A Critical Appraisal on Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana
Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: A Critical Appraisal on Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Manoj Kumar Samantaray
Product Head, R&D Department, Ayurvedaone Pvt Ltd, Yeshwanthpur Industrial Suburb, Yeswanthpur, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Anjali Asok
Product Coordinator, R&D Department, Ayurvedaone Pvt Ltd, Yeshwanthpur Industrial Suburb, Yeswanthpur, Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
Ayushdhara:
(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)
Full text available for: A Critical Appraisal on Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana
Year: 2023 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v10i1.1160
Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
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Summary of article contents:
Introduction
Swarna-prashana, as described in ancient Ayurvedic texts, is a method of administering processed gold to children. This practice, attributed to Acharya Kashyapa, has been part of Ayurveda for thousands of years and is believed to enhance various aspects of a child's health, including cognition, digestion, metabolism, physical strength, immunity, complexion, and lifespan. This review critically evaluates the Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana, discussing its formulation, administration methods, and reported health benefits. Swarnaprashana is mainly associated with two significant Ayurvedic practices: Lehana (nutritional supplementation) and Jatakarma Samskara (newborn care), showcasing its relevance across different stages of childhood development.
Benefits of Swarnaprashana
The administration of Swarnaprashana offers numerous health benefits supported by traditional Ayurvedic principles. It is said to improve Medha (intellect), Agni (digestion), Bala (physical strength), Varna (complexion), and Ayu (lifespan) among children. The specific effects of this regimen manifest based on the duration of administration: children are believed to exhibit enhanced intelligence and immunity as they continue the treatment. Scholars such as Acharya Sushruta and Acharya Vagbhata have documented its benefits, recommending Swarnaprashana as part of newborn care and consequent dietary practices to ensure optimal growth and development for infants.
Mechanism of Action and Herbal Combinations
Swarna-prashana functions through the immunomodulatory properties of its key ingredient, Swarna bhasma (gold ash), which can enhance memory and provide antioxidant effects. The formulation typically includes various herbs known for their therapeutic properties, such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) for cognitive enhancement, Vacha (Acorus calamus) for its nervine tonic effects, and others that are believed to improve immunity and overall health. These combinations are grounded in Ayurvedic medicine principles, which emphasize the synergistic effects of natural ingredients for promoting well-being, particularly in the pediatric population. Recent studies have demonstrated promising results concerning the growth, immunity, and cognitive function of children who regularly consume Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana.
Conclusion
Swarna-prashana, the Ayurvedic practice of administering gold and herbal combinations, presents a significant potential for boosting children’s immunity and cognitive development. The methodology, rooted in classical Ayurvedic texts, underpins its design, emphasizing the importance of bioavailability, proper dosage, and safety in preparation. Ayurvedaone's Swarnaprashana demonstrates encouraging outcomes in children's health, leading to improved learning abilities and reduced instances of recurrent health issues. Overall, structured research and adherence to Ayurvedic principles could enhance its efficacy and standardization, offering a holistic approach to pediatric health and development.
FAQ section (important questions/answers):
What is Swarnaprashana and its significance in Ayurveda?
Swarnaprashana is the administration of processed gold to children, aimed at enhancing cognition, immunity, digestion, and overall physical strength. It is a crucial Ayurvedic ritual for newborn care and child development.
What are the benefits of administering Swarnaprashana to children?
Swarnaprashana is believed to improve intelligence, physical strength, immunity, and lifespan. It acts as a natural immunization, assisting in maintaining a healthy and disease-free life span for children.
How is Swarnaprashana prepared and administered?
To prepare Swarnaprashana, purified gold is triturated with honey and ghee on a clean stone facing east. It can be administered as a supplement starting from infancy and is recommended for various growth stages.
Glossary definitions and references:
Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “A Critical Appraisal on Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.
