The sacred ritual of Agnihotra enriches all that surrounds and remains with powerful healing energy–even the resultant ash that is left over from the homa is no exception. This ash soaks in the vibrations generated at the time of the ritual, offering amazing benefits through its innumerous spiritual and purifying properties.
Agnihotra ash is often worn by practitioners as a tilak, and it can also be mixed with water to create a paste for ceremonial use. But the ash has incredible applications beyond its symbolic value as well. Scientific research has clearly shown that Agnihotra ash is rich in phosphorus, making it an ideal natural fertiliser fit for gardening and agricultural purposes.
The ash has also long been known for its antibacterial profile. Adding it to water can not only promote its alkalinity but also significantly reduce the water’s bacterial load–purifying it in the process. Remarkably, Agnihotra ash’s unique potency makes it completely safe for oral consumption. Once sifted through a mesh it can be consumed orally as a prophylactic, helping keep all sorts of illness at bay.
One of the more astonishing properties of the ash is its ability to neutralise the effects of radiation on the body. An experiment conducted on rice collected from Fukushima after the disaster, showed that combining the rice with Agnihotra ash completely rid it of its radioactivity within a period of two weeks. This is perhaps the underlying reason why the ash is also consumed to counteract atmospheric pollution, environmental toxicity, and to protect oneself from disturbing frequencies originating from microwaves, cell phones, computers, etc.
Combining Agnihotra ash with ghee produces a potent ointment. Something that can soothe and heal burns, bring nourishment to dry skin, and can also be ingested by heart patients for improved cardiac health. For respiratory conditions and illnesses, boiling water infused with Agnihotra ash can create vapour with anti-inflammatory and mucolytic properties. Inhalation of said vapour can aid in clearing and relaxing the respiratory system.
The most ideal time to gather Agnihotra ash is right before the next Agnihotra cycle. Which means if ash is to be collected from today’s evening ritual, it is best to leave it completely undisturbed and collect it only before tomorrow’s morning ritual. To preserve its potency, Agnihotra ash should be stored in a natural container, like one made out of either glass, copper or pottery.
Any remedies prepared with Agnihotra ash should not be sold for monetary gain. As per vedic practices, this knowledge and all medicinal preparations emanating from it should be passed on freely, for all of society’s mutual benefit.