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A critical appraisal on Swarnaprashana in children
K B Jyothy1, Srihari Sheshagiri1, Kalpana S Patel2
1Department of Kaumarabhritya, Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and Research Centre, Wardha, Maharashtra, India.
Insights
Swarnaprashana, an Ayurvedic practice using processed gold for children, is reviewed for its benefits in enhancing intellect, immunity, and overall health. This ancient therapy, detailed in Ayurvedic texts, offers a holistic approach to child wellness.
Area of Science:
- Ayurvedic Medicine
- Pediatric Health
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Swarnaprashana, an ancient Ayurvedic practice, involves administering processed gold to children.
- Ayurveda texts describe its use for improving intellect, digestion, immunity, and physical strength.
- Formulations vary and can include herbal combinations for prolonged use.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically evaluate existing data on Swarnaprashana.
- To clarify traditional Ayurvedic principles regarding its administration and benefits.
- To review scientific studies related to Swarnaprashana.
Main Methods:
- Review of classical Ayurvedic textbooks.
- Analysis of traditional texts detailing age, method, benefits, and dosage.
- Inclusion of reports from related scientific studies.
Main Results:
- Swarnaprashana is implicated in Ayurvedic practices like Lehana and Jatakarma Samskara.
- Benefits range from general health promotion to specific enhancements in intelligence, digestion, immunity, and physical strength.
- Ayurveda mandates the use of purified and processed gold for internal administration.
Conclusions:
- Swarnaprashana can act as a general health promoter for children.
- Specific benefits like enhanced intellect, immunity, and physical strength are achievable.
- Administration age and duration should be tailored to desired health outcomes in children.
Abstract:
Administration of processed gold in children is a unique practice mentioned in Ayurveda as "Swarnaprashana" by Acharya Kashyapa thousands of years back. He explained evidently the administration of Swarna (gold) in children for the benefits of improving intellect, digestion and metabolism, physical strength, immunity, complexion, fertility, and life span. There are various formulations of gold and even along with herbal drugs explained by different Acharya for prolonged usage in children. Swarnaprashana in children can be mainly implicated in two contexts of Ayurveda; Lehana (supplementary feeds) and Jatakarma Samskara (newborn care). This review is an effort to critically evaluate the available data, which may be helpful in clearing some of the existing fallacies on the topic. The age and method of administration, benefits and dosage as per various classical textbooks of Ayurveda are discussed here along with the reports of related scientific studies. This review proposes that the benefits of Swarnaprashana can be achieved at multiple levels like as a general health promoter and in specific to enhancement of intelligence, digestion, metabolism, immunity, physical strength, complexion, or fertility. Ayurveda recommends only purified and processed form of gold for internal administration. The age at which Swarnaprashana should be administered and its duration can be determined depending upon the desired effect in children as a positive health care program.
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