1) Gold (Golden):
Gold is a valuable metal used for various purposes including decorations, coins, and therapeutic applications in Ayurveda, known as Swarna, it is utilized to boost physical strength, immunity, and various other health benefits, especially in children
2) Disease:
In Ayurveda, certain preparations like Swarnaprashana are aimed at preventing and treating various diseases. By boosting immunity and overall health, these ancient methods target both prevention and management of diseases in the human body
3) Vaca:
Vacha (Acorus calamus) is a nootropic herb used in Ayurveda for its neuroprotective benefits. It contains chemical elements like acorenone and acoramone and helps in treating neurological disorders, improving memory and cognitive functions
4) Durva:
Durva (Cynodon dactylon) is an herb known for its antiviral, anti-allergic, and anti-helminthic properties. It also holds neuroprotective roles, reducing oxidative stress and cognitive dysfunction in children
5) Cynodon dactylon:
Cynodon dactylon, also known as Durva, has multifaceted benefits including antiviral, anti-allergic, and anti-helminthic properties. It plays a neuroprotective role by reducing oxidative stress and cognitive dysfunction
6) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda is an ancient Indian medicine system that employs various herbs and minerals, including gold (Swarna), for enhancing health, immunity, and treating diseases. Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana is an example showing these principles in practice
7) Kaidarya:
Kaidarya (Murraya koenigii) is an herb utilized in Swarnaprashana for its anti-poisonous, skin disease treatment, and appetizing properties. It promotes intelligence and treats learning disabilities in children
8) Brahmi:
Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is known for enhancing cognitive functions. Its active ingredients, bacosides, neutralize free radicals, protect the body against chronic diseases, and boost memory, focus, and concentration
9) Saussurea lappa:
Saussurea lappa, known as Kushta, has compounds that appear to kill worms (nematodes) and exhibit anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory activities. It is also effective for skin diseases and respiratory disorders
10) Acorus calamus:
Acorus calamus, also known as Vacha, is effective as a nervine tonic and brain enhancer. Its chemical elements stimulate brain function and helps treat neurological conditions
11) Science (Scientific):
Scientific studies on gold ash (Swarna bhasma) show its effects on immune responses, demonstrating benefits in memory augmentation and overall health improvement. Future research will further clarify its benefits in Swarnaprashana
12) Samskara:
Swarnaprashana samskara is an Ayurvedic ritual for children where purified gold is administered to improve immunity, mental, and physical health. It forms part of essential rites like Jatakarma and Pumsavana
13) Anjali (Amjali):
Anjali Asok is one of the authors of the article, serving as the Product Coordinator at Ayurvedaone Pvt Ltd. She has contributed to the research and development of Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana
14) Medha (Medhas):
Medha refers to intellect or cognitive abilities. The herbs and gold formulations in Swarnaprashana aim to improve Medha, benefiting intelligence, focus, and cognitive functions in children
15) Kumar:
Manoj Kumar Samantaray is another author of the article and Product Head at Ayurvedaone Pvt Ltd. He has contributed to the critical appraisal of Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana
16) Honey:
Honey is used along with Swarna (gold) and Ghee in Swarnaprashana preparations, enhancing the benefits of gold in boosting immunity and overall health of children
17) Ghi (Ghee):
Ghee is a clarified butter used in Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana formulas. It acts as a carrier for gold ash, enhancing its absorption and effectiveness in improving health and immunity
18) Nakshatra (Naksatra):
Pushya Nakshatra, a star in the Hindu calendar, is considered auspicious for administering Swarnaprashana due to its nourishing influence. However, dosage and timing are important for efficacy
19) Pumsavana:
Pumsavana Karma is an Ayurvedic procedure done after conception aimed at achieving desired fetal development and sex. Gold is used before and during this procedure to promote good health and immunity
