A critical appraisal on Swarnaprashana 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.

Perinatal Practices & Traditions Among Asian Indian Women

“…most often honey, may be offered in place of colostrum or prior to breastfeeding initiation upon advice from female family members as it is thought to protect the infant from illness (Laroia & Sharma, 2006). Honey is often used as part of the Jatakarma ceremony, where the father places a drop of ghee and honey on the baby's tongue and whispers the name of God in his ear, welcoming the new infant and protecting it from illness (Jyothy, Sheshagiri, Patel, & Rajagopala, 2014). Given the risk of botulism with unpasteurized honey, parents must be cautioned not to give honey to infants less than 12 months of age (Grant, McLauchlin, & Amar, 2013).…”

The Concept of Immunomodulation in Ayurveda W.S.R. To Its Significance in Preventing Emerging Infections Like Covid 2019

“…1. Swarna Prashana (administration of gold) [9] : Gold is indicated for internal use even before conception so as to be get a healthy baby. After birth in Lehana (supplementary feeds) and Jatakarma Samskara, gold has been said to have a major role to play.…”

A Review on Kumarabharana Prasha: A Novel Ayurvedic Electuary

“…Lehana is one of the unique concept of Kaumarabhritya (Ayurveda Pediatrics) 1 . The word meaning of Lehana is licking or lickables and its consistency is semi-solid or sticky form 2 .…”

“…It helps in strengthening the body's immune mechanism 3,5 . Acharya Kashyapa had explained in detail about Lehana 1 . According to Dalhana, Lehana should be continued for one to two years.…”

“…Hence the Lehyas remain unctuous, sticky semisolids, a variety of medicinal preparation. Swarnaprashana is one such medicine, where Svarna and other medicines are mixed with honey and administered to children with the aim of desire benefits 1 . In Kashyapa Samhita a separate chapter called Lehadhyaya is devoted to explaining various forms of lehana.…”