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.

Ayu
|July 22, 2015
PubMed

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.

Related Concept Videos

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption01:23

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Overview and Drug Absorption

Understanding the physiological differences in the pediatric population is crucial for effective pharmacotherapy. Neonates, infants, and children exhibit significant variations in gastric pH, gastric emptying time, intestinal transit time, and biliary function. These variations profoundly affect oral drug absorption, necessitating a nuanced approach to pediatric dosing.Neonates present with a unique physiological profile, having a gastric pH greater than 4 and faster and more irregular gastric...
246
Drug Dosing: Infants and Children01:29

Drug Dosing: Infants and Children

Pediatric patient dosages diverge from adults due to disparities in body surface area, total body water, and extracellular fluid per kilogram of body weight. The dosing regimen considers the variations in pharmacokinetics and pharmacology across distinct age groups, encompassing preterm newborns, infants, young children, older children, and adolescents. Calculation of pediatric patient doses is predicated on determining body surface area, which exhibits a superior correlation with the child's...
255
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism01:24

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Metabolism

In pediatric care, understanding the nuances of hepatic drug metabolism is crucial, as it significantly differs from that of adults. This divergence is primarily due to the developmental stage of drug-metabolizing enzymes, which affects how medications are processed in the body. In neonates, for instance, the activity of Phase I enzymes—critical for the initial breakdown of drugs—is markedly reduced, functioning at just 20–40% of the levels seen in adults. This reduction poses...
193
Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion01:26

Pharmacokinetics in Pediatric Patients: Drug Excretion

In pediatric medicine, understanding the renal function and drug elimination nuances is crucial for administering safe and effective treatments. Newborns, in particular, display markedly slower renal functions than adults, profoundly affecting how drugs are cleared from their bodies. This slower drug clearance requires clinicians to extend the dosing intervals for many medications to prevent drug accumulation and toxicity while ensuring therapeutic efficacy.One key area where these adjustments...
212
Assessment of apical pulse01:17

Assessment of apical pulse

Assessing the Apical Pulse
Assessing the apical pulse is a critical nursing procedure, particularly indicated for:
1.9K
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles01:30

Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles

A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
1.6K