20) Jatakarman (Jatakarma, Jata-karman, Jata-karma):
Jatakarma Samskara involves administering Swarna with honey and ghee at birth, aiding in newborn care by providing nutritional and preventive benefits
21) Kashyapa (Kasyapa, Kashya-pa, Kashyapanamdana):
Acharya Kashyapa is an ancient Ayurvedic scholar who described the technique of Swarnaprashana, where gold is triturated with water, honey, and ghee for various health benefits in children
22) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
Rasayana refers to Ayurvedic rejuvenation therapies. Gold, known for its Rasayana properties, is recommended for enhancing lifespan, intellect, and overall health when used in formulations like Swarnaprashana
23) Fixation:
The dosage fixation of Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana follows pediatric dose calculation formulas like Fried's Rule and Young's Rule, ensuring safety and efficacy for different age groups of children
24) Samhita:
Samhita refers to classical Ayurvedic texts like Susrutha Samhitha, which provide the foundational principles and formulations for Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana preparations
25) Bhasma (Bhasman):
Swarna Bhasma is incinerated gold used in Swarnaprashana formulations. It is known for its immunomodulatory properties and benefits in growth, development, and physical strength
26) Ghrita (Ghrta):
Ghrita, or clarified butter, serves as a base in Ayurvedic formulations including Swarnaprashana, where it aids in delivering the benefits of other ingredients like gold and herbs
27) Medhya:
Medhya refers to substances that enhance cognitive abilities. Various herbs and gold preparations in Swarnaprashana have Medhya properties, aiming to improve intelligence, focus, and cognitive functions
28) Costus:
Costus, derived from the plant Saussurea lappa, has compounds that exhibit anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory properties, making it useful for various medicinal purposes
29) Karma (Karman):
Karma in Ayurveda refers to specific procedures or actions, such as Pumsavana Karma or Jatakarma Samskara, aimed at health benefits like improved immunity and development
30) Birth:
Jatakarma Samskara, performed at birth, involves the administration of Swarna with honey and ghee to provide newborns with nutritional and preventive health benefits
31) Fight:
Swarna Bhasma helps stimulate macrophages to fight infections by enhancing cellular immune responses. This makes it beneficial for immunity and combating diseases
32) Agni:
Agni in Ayurveda refers to the digestive fire or metabolism. Swarnaprashana aims to improve Agni, enhancing digestion and metabolism in children
33) Loha:
Sapta Loha refers to seven metals in Ayurveda, among which Swarna (gold) is one. These metals, including their various preparations, have therapeutic benefits
34) Bala:
Bala refers to physical strength and immunity. Gold and various herbs in Swarnaprashana aim to improve Bala, enhancing overall health and resilience in children
35) Human body:
Gold has significant effects on the human body, from conception to death, enhancing cognitive abilities, physical strength, and immunity, as mentioned in classical Ayurvedic texts
36) Shankhapushpi (Sankhapuspi, Samkhapuspi):
Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus prostratus) is a nootropic herb that boosts memory, focus, concentration, and cognitive abilities. It is used in Swarnaprashana formulations for these benefits
37) Shuddhaloha (Suddhaloha, Shuddha-loha):
Shuddha Loha refers to pure metals, like gold, that are used in Ayurveda for their preventive and defensive properties, particularly in formulations like Swarnaprashana
38) Inflammation:
Herbs like Saussurea lappa in Swarnaprashana exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, aiding in reducing inflammation and promoting overall health
39) Vajikarana:
Vajikarana refers to Ayurveda's aphrodisiac therapies. Gold, known for its Vajikarana properties, is used to enhance physical strength, fertility, and overall vitality
40) Discussion:
The article discusses the benefits of Swarnaprashana, including enhanced immunity, cognitive abilities, and physical strength, and considers its scientific validation and traditional usage
41) Karnataka:
Karnataka, India, is where Ayurvedaone Pvt Ltd operates, contributing research and development to formulations like Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana
42) Knowledge:
Ayurveda's extensive knowledge includes using gold and herbs for health benefits such as improved cognition, immunity, and physical strength, as exemplified by Swarnaprashana
43) Flavonoid:
Flavonoids are antioxidants found in various herbs used in Swarnaprashana, like Shankhapushpi, which help neutralize free radicals and protect against cell damage
44) Vagbhata:
Acharya Vagbhata is an ancient Ayurvedic scholar who recommended the use of gold and various herbs in pediatric care to enhance intellect and immunity
45) Mangalam:
Mangalam, meaning auspicious, refers to the benefits of Swarnaprashana in promoting good fortune and overall well-being for children
46) Medhavi:
Medhavi refers to a state of high intelligence. Swarnaprashana, when administered for one month, can make a child Parama Medhavi, or very intelligent
47) Hiranya:
Hiranya is a synonym for Swarna (gold) mentioned in Vedic literature, highlighting its early knowledge and therapeutic uses in Indian traditions
48) Shuddha (Suddha):
Shuddha refers to purity. In Ayurveda, Shuddha Loha like gold are used in purified forms for therapeutic benefits as seen in Swarnaprashana
49) Mineral:
Ayurveda utilizes various metals and minerals, like gold, for their therapeutic powers, which are backed by numerous references in classical texts
50) Parama:
When Swarnaprashana is administered for a month, a child can become Parama Medhavi, which means very intelligent, showcasing its significant cognitive benefits
51) Aureus:
Staphylococcus aureus, a pathogen tested in the quality control of Swarnaprashana formulations, was found to be absent, ensuring safety
52) Cancer:
Bacopa monnieri (Brahmi) in Swarnaprashana has antioxidants that protect against cell damage and chronic conditions like heart disease and cancer
53) Animal:
Animal studies on Swarna Bhasma show its stimulatory effects on macrophages, enhancing immune response, and demonstrating benefits in memory and immunity
54) Indian:
Swarnaprashana has its roots in ancient Indian Ayurveda, where gold and various herbs are used to boost immunity, cognitive functions, and overall health
55) Madhu:
Madhu, or honey, is used with Swarna and Ghrita (ghee) in Swarnaprashana formulations, enhancing the benefits of gold in boosting health and immunity
56) Varna:
Varna refers to color and complexion. Swarnaprashana is known to improve Varna along with other health benefits like immunity, intellect, and physical strength
57) India:
The practice of Swarnaprashana is rooted in Indian Ayurveda, involving the use of gold and medicinal herbs to enhance children's health and immunity
58) Nimba:
Kaidarya is also called Surabhini-nimba, used in Swarnaprashana for its benefits in promoting intelligence and treating learning disabilities in children
59) Ayus (Ayush):
Ayush refers to life or longevity. Swarnaprashana aims to promote Ayush, improving lifespan and overall vitality through its therapeutic benefits
60) Death:
Gold has significant therapeutic effects on the human body from conception to death, enhancing physical and cognitive functions, as well as overall health
61) Veda:
Swarna (gold) appears in Vedic literature as Hiranya, highlighting its early knowledge and therapeutic uses in Indian traditions
62) Worm:
Costus root, used in Swarnaprashana, has compounds that kill worms (nematodes) and exhibit other medicinal properties like anti-inflammatory effects
63) Milk:
In Jatakarma Samskara, breast milk is insufficient for the first four days after birth, making the administration of Swarna with honey and ghee beneficial for the newborn
64) Drug:
Medhya drugs like Brahmi, Vacha, and Shankhapushpi in Swarnaprashana formulations enhance cognitive abilities and overall health in children
Other Science Concepts:
Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘A Critical Appraisal on Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:
Bala, Agni, Varna, Ayu, Medha, Brahmi, Ghrita, Rasayana, Pushyanakshatra, Durva, Shrutadhara, Lehana, Kusta, Vacha, Vajikarana, Purified gold, Gold formulations, Immunomodulator, Chronic disease treatment, Swarna Prashana, Susrutha Samhita, Jatakarma Samskara, Health promoter, Young's rule, Fried's rule, Ayurvedaone Swarnaprashana, Parama Medhavi, Shankapushpi.