An ayurvedic natural way to build immunity and brain power for kids.
Category: Swarna Prashana
Learn about Swarnaprashana, its deeper meaning, people practising is, where-tos and how-tos, pushya nakshatra’s significance and collection of various information.
Given below are the details of a few countries as a request by parents and doctors. If you could not find your country let us know (through the comment box below). We will work with our astrology team to get the right details.
Given below are the details of a few countries as a request by parents and doctors. If you could not find your country let us know (through the comment box below). We will work with our astrology team to get the right details.
In today’s world when it comes to holistic childcare or wellness of the family, we have lot more options than ever. In the quest of finding the right procedure to build an over all healthy child seems to be an endless loop. Like a light at the end of the tunnel, current generation parents are indeed going back to the roots. It is surprising to see our ancestors have derived certain activities that is not only enhances physical or physiological growth, but for complete spiritual growth. Let us go back in time, and see what they did when a child is born.
We would strongly advice you to treat this article for information purpose only and seek your Doctors or right professionals if you want to follow it. We would like to thank all our parents in our whatsapp group who constantly kept us encouraging to publish something like this.
Immediately after birth
Very first thing when a baby arrives, they wanted to start with a positive impression on the baby, because babies can record consciously. The father would recite a Sloka in baby’s right ear.
“Angaadangaat sambhavasi hridayaadadhijayase|
Atma vai putranamaasi sa jiva saradassatham||”
Which means “You are born from each of my limbs. Heart is the abode of desire, called ‘Putra”, you are indeed my Atma (form). May you live a hundred years.”. The very first thing baby hears or get blessed is, “live a hundred years” Wow! What a positive thought our forefathers had!
Jatakarma
From this point onwards, one of the six childhood saṃskaras starts, this is called Jatakarma. They first cut umbilical cord. Today in the west and some hospitals in India, do allow fathers to be part of delivery and he gets a chance to cut umbilical cord, this situation fosters a healthy bonding with the new born.
Post cutting of umbilical cord, father chants a sloka and administers mixture of gold bhasma, ghee and honey. They might have done this for two reasons, firstly they would welcome the new born with sweet taste, which will trigger baby’s taste buds. Secondly, normal mother would take three days to lactate, until then, this mixture called as swarna prashan will give necessary nourishment. While administering father would chant the following sloka
“May Agnideva bestow on you retentive memory, progeny and splendor and power. May Indra bestow on you retentive memory, progeny and power of Indriyas (sense organs). May Surya bestow on you retentive memory, progeny and brilliance.”
The very next thing after blessing the child with long life, now, they enable and bless the baby with cognitive power.
On the first day, they used to give three type of gold based mixture with mantra japa, like :
Gold and vacha
Gold, vacha, brahmi, kushta, haritaki with ghee and honey
Gold, amalaki, chorrnam, ghee and honey.
They also placed the sacred nine grains called as navadhanyam mixed with turmeric water powder near the head side for 7 days. Each grains represent one the cosmic planet that influences the baby to attend positive support form this planets. Turmeric was mixed to drive away insects. There is also a hidden message in nine grains, which we will explore in our forthcoming article.
From day one to first birthday day, a lemon was kept near the head to observe the negative vibrations.
Second day and third day, yashimadhu ghrtam would be give, by this time, mother would be able to lactate. In case of delay in lactation, they used to give fresh butter.
Mother’s feed
By now, mother starts to feed her baby. At this stage mother would offer the right breast first with the following sloka.
“May this child, by suckling, drink old age and long life. (may live a long life). O breast, enable this child to develop long life, brilliance, fame and strength.”
In some case, mother may not be able to lactate, the best alternative was to give goats milk
While feeding, a pot of water is placed at the head side of the baby. Following mantra is recited.
“O Waters, while we sleep, you be awake and drive away demons from here.”
Pot of water can be placed at the head side of the baby till they sleep peacefully alone and pour this water to baby’s birth star plant, this washes away the negative energy. Even adults can follow this to protect them from bad dreams.
They also used to wear vacha on hands, legs, neck and head. Precious gems were in use during olden days along with horn of cow or ox or deer. All these would help baby to heal and protect their nonphysical body.
Fumigation would be started with vacha, ashtagantha and few more herbs to strengthen their breathing path, protect from cold and purify air around that area. Mantras were chanted during morning and evening daily. By the tenth day they perform Naming ceremony known as Namakarana, which we will write in detail later.
It is astonishing to see our ancient peripatetic knowledge and practice is far advanced than we think, and in fact with no side effects! read that again. In our continuation of this article we will list of exact herbs and proportion that starts from day 1 to age 12.
Velu Jayaprakash is a social entrepreneur, product manager, techy, photographer, meditator, father of two angels, ancient wisdom seeker, holistic adviser and Soul coach. You can reach him at velu.jayaprakash AT gmail DOT com
View all posts by Velu Jayaprakash
We found yet another extraordinary work by Dr.Vinarma Sharma: Toxicity Study of Suvarna Prashana in Albino Rats, KLE University.
Long term use of Suvarna Prashan has been recommended for neonate and claimed as a wide range of therapeutic efficacy in classics. Its modified form Swarnaprashana may have some unknown toxicity profile.This study was done to find out of possibility of toxicity of swarnaprashana.
The study shows that no sign of toxicity was observed in the chronic level of administration in Albino rats. No mortality and abnormal behaviour changes were found. Maximum increase in weight was observed in the Swarnaprashana group.
The present study shows that no signs of toxicity when used for longer term.
Today is Pushya Nakshatra, to administer Swarnaprashana (why?). Gold or swarna is the key elements in swarnaprashana. So we decided to write a detailed view about gold for the benefits of everyone.
Gold is the most loved and valued metal on earth. It is precious because of its uniqueness and wide applications. It is also an important metals for healing. The use of gold in medicine is seen throughout the history of civilization, especially in Indian and Chinese medicines. Edible form of gold is used in higher end form of food and beverages. Eating gold is always part of gastronomic luxury even today. Cosmetic industry uses gold in their premium products for anti-ageing.
The use of gold compounds in modern era began in twentieth century after the discovery of gold cyanide having bacteriostatic properties. The use of ant arthritic gold compounds have been in use since the introduction of the popular drug aura fin in 1985. Which is still one of the most effective drugs for reducing inflammation in joints the efficacy of gold in treatment of arthritis was better understood after Second World War. Subsequently gold therapy was introduced and now it is accepted as a part of medicine called chrysotherapy. The gold drugs were used in treatment of variety of arthritis and skin problems such as utricaria and psoriasis. The search for new therapeutic uses of gold other than rheumatoid arthritis has led to some interesting advances and achievement of major miles stones in cancer treatment.
Modern medicine and surgery finds lot of scope in its potential application most of the applications are largely related to the excellent biocompatibility and inertness of this versatile metal. Gold is resistant to bacterial infection and has been used in surgeries and implants that are at risk of infection. That is why our ancestors chose gold for piercing ears. Gold is radiopaque which means gold plated stents offer best visibility under X-ray, enabling them to be positioned accurately during surgery.
Nanotechnology is one of the most advanced technique in modern medicine. Gold nanoparticles possess vast potential for a variety of biomedical applications in imaging, diagnosis and therapeutics. Gold nanoparticles represent a major achievement in nanotechnology and milestone in cancer treatment. A potent anticancer compound attached to a gold nanoparticle can be delivered directly and accurately to a tumor without affecting the surrounding tissues. This is a major step forward towards cancer treatment.
Gold is used as nano particles in the form of colloidal gold, magnetic nano-gold particles, nano-gold sphere, nano-shell, nano-rods, gold cluster. Gold colloids are sold in market as mineral supplements that enhances brain function for sharper mental ability.
Ayurvedic medicines uses gold mainly in bhasma form. Bhasmas are one of the unique preparations in Ayurveda, they can be said to be one of the most ancient applications of nano-technology. Studies establish that these herbo-mineral formulations are nearer to nano-crystalline materials of modern era, similar in physico-chemical properties. The action of bhasmas can be compared to the bhasmas are readily absorbable, adaptable and assimilate without being toxic these attributes of bhasmas are comparable with the action of NPs in the body which are also biodegradable, biocompatible and non-antigenic in nature, Gold bhasma contains globular particles of gold with average size between 56 to 57nano metre. The gold bhasma and the gold nanoparticles prepared by modern method are quite comparable.
Swarna (gold) bhasma has been used in treatment of many diseases and for rejuvenation for ages. It is considered the best rejuvenators to improve longevity and prevent antiaging. This natural aphrodisiac is used in treatment of infertility and sexual weakness. It improves intelligence, memory, and speaking capacity. Impaired intelligence, loss of memory, pscychosis, epilepsy and many other nervous problems are treated with swarnabhasma. It increases digestion, and improves strength and immunity. Asthma, Malabsorption syndrome, dyspepsia, muscular weakness, general debility, and many other major illness involving Vata are treated using gold bhasma. The properties to improve metabolism of blood formation, digestion, assimilation, excretion and purification, and nervous coordination all the diseases of Vata and Kapha imbalance respond quickly to use of Swarna Bhasma. Swarna bhasma is usually given orally mixed with honey, ghee or milk.
In ancient text Ashtanga Hridaya Sutrasthana, it is mentioned that, if someone uses gold bhasma for a few months, the toxins cannot do any harm, just like a water drop that cannot touch the leaf of the lotus flower.
Gold posses lot of antioxidant properties and it is very beneficial for babies who were delivered with difficulty. During the process of delivery, oxidative stress to the baby and this can be relieved with the antioxidant properties of swarna bhasma in the swarnaprashana.
According to the acharyas, gold should be fed to the infant even before the breast milk secretion happens. Hence, it became a part of essential sixteen samskaras mentioned in ancient texts for pediatrics.
Further to the study by the SDM college of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan Karnataka, 30 children between the age group of 3-8 participated in the pilot clinical study. They were administered 1 ml swarnaprashana once daily for thirty days before food on empty stomach.
Symptoms of upper respiratory tract infections like cough, sleep disturbance, ronchi, tonsillitis, dyspnoea and pharyngitis were scored arbitrarily and noted before and after treatment.
We found an extraordinary journal published at International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy.
A multicentric public health initiative was conducted by the SDM college of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan Karnataka to understand and to note the preventive and promotive aspect of Swarnaprashana in children. It was conducted in their college and other identified swarnaprashana centres across Karnataka.
Over 3,14877 children participated in the public health initiative. Children aged between 0-16 years were administered swarnaprashana once in a month in 16 centers.
After the completion of 21 doses that is 21 months the results were assessed.
94.73% reported improvement in mental and physical health.
56.14% parents reported that the child is free from recurrent respiratory tract infections in past 6 months.
79.46% showed improvement in memory and concentration.
79.82% showed improvement in digestion related complaints.
Great work by respective people. Read the actual research journal here.
First of all, we thank all the parents, volunteers, doctors of this program who consistency conducted swarna prashana camps at Abilashrayam past one year without a break. We hope to do more of this kind programs.
Abilashrayam Trust is a registered Indian Non Government, Non Religious, Non Profit, Social Service Organization working on child rights, senior citizen rights & rural development across India.
We also encourage all viewers to contribute to this noble vision of Abilashrayam Trust. There are lot of ways to help them. feel free to get in touch with them directly.
Velu Jayaprakash is a social entrepreneur, product manager, techy, photographer, meditator, father of two angels, ancient wisdom seeker, holistic adviser and Soul coach. You can reach him at velu.jayaprakash AT gmail DOT com
View all posts by Velu Jayaprakash
What are the other names of Swarna Prashana?
Swarna prashana is sometimes known by other names like, Swarna amruta prashana, Swarna prashana, Swarna prashan, Swarn prashan, Swarna bindu prashana or Suvarna prashan.
What is the history of this practiced?
Origin can be traced back to vedic ages. References about swarna prashana can be found in ghrya sutras and manusmriti. Direct reference about swarna prashana is available in Kashayapa Samhita or Vridha Jeevaka Tantra written before 600 B.C.
Will swarna increase heat in the body?
There are no significant changes in the body temperature in normal condition. But in certain conditions like acute fever swarna bhasma may increase the body temperature. It is always advised to take a doctors opinion in such cases before taking swarna prashana.
Why cow’s ghee?
Ayurveda advises cow’s ghee because it is more assimilable and digestible to other ghee and in a sense cow’s ghee fat is nearer to composition of human body fat. Cow’s ghee has anti collestric activity, immuno stimulant activity and has memory enhancing activity and promotes healing of wounds. click here for more info about ghee.
Is ghee and honey mixed together is poison?
The research conducted shows that when honey and ghee are mixed in equal amount the browning and anti oxidants are increased. Therefore there is no poisonous effect when both are mixed together.
Is Swarna Prasha alone enough for improving health?
Swarna Prashana can be supplemented with other medicines like chyavanprash, indukantham ghee, abhrak bhasma, etc. It is always advised to take a doctors opinion.
Is it okay to skip a dosage?
Its always advised not to skip the swarnaprashana to maintain the efficiency of the medicine. But if missed nothing harm. Even doctors don’t administer, if the child is critically ill or having some acute problems on that particular day.
Why is this recommended only for kids?
The first few months and years of life are important for the cognitive, emotional and physical growth of children. Scientific evidence suggests that if brain does not receive appropriate stimulation during the early years of life then it is very difficult to rewire itself at a later stage.
Can pregnant ladies take this?
Pregnant ladies are advised to take only selected ayurvedic herbal remedies for the easy delivery as advised by doctor.
Will this be useful for special or delayed milestone children?
Yes, Special children are very much benefited by swarnaprashana. It helps to improve their overall immunity and brain development.
What are Swarna Prashana ingredients? Swarna, Madhu, Grutha and Arka.
Does it cure Asthama / Weezing / Cold / Dust Allergy?
Swarna Prashana improves the immunity of the child. Studies show that severity frequency of attacks are reduced to an greater extent. It is always advised to take a doctors opinion to take additional medicines if needed.
Is there any other things like Swarna Prashana for kids?
There are other medicinal preparations in the form of lehya, ghritam, granules and arishtam, etc. Always consult with your doctor for more information.
If I stop it in middle, does this clear any side effect?
There can be no problems if you discontinue to take take honey and ghee. But of course you will not be benefited fully from Swarna Prashana.
Will my kid face any problem like fever or lose motion like we face with some Allopathy vacations?
We have never faced such complaint from parents and children after giving Swarnaprashana, The dosage of Swarnaprashana are too minimal to cause any adverse effects.
Can I give few more dosage or extra in a month?
There is no harm if we give more drops accidentally. Swarna prashana can also be given daily from one month to six months in different dosage according to the age. Acharaya Kashyapa says if swarna prashana is done for 1 month then child will be parama medhavi orextremely intelligent, remains unaffected by vyadhi. If done for 6 months then child will be shruta dhara or have excellent grasping
