Cow’s Ghee – The Super Food.

One of the primary ingredients of Suvarnaprashana or Swarnaprashana is ghee, along with swarna (Gold) bhasma, Madhu (honey), herbs, arka and so on. Cows ghee is the satwik sacred food commonly used in Ayurvedic medicines. This is also called super food.

Plain cow’s ghee itself is medicine in Ayurveda. It improves digestive fire, memory, intelligence, voice, luster, skin softness, immunity, strength, lifespan, eye strength. Traditional ayurvedic practitioners used old ghee or Puranic ghee such as 1 year, 10 year old and even 100 year old ghee as medicines. It was used in treating intoxication, epilepsy insanity poison fever etc.100 times washed ghee is commonly prescribed for treatment of wounds, burns, scars herpes leprosy and other skin diseases. It is a very good anti-aging moisturizer.

Ghee balances vata dosha and pacifies pitta. Medicated ghees form the major part of treatment in problems arising out of vitiated pitta dosha. Along with balancing the doshas it also acts on increasing the ojas – the subtle essence of the tissues that is responsible for life, radiant health, strong immunity, vigor, longevity and overall well being of an individual. The ageing factors in the body reduces ojas that is overcome by adding ghee in food. Ghee increases longevity slowing down the ageing process .

Cow’s ghee enhances physical as well as mental strength building the aura. Modern science says ghee lit lamp emit maximum satwik frequency that remain for hours even after the lamp stops burning. The subtle frequencies emanating from the ghee lamp activates soul energy of the worshipper and purifies the chakra. Ayurveda also mentions that ghee acts as aphrodisiac, relieves sins, poverty, toxicity and evil spirits.

It is the best fat suitable for human consumption. Children should always have ghee in their diet as It helps to promote better health, strengthen the body, improves the memory power. Cows ghee is very good source of nourishment of mother and baby. It can ensure the normal growth and development of the infant and prevent birth defects when taken during pregnancy.

Ghee is proved to beneficial in controlling cholesterol, blood pressure, thyroid dysfuntion, weight loss anti inflammatory and lot more. Our India’s indigenous desi cow’s ghee is a boon to us in treating many medical conditions where modern medicine has found no complete solution. Ghee is caesin free, gluten free and lactose free and very high in fat content. It is very good natural ketogenic diet. Ketogenic diet forces the body to burn fats rather than the carbohydrates.and diet is seriously recommended by many physicians worldwide for treating especially epilepsy and ADHD and there has been evidence of benefit in treating obesity, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, epilepsy, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Disease with this diet. These conditions are treated traditionally in Ayurveda using ghee preparations.

Ghee is known for the healing properties. It facilitates fast recovery from wounds and bedsores. It reduces inflammations by reducing the leukotriene secretion as well as prostaglandin. Majority of the fat content in the ghee consists of saturated fatty acids that contains 85% short chain fatty acids which are are easily digestible and immediately utilized by the body. So the medicated ghee used in ayurvedic treatments is absorbed into the system very fast and facilitate the transport of active principles of the herbs.

Ayurveda says ghee is yoga vahi that means it is used as carrier media for the transport of active principles in herbs and it assimilates the properties of the herbal ingredient without losing its own properties. The ghee being very good lipid base is used for transport of the active principles across the cell membrane even the blood brain barrier. Mostly memory & cognitive power enhancing medicines are ghee based.

Our body loves ghee because of its primary ingredient the butyric acid. Butryic acid is produced by the intestine on their own. The microbes of the gut breakdown the ingested fibre content in the food and convert them into butyric acid and this butyric acid supports the gut related immunity which delivers up to 80% of body’s overall immunity. The high concentration of butyric acid is believed to inhibit cancerous growth .Ghee is the most concentrated source of butyric acid.

Organic ghee is one of the highest natural sources of CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) It is a special type of fat and has anti-oxidant property which promotes the healthy metabolism. which aids weight loss, prevents onset of diabetets with lowering insulin resistance .

The traditional ayurvedic cleansing technique known as panchakarma uses ghee for detox. It is given over series of morning in increasing amounts day after day.This ghee penetrates into nourishing and lubricating GI mucosa, stimulates biliary secretion and releasing more enzyme and hormones. It has lipophilic effect on other fatty acids and fatty toxins, it pulls out fat soluble toxins out of body. In ayurvedic terms, the vitiated doshas are pulled out and brought into the koshta for elimination. These wastes and toxins are brought back to the intestinal tractand expelled by procedures like vamana, virechana vasti, etc. This method also improves the ratio of HDL or good cholesterol to LDL the bad cholesterol.

Ghee has the ability to increase the level of fat soluble vitamins A,D,E,K in the blood by attracting them and making them digested along with itself. These micronutrients are important antioxidants and very essential for the healthy growth and development body as well as reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

Ghee is the best oil for cooking and frying as it has the high smoke point and stable at high temperature.It doesnt break down to form deadly free radicals.It also has a long shelf lifeIts alkaline nature also helps to offset the acidity in the blood and maintain good health. According to Ayurveda, Ghee is the best among the four fats as it gets digests faster compared to others and also increases the digestive fire.

The benefits of using ghee is endless, consumption it on daily basis especially for children, old children and weak. It should be an essential ingredient in their food. The ingestion of Ghee is like offering the finest of fuels into the fires of digestion-Agni. Ghee is one of those dietary ingredients that can be consumed by all at all times. Make sure you add this in your life daily!

Why our ancestors insisted a ritual for introducing solids (Annaprashana) to infants?

In the series of reviving ancient practices with spiritual-scientific meaning, we will decode a specific activity called as Annaprasana. That is, action of introducing semi-solids to solids to baby. Like tonsuring, swarnaprashana, naming and so on, our ancestors have listed Annaprasana as of the sixteen samskaras to be performed by parent to child. This practice was very popular in olden days, it was spanning from india to iranian culture. Hence, you will find this in parsi custom too.

The process of introducing the semi-solids / solids is timed at a particular stage, NOT with respective month. This is extremely wrong. It should be done between the time, when teeth begin to show and mother’s milk starts to diminish. Another reason is, during this time, when teeth show up, it is a clear sign of digestive fire has started to work. So 6th month or 10th month is time the range, but not beyond 10th month. Best judge is the mother. When she know her milk is not sufficient and she sees a teeth, that is the time to introduce solids. It is also a warning sign for mother to slowly reduce her feed. Else, kids will get into suckling and mother unconsciously will lose her own energy.

Best judge is the mother!

Why pray before feeding?

Today, scientifically all agree that, what you think and say have an influence over everything. “Tesla said it. Einstein Agreed. Science proved it. It is a known fact that everything—including our own bodies—is made up of energy vibrating at different frequencies. That being said, can sound frequencies affect us? They sure can. Frequencies affect frequencies; much like mixing ingredients with other ingredients affects the overall flavor of a meal.” – Kasim Khan. Hence, they used to chant mantras or pray to their respective divine. That is why we pray before eating – to invoke the positive energy.

Water memory also illustrates how our own intentions can even alter the material world. This has been demonstrated by Dr. Masaru Emoto, who has performed studies showing how simple intentions through sound, emotions and thoughts can dramatically shape the way water crystallizes. This is also one of the reason, they pray before starting anything, particularly when mother feeds, keeping the mind calm and chanting help a lot.

Which day?

If you know the reasons “Why you shouldn’t cut nails during New Moon day (Amavasya)?” You would know, we are unconsciously affected by heavenly bodies all the time. Each nakshatra is a specific vibration that we can use it. That is the reason Swarna Prashana is given on a Pushya day. In similar line, Rohini has a specific effect. It is best for doing Annaprashana. If you can not follow this day, at least avoid birth star day.

Why this ritual?

In ancient time, this day was also meant to test kids memory. Memory to remember the past life. Today we have parapsychology that does lot of research on past life. For simpler version, trying reading the famous book “Many lives many master” by Prominent Psychiatrist Dr. Brian Weiss

After the first feeding, they used to place different articles, like money, toys, knife, books, flower, food and so on at equal distance to the child. Kids usually crawl towards those items and pick and play. They keep repeating this exercise few more time, sometimes it will be random and other times you will notice a pattern. They do it in ancient japanese tradition too, This reveals his journey for this lifetime.

What to give?

- by Dr. Laskhmy

Start with navara rice, wheat or barley
Modakas are the weaning foods mentioned in Ayurveda in form of semi-solid bolus given for babies on milk and solids. During the weaning phase babies are prone to health problems such as indigestion, diarrhea. Modakas are the weaning foods that can be helpful.
Priyala majja (Seed of Buchanania Lanzan), yashti madhu (glycyrhyzia glabra), honey, puffed rice and sugar-good for improving the nutritional status
Balavilwa (unripe fruit of Aegle marmelos), Elakka, Sugar, Puffed rice-good for digestion
Dhataki, sugar, puffed rice -prevents constipation
Shalyadi modaka- Prepared using any single cereal like rice, wheat, barley, etc. Based on the staple food of family.This can be combined with pulses after the child gets used to it.

Other ghrtas (Ghee based medicines) given for toddlers
Saraswata ghrtam
Mahasaraswata ghrtam
Ashtanga ghrtam
Vachadi ghrtam

Vachadi choornam for speech therapy - Vacha, Yashti Madhu, Rock salt, Haritaki, Shunti, Ajwain, Kushta, Pippalil, Jeerakam, Wight ghee.

Over a period of time, again, the reason was forgotten and people use the month count. If we look deeper, it was a based on common sense. It is amazing how brilliant our ancestors were.

A detailed blog is written by dr. lakshmy on understanding baby food.

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

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

Ravana – The world’s first Pediatrician

Long ago, there lived a king, Ravana, who was extremely knowledgeable in various fields such as,, Aeronautics, Alchemy, Architecture, Astrology, Astronomy, Cooking, Varma (later evolved into Acupressure) Music, etc. Above all, he was also an expert in Ayurveda, particularly pediatrics. This is the reason people equated him as 10 headed person.

He was well versed in the uses of various herbs. Probably to build a stronger and healthy childhood was one of his agenda, He invented an innovative way to extract herbs so that it can be given to anyone. He soaked various life supporting herbs in a liquid.

Generally, we know, when we boil vegetables, most of the nutrients contained in it will be evaporated. To avoid this wastage of nutrients, He collected the vapor back through a distillation chamber. Now, these droplets has the core nutrition of the whole raw herbs. Rather than eating those raw herbs, taking this few drops did the same job. Truly an innovative way during those time. The collected droplets is called as “arka” and the instruments he used was called as “arka yantra”.

Now, you know stories behind the arka that you get along with swarnaprashana. It is very useful for Improve grasping power, memory, intellect and speech and correct aberrations of emotions, mood and personality of an individual. Used in treatment of mental retardation, speech disorders, insanity, epilepsy, etc. Your Drs. are the best people to advise it.

There is a strong argument that his descendants have traveled all over the world which includes Egyption to Mayans. This distillation process was further evolved by various people around the world. The word “Arak” which means, distilled alcoholic drink, must have been rooted from arka, which means distilled herbs.

It said that, at the request of his wife, Mandodari, he authored this arka technique in a book called as Arka Shastra. This covers wealth of herbs during those times, their dosage, cures to some of the complex diseases. In another book called as Arka Prakasha, he states Arka as one of the Panchavidha Kashaya Kalpana and is said to be the most potent. Arka Prakasha, is an extraordinary work on tinctures that would cure wounds instantly. Unlike the conventional capsules, which take at least half an hour to assimilate into our system, herbal tinctures enter the bloodstream within minutes.

His another book called as Kumara Tantra, an incomplete poetical work, dealing with metals and their calcinations. He covered in-depth details about taking care of mothers and expectant mothers. It also deals with various pediatric problems such as hiccups, vomiting, dysentery, diarrhea, ulcer, post-teething problem and swelling of the navel. This book must be the first exclusive book on pediatric, which makes him probably the world’s first pediatrician.

He has mastered the art of pulse diagnosis described in his Nadi pariksha text. Lastly, Ravana samhita, which is even referred today by many astrologers to predict one’s future. It is disappointing that many of his works is unknown to many. Considerable amount of his work is destroyed and hidden. With left over, it is something we need to preserve this knowledge and pass it to our next generation.

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

Why do kings and queens wear golden crown?

In continuation with, Swarna (gold) bhasma the healer, Now, we know why ancestors give so much importance to gold. No wonder it is the main ingredient in swarnaprashana. Apart from the usual medical and cosmetic benefits, gold has huge impact on spiritual life. Understanding this more deeper will unlock the mysteries of, why various religious practices used gold.

We are constantly influenced by many factors, such as food we take, environment we live in, the genetic patterns we carry (or more appropriately karma). The next core level influencer would be the planets and stars. From our recent article (on why you should not cut nails on a new moon day) it will be very clear. Gold as metal always has a special effect towards planets, it always pulls the positive cosmic energy and suppresses the ill effects. That is why in many worship places, they used to cover the roof or walls with gold.

The intensity of influence, from these cosmic bodies, varies with different objects. Over 1000s of years in search and medication our spiritual scientist discovered some stones had better response from specific planet and, in return these stones had greater influence on human physical, psychological and psychic senses. Over a period of time, they turned into precious, as many people wanted to balance their negative effects.

Even in olden days, it was hard to all to get access to gold or precious stones. So, a common place for worship created to place these items, in that way, everyone can experience or get the benefits. Just like, the oxygen parlor, where people visit today, to inhale breathing fresh oxygen in exchange for some money. These ancient wellness centres was upgraded with medical plants, spiritual rituals, specialized medical portions were given to people who visited them. The end goal was simple, to help human in the journey of self-realization and to maintain positive health. Over a period of time, like all projects, this was forgotten.

Every living thing or non living thing has an aura, it changes with your thoughts, food, or even when we touch any metal. Gold and precious stones has positive effects on our aura. From the time of kirlian device invention, scientifically there are continuous attempt to read aura. Apart from attracting cosmic energy or cleansing the aura, these precious stones particularly, diamond and coral, does have an amazing capacity to store primordial sounds. Like a USB memory drive. Recently there was scientific paper published saying that, you can store more data over a glass. Think about diamond?

According to the spiritual research foundation, “gold opens crown chakra gold should be worn above waist The gold bead will pick up more energy from the surroundings and give the meridian a boost. Gold is warm and dilates the tissues and relaxes the injured area, permitting repair to be a little faster.” From reflexology and acupuncture point of view, electrical meridians (is like a electrical circuits) of the body are the electrical circuits are influenced by gold. Gold also can be used as a sort of jumper wire that allows the energy to go from one meridian that is normal and strong to one that is weaker and not functioning as well.

Is it for this reason, Kings and Queens wear golden crown with precious stones. This is not for showing their richness, but to get all positive energy that is needed to make decision that is going to affect their entire nation for generations. Over period of time, this reason got vanished and the deeper knowledge of these metals and stones were lost or perhaps kept in secret and, it was used for ornamental purpose. Even in some worship places, they have a similar crown with precious stones, they used to chant those primordial sound and the vibration is stored. When anyone visits, the crown is placed over their head for some time get the benefits.

Similarly, