pharmacological functions of the ingredients, actions of mantras, and various benefits of Yajna are summarized in Figure 3.

Figure 3.

The flow diagram about the overall benefits of Yajna. Details of the ingredients, a brief information about the pharmacological functions of various ingredients, and benefits of the mantra chanting explained

Vedas detail the consecration of the fire pit that enables the safe and effective combustion to release heat and smoke. The fire is created by following the ancient or sacred technique that details the rubbing of the wooden sticks of selected Peepal (Sacred Fig) trees by chanting mantras. The fire can be collected from the burning fire created in a similar method. One such fire burning spot is in the Dhuni of Shridi Sai Baba temple for decades. Even now, devotees collect the fire from the spot and carefully carry it for hundreds of kilometers to take it to home to use for daily activities. The time selected to perform Yajna is sunrise or sunset, the transition period when the cosmic energy levels are high and wobbling in all animate and inanimate. The body clock governed by the pineal gland linked with the self-awareness (know thyself) and inner wellbeing is highly receptive during these periods.[16]

The principal ingredients of Yajna include woods, cow dung cakes, sugar, and herbal materials that have medicinal, odoriferous, and nutritional quality [Figure 2]. The common ingredients sacrificed in the fire are listed in Table 1.[17] The table is limited to the extensively tested materials of Yajna. Every component is meticulously collected, with careful consideration given to each detail. For instance, the wooden sticks are selectively gathered from sacred fig (Peepal) trees, ensuring that only those fallen branches/twigs are picked early morning and never manually broken. Similarly, herbal plants are sourced from various locations at different altitudes, complemented with chant of mantras and carefully preserved until use.

Table 1.

A few of the essential ingredients used in the Yajna and their pharmacological actions are listed. The ingredients are selected in varying combinations and quantities for different types of Yajna. The botanical names of the herbal ingredients were presented in italic format below the common names

Name	Pharmacological actions	References
Mango Mangifera indica	Antibacterial, antifungal, anthelmintic, antiplasmodial, antidiabetic, antioxidant, anticancer, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory effects.	(Ediriweera et al., 2017; Lauricella et al., 2017)[18,19]
Neem, Azadirachta indica	Antibacterial, antifungal, antiarthritic, antioxidant, antipyretic, hypoglycemic, and gastroprotective effects.	(Alzohairy, 2016)[20]
Gular (wild fig), Ficus glomerata	Antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, gastroprotective, hypoglycemic, and antiulcer activities.	(Eshwarappa et al., 2015)[21]
Agar wood, Aquilana malaccensis	Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antidiarrheal, sedative, and cardioprotective properties.	(Hashim et al., 2016)[22]
Sandalwood, Santalum album	Anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects.	(Santha & Dwivedi, 2015)[23]
Red Sandalwood Pterocarpus santalinus	Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidative, antidiabetic, anticancer, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective properties.	(Bulle et al., 2016)[24]
Pattai, Cinnamomum macrocarpum	Antiseptic, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, hypoglycemic, and gastroprotective properties.	(Salleh et al., 2015)[25]
Nutmeg, Myristica fragranus	Antimicrobial, antioxidant, antidepressant, aphrodisiac, hypolipidemic, memory-enhancing, and hepatoprotective properties.	(Jaiswal et al., 2009)[26]
Clove, Syzygium aromaticum	Analgesic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiseptic, antidepressant, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial activity of eugenol against pathogenic bacteria	(Batiha et al., 2020)[27]
Tagar wood, Valeriana wallchii	Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anthelmintic, antioxidant, antispasmodic, antipsychotic, analgesic, neuroprotective, and cytoprotective properties and to treat snake bites.	(Toolika et al., 2015)[28]
Palash, Butea frondosa	Anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, nootropic, and antistress properties.	(Banji et al., 2010)[29]
Deodar, Cedrys libani	Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, hypoglycemia, antispasmodic, insecticidal, antiapoptotic, anticancer, immunomodulatory, anxiolytic, and anticonvulsant properties.	(Chaudhary et al., 2011)[30]
Bilva, Aegle marmelos	Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, radioprotective, anticancer, antipyretic, ulcer healing, antigenotoxic, diuretic, antifertility, and antidiabetic effects.	(Pathirana et al., 2020)[31]
Ashwaganth, Withania somnifera	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiepileptic, antiarthritic, antidepressant, anticoagulant, antidiabetic, antipyretic, analgesic, regenerating, and growth-promoting effects	(Dutta et al., 2019)[32]
Pipal, Ficus religiosa	Antibacterial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antiulcer, antidiabetic, astringent, antidiarrheal, and medicine for skin diseases	(Chandrasekar et al., 2010)[33]
Banyan, Ficus bengalensis	Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiplasmodial, antifungal, antistress and antiallergic, antiulcer, antilipidemic, antiatherogenic, and antidiabetic properties.	(Panday & Rauniar, 2016)[34]
Shami, Proposis spicigera	Antioxidant, analgesic, antipyretic, antihyperglycemic, antihypercholesterolemic, antitumor, and nootropic properties.	(Sharifi-Rad et al., 2019)[35]
Ber, Ziziphus jujube	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiobesity, hepatoprotective, and gastroprotective properties	(Tahergorabi et al., 2015)[36]
Jow Hordeum vulgare	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiobesity, antidiabetes, antiarthritis, antihypercholesterolemic, and cardioprotective properties.	(Bonoli et al., 2004)[37]
Coconut, Cocos nucifera	Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antioxidant, antiparasitic, antidermatophytic, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulant properties.	(DebMandal & Mandal, 2011)[38]
Til, Sesamum indicum	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, anthelmintic, antileishmanial, gastroprotective, larvicidal, and vasorelaxant activities,	(Wu et al., 2019)[39]
Rice, Oryza sativa linn	Antibacterial, antifungal, antitumor, antimutagenic, antipyretic, analgesic, cytotoxic, and insecticidal activities	(Burlando & Cornara, 2014)[40]
Badam, Prunus communis	Cardioprotective, antidiabetes, anticholesterol, antirheumatic, anticancer, and alleviates many metabolic disorders	(Barreca et al., 2020)[41]
Indrayan, Citrullus colocynthis	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic, anticancer, antilipidemic, and insecticidal activities.	(Hussain et al., 2014)[42]
Jatamansi, Nardostachys jatamansi	Antimicrobial, antioxidant, antihelminthic, sedative, neurotoxic, cytotoxic, antidepressant, and insecticidal activities.	(Cornara et al., 2020)[43]
Pista, Pistacia vera	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, antimutagenic activity, antinociceptive, antiemetic, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective potentials.	(Hosseinzadeh et al., 2012)[44]
Tambul, Zanthoxylum armatum	Antiviral, antifungal, antiplasmodial, anthelminthic, antibiotic, antioxidant, antipyretic, antinociceptive, hepatoprotective, cytotoxic, antiproliferative, and larvicidal effects.	(Alam et al., 2020)[45]
Camphor, Cinnamomum camphora	Anti-inflammation, antibacterial, antifungal, and antioxidant properties	(J. Chen et al., 2020)[46]
Guggul, Commiphora mukul	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antihyperlipidemic, antiobesity, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, and thyroid stimulatory effects	(Kunnumakkara et al., 2018)[47]
Nagarmotha, Cyperus scariosus	Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antioxidants, growth-regulating properties, analgesic, antidiabetic, hypotensive, and spasmolytic properties.	(Taheri et al., 2021)[48]
Nagkesar, Mesua Ferrea	Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antibacterial, anthelmintic, antiasthmatic, neuroprotective, estrogenic and progestational activity, and antispasmodic activities.	(Chanda et al., 2013)[49]
Turmeric, Curcuma longa	Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antimutagenic, and anticancer properties.	(Hewlings & Kalman, 2017)[13]
Kulanjan, Alpinia galanga	Antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antidiabetic, and hypolipidemic effects.	(Chouni & Paul, 2018)[50]
Chandni tagar, Tabernaemontana divaricata	Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antianxiety, anticonvulsant, antidiabetic, cytotoxic, antifertility, and gastroprotective effects.	(Toolika et al., 2015)[28]
Kismis, Vitis vinifera	Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antioxidant, anticancer, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and neuroprotective effects	(Burin et al., 2014)[51]
Cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum	Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiseptic, antifungal, antioxidant, and anticancerogenic properties.	(Heimesaat et al., 2021)[52]
Phoolmakhane Nelumbo nucifera	Anti-inflammatory, antifungal, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-ischemic, antioxidant, anticancer, antiobesity, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, hypoglycemic, antidiarrheal, and diuretic activities.	(Paudel & Panth, 2015)[53]
Cow Ghee	Anticonvulsant, hepatoprotective, and cardioprotective properties and enhances memory and wound healing.	(Sharma et al., 2010)[54]
Giloy Tinospora cordifolia	Anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antispasmodic, antiarthritic, antiallergic, antistress, antileprotic, hepatoprotective, immunomodulating, and antineoplastic properties.	(Pachaiappan et al., 2018)[55]
Shankhpushpi Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy	Antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, analgesic, antidiabetic, antiulcer, antidepressant, hypolipidemic, immunomodulatory, neuroprotective, and cardiovascular effects.	(Agarwal et al., 2014)[56]
Mulethi glycyrrhiza glabra	Anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, antioxidant, and antidiabetic effects.	(Pastorino 2018)[57]

Cow dung contains a diverse array of pathogenic and nonpathogenic bacteria.[58] Animals ingest bacteria from the air, plants, and water and can be considered as an accessible source of environmental microbiome of any specific period. Infected plants and animals effectively develop immunity and produce biochemical compounds to counteract the pathogenic microbiome. Bacteria and fungi generate antibacterial and antifungal compounds during their survival struggle that are relatedly effective in humans, akin to antibiotics produced in biotechnology. Similarly, cows infected with viral particles like SARS-CoV-2 consume plants, microbes, and their biochemical compounds, which are subsequently metabolized and excreted in their dung. The cow dung may contain fragmented segments of the microbial genome that are comparable to the concept of subunit vaccines, which is a methodology of vaccine development for noninvasive vaccine therapy. Further research projects are needed to evaluate this hypothesis.

Ghee, a distinguished dietary ingredient in Indian tradition, is widely regarded as an ideal carrier for herbal compounds in Ayurveda. During Yajna, as combustion takes place, therapeutic compounds bind together with carbon particles released from cow dung and wood. When these aerosols are inhaled, they adhere to the mucosal surfaces of the respiratory tract and trigger antimicrobial or immune responses. The carbon nanoparticle, one of the synthetic polymers, infectious agents used as a nasal vaccine delivery system, succeeded to develop many approved vaccines.[59,60,61]

Also, it is reported that Yajna reduces the harmful effects of electromagnetic radiations[62] and nullifies the health hazards of air pollution.[62] The physiological effects of aromatherapy induced by the fragrant substances have been extensively studied. These effects encompass changes in blood pressure, heart rate, brain wave patterns, the autonomic nervous system, muscle tone, pupillary dilation, blood flow, temperature, and the skin’s electroconducting ability.[63] The smoke generated from Yajna contains clusters of therapeutic herbal aerosols that have the ability to attach to microbes present in the atmosphere. This attachment aids in either eliminating or neutralizing the microbes, thereby reducing their pathogenic load and mitigating their pathogenicity. Medicinal aerosols, transported by the movement of wind, have the potential to settle in distant locations, including agricultural land, water bodies, and trees. Once settled, the herbal compounds continue their role of neutralizing pathogens. The reduction of viral load in the atmosphere is an effective method of controlling airborne viral infections as viruses are unable to survive without a living host, unlike bacteria. Additionally, a decrease in microbial load not only contributes to the reduction of viral load but also helps mitigate concurrent infections or coinfections, which can be challenging complications during cases of severe multiple organ failures.[64] Considering the ease of application, absence of harmful effects, availability of ingredients, and the presence of trained professionals, it is worth considering the implementation of Yajna programs in severe pandemic zones and in close proximity to hospitals.[65,66,67] Various combinations of preprepared herbal mixes are commercially available, such as the ‘Samagree’ mixture of 36 or more ingredients. The different pharmacological functions of the ingredients of Yajna are detailed in Figure 2 and Table 1.

Science of absorption of xenobiotics (new or foreign compounds) by the human body cells

The human body consists of 200 types of cells that are categorized into four main tissue types: epithelium, muscle, nerve, and connective tissues.[68] Absorption during Yajna is related to the exposed structures such as the skin and hair as well as the partially exposed internal structures like the respiratory tract epithelium. These tissues are supported by immune cells of innate and acquired immune systems. When a molecule is absorbed in a human system, it initiates local reactions at the site of entry. If permitted by the surrounding tissues, the molecule can enter the bloodstream and exert systemic effects. However, introducing any new or foreign compound (xenobiotic) triggers a well-organized defense mechanism within the body that identifies, analyzes, and accepts or rejects foreign compounds.[69,70] Antigens are presented to local lymph nodes, where antibodies are generated and made available for the entire body’s circulation, not restricted to the exposed area. While detailed explanations of medicinal compounds of Yajna have been published, extensive research is still needed due to the diverse procedures and materials involved.[1]

Epithelial cells, designed for absorption, exhibit structural variations in different tissues to perform their respective functions. For example, orally ingested food is absorbed through the oral mucosal epithelial lining,[69] while gaseous materials inhaled through the respiratory tract are absorbed via the respiratory epithelium.[70] Despite the specific phenotypic expressions of each group of epithelial cells, they share common molecules that facilitate communication between them. This communication is crucial for sensing medicine or antigens throughout the body, even in areas not directly exposed to the new molecule. Sages of the past prepared polyherbal mixtures for different rituals, targeting various benefits, and containing well-balanced compounds that have been effectively used for thousands of years. It is astonishing to note the ability of these sages to understand these scientific details during that period.

Role of Skin as absorbing tissue

The skin, with its pores and hair follicles, possesses the capability to absorb substances and utilize them for cellular functions. However, the absorption through the skin is selective and limited due to its thickness and the presence of fatty sebaceous secretions, which can hinder absorption. Interestingly, the smoke from Yajna contains antimicrobial properties that can impact the microbes present on the skin. Animals also rely on their skin, hair, and sense of smell for various functions such as thermoregulation and detecting the presence of potential threats. Scientific reports have explored the correlation between Aura, the subtle vital energy field surrounding a human, and its significance in absorption processes.[71]

Role of respiratory alveolar epithelial cells in the absorption

The exchange of the gaseous materials occurs explicitly at the lungs’ alveoli, which are small saclike structures of about 200 microns in diameter. The human lung has approximately 500 million alveoli.[72] There are three types of cells in each alveolus: type 1 pneumocytes for gaseous exchange (95%), type 2 pneumocytes to secrete surfactants, and alveolar macrophages. The alveolar macrophages are migrated monocytes from the surrounding microcirculation of the lung to remove the escaped red blood cells and other foreign substances inhaled along with the air. The type I pneumocytes are flattened as thin as 25 nm to facilitate the gaseous exchange. In this intricate presentation, the drug compound can pass through at a more incredible speed with no difficulties in immediately entering the blood circulation.[68] The total internal surface area of the lung is about 75 square meters with no extracellular materials (ECMs). ECM usually comprises proteolytic abilities that compromise the integrity of the drug compound.[68] The orally administered and absorbed drugs undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver, which reduces the compound’s bioavailability that eliminated in the respiratory route.

Role of olfactory apparatus

Nose, the entry point of RT (respiratory tract), has a direct connection to the brain. It is essential to mention the possibility of the inhaled gaseous substance to reach the brain through the cribriform plate in the anterior cranial fossa, a sieve-like thinnest structure on which the olfactory bulbs are seated that sense smell. The frontal lobe of the brain is exposed to the exterior through these pores, which is the only anatomical structure that connects the outer environment to the brain. Viruses’ influenza and SARS-CoV-2 enter the system via this route.[73] If the smoked medicinal compounds can successfully navigate the cellular and extracellular structures, they have the ability to directly enter the brain.[74] It has been reported that the brain can herniate through this opening, which underscores the delicate arrangement of this structure.[75]

The nasal route for administering therapeutic compounds to the brain is considered the easiest, fastest, and most effective method because the blood-brain barrier poses a significant challenge for drugs delivered through the bloodstream. The aromatic and pleasant scent of the ingredients used in Yajna facilitates deep inhalation, allowing the drug to come into contact with the absorbing structures for an extended period. This provides a blissful experience for the recipient, similar to aromatherapy. The ancient Rishis and Siddhas who designed these rituals were spiritual scientists with a remarkable level of knowledge, despite not having access to transmission and scanning electron microscopy or molecular-level explanations. During Yajna, herbal pastes such as turmeric are used. The Pterion is the thinnest part of the skull, where the frontal, parietal, temporal, and sphenoid bones join together, and the middle meningeal artery runs beneath it. This thin bony structure allows for easy transdermal absorption of drugs applied to the skin in that area. During the Yajna ritual, the attending people apply herbal paste such as turmeric, vibhuthi (sacred ash), and sandalwood paste on the skin over the Pterion.

Noninvasive inhalation drug delivery

Noninvasive drug delivery includes oral, buccal, nasal, inhalation, and transdermal routes to treat local and systemic diseases. The massive surface area and extensive vascularization in the lungs enable rapid absorption and fast onset of action. The first report about the inhalation therapy with macromolecules of insulin for the systemic treatment of people with diabetes was available as early as 1925.[76] It was by 1986 FDA has approved the first monoclonal antibodies, a therapeutic protein (Orthoclone OKT3, muromonab-CD3), to reduce kidney transplant rejection,[77] and currently, many approved monoclonal antibodies available for the treatment of various diseases. Nanobodies, single-domain antibody fragments derived from heavy-chain-only antibodies, have demonstrated advantages over the monoclonal antibodies that were developed and experimented successfully to combat the SARS-CoV-2 (ty1 and Nb11-59). Inhaled nanobodies are promising antiviral therapy against COVID-19.[78,79] Dornase alfa, the first inhaled protein approved by the FDA for the treatment of cystic fibrosis, acts as a mucolytic agent to reduce the viscosity of mucus in the airway[80] There were many FDA-approved products available in the market for the treatment of respiratory viral infection including SARS-CoV-2. Several successful clinical trials were reported for the marketed proteins for the inhalation therapy of diabetics,[81] cystic fibrosis,[82] asthma,[83,84,85,86] COVID-19 (Phase II-NCT04385095),[87] anaemia,[88] parainfluenza,[89] acute bronchitis, lung metastasis,[90] and acute lung injury.[91] The massive surface area and extensive vascularization in the lungs enable rapid absorption and fast onset of action.

The success of noninvasive innovative drug delivery methods strengthens the Yajna-related principles that need further research for future applications. Thousands of years before, the Rishis have identified this simplest and effective drug delivery system and the natural drug sources which are currently triumphed as success by modern science. The principles behind Yajna were not witnessed because the procedure was cloaked as a religious secret that biased the modern science to leave it unexplored. Considering the chaos during the pandemic situation, Yajna, the harmless, less-explored ancestral therapeutic approach, can be adopted immediately and scientifically explored.

Mantras of Yajna

Every substance, both living and nonliving, in the universe as well as every atom within every cell vibrates constantly and produces sound. However, the human eardrum is unable to perceive many of these vibrations as sound. The ancient sages grouped unique sounds into mantras to harmonize the human body (microcosm) with the universe (macrocosm). According to Sanadhana Darma, a custom followed by a major group of people in the Indus valley, the universe was created with a roaring sound when the energy exploded from “nothingness”, named Shiva (means stillness or nothingness), while the energy that caused the explosion is known as Shakthi (means energy). Proteins serve as the fundamental building blocks of all living matter. A study explored the use of human cell proteins to generate sound by employing a software synthesizer to create sound, which was then recorded as an audio file and played through a computer.[92] Another study compared the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein properties of nanomechanical and vibrational aspects and correlated the lethality and infection rate.[93] Another study delved into the potential implications of vibrations in dislodging viral spikes from their shell.[94] Scientific investigations into sound and vibrations have acknowledged the influence of frequencies on human organ systems beyond human perception that will be soon offering an alternative dimension to support the healthcare sector.[95]

Sound requires a medium to propagate, such as water, air, or the organs of human which allow the sound waves to travel and vibrate. The vibrations are influenced by the temperature and characteristics of the medium. Musical instruments are regularly tuned to enhance sound clarity as their vibrations may become disrupted during use. Similarly, the human body, representing the microcosm, requires tuning with the universe, the macrocosm, through the sound of the universe. Internal and external tuning helps the human body in many ways through stabilizing the body’s energies, enabling efficient organ functioning, and resilient against harmful external vibrations. For instance, the sound of angry conversations can immediately raise blood pressure and temperature, with prolonged after-effects, while pleasant sounds create a better environment for the body and mind, contributing to a sense of well-being. Whether the vibrations are perceived as sound or quiet, whether they originate internally (through vocal cord movements) or received from external sources, they significantly influence humans and oscillate every atom within every cell.

Accumulated disorganized vibrations can disrupt organ structure and function, particularly in the brain, heart, and neurovascular bundles, as these watery organs allow individual atoms to vibrate more than solid organs like bones and muscles. Music therapy and music medicine have been recognized as professions that primarily focus on mental health. The intricate knowledge in this field was perceived and practiced by the ancestors across globe. Music therapy for pulmonary rehabilitation has been documented,[96] and the chanting of mantras and AUM has been found to improve stress management and emotional stability.[97,98]

Neurovascular bundles consist of four pipelines like structures, namely, nerves (carry the body sensations as electrical impulses), arteries (carry oxygen and nutrition in the blood), veins (carry the deoxygenated blood along with the excretions of cellular metabolism), and the lymphatics (carry the lymph, the primary mediator between the cells and blood vessels to exchange the gases, nutrients, and metabolites).[99,100] These structures are represented as Nadis (means strings) in ancient Indian writings, and their confluence making the chakras points with a flow pattern around the body in all 360-direction inside and outside of the body. The outside flow lines are named the astral body that is not under the physical demonstration. The universal sound AUM and other prescribed sounds pass through these nadis, stimulating the chakras (nadis confluence) to raise the energies toward the brain’s center through the pineal gland. Pineal gland, the ‘seat of the soul’, is situated at the center of the right and left sides at the most superior position of the brain ventricles, which continues down as the canal of the spinal cord.[100]

The pineal gland is detailed as a photo-neuro-endocrine transducer responsible for circadian rhythm that synchronizes the internal physiological cellular functions of the human body with the external world.[100] It secretes melatonin and N, N-dimethyl-tryptamine (DMT). The ancient writings refer as ‘opening of the third eye’ if the consciousness raises to the level of pineal gland that allows the flow of Amrit or ambrosia (might refer the hormonal release) to live with utmost happiness and nil ailments. Extensive research on the hormone produced by the pineal gland has revealed the following findings: It plays a preventive and counteractive role against pathologies and pathogens; promotes healthy aging; regulates the functions of the neuroendocrine and immune systems; aids in antioxidant processes; and controls nerve signals, ion channels, mitochondrial functions, stem cell differentiation, and apoptosis.[100] When the nadis, the strings of the neurovascular channels, are tuned to the vibration of the universe, it is referred to as ‘oneness’ or ‘yoga’ (means to unite with existence), the level described as reaching the ‘seat of the soul’. Modern science is in need of advanced technologies to explore the properties of sound, a domain in which the ancient Sages displayed remarkable mastery and used it along with Yajna to deliver holistic health.

HYPOTHESIS FOR FUTURE STUDIES ON YAJNA

In order to gain unanimous acceptance, Yajna requires robust supporting evidence, which can be achieved through systematic research aimed at evaluating the potential hypotheses. Comprehensive studies are necessary as the Yajna procedure encompasses a wide range of factors such as herbs, techniques, energies, environment, animals, and humans. For future research, the following hypotheses can be considered:

1. Yajna can reduce environmental viral and microbial load in the air and on various surfaces, including the animate and inanimate objects. Studies can be conducted in areas where Yajna is regularly performed, with samples collected from the air and surrounding surfaces before and after the procedure to analyze the microbial content.

2. Yajna has the potential to reduce the zoonotic load of microbes. This concept can be explored by collecting samples from animals in the vicinity of the Yajna ritual or by intentionally exposing known infected animals to the procedure. Samples collected before and after the Yajna can be examined to assess changes in the microbial load.

3. Yajna serves to deliver antimicrobial and medicinal compounds to humans. Individuals who undergo Yajna can be studied using various parameters to measure the effects by comparing those exposed and not exposed or before and after the procedure. These parameters can analyze the concentration of medical compounds at entry sites such as the lungs and skin, as well as at systemic levels such as blood. Studies can target the individual’s infection status, presence of comorbidities, concurrent infections, duration of exposure, age, the influence of different ingredient combinations, lung capacity, and mental wellbeing.

SUGGESTIONS

The various medicinal herbs of Yajna packed as a single block to submit to fire will profit the innovative industries and to manage the biological wastes such as cow dung. The commercial products helping the procedure in a simplified manner will ease and raise public usage. The antiseptics, disinfectants, and insecticides and mosquito-repellent chemicals designed to deliver in vaporized form for public areas can be adapted with the herbal method of disinfection and drug delivery as a mass outdoor therapy. The mosquito-repellent coils using the smouldering effect to deliver the insecticide vapors designed for indoor usage can be adapted to deliver the herbal medicines.

CONCLUSION

Yajna encompasses a holistic approach that apparently offers various benefits such as purification of the air; reduction of microbial load; removal of harmful gases; insecticidal, bactericidal, fungicidal, and antiviral properties; and reduction of radiation. Mantras further contribute to improving lung capacity and mental wellbeing. Yajna represents an integrated scientific approach devised by our ancestors for planetary health, particularly valuable during pandemic situations that impact both physical and mental health. It is unrealistic to vaccinate the entire global human and animal population within a specific timeframe. Presently, innovative noninvasive drug delivery systems through inhalation have gained attention in pharmacotherapy. Implementing the holistic methodology of Yajna, which delivers medicinal compounds multidimensionally to both living and nonliving entities, can provide immediate benefits to the world. This method is easy, ecofriendly, and cost-effective and utilizes indigenous ingredients. While scientific justifications and supporting research are necessary, initiating the implementation of Yajna immediately can benefit the globe without harmful outcomes.

Conflicts of interest

There are no conflicts of interest.

Funding Statement

Nil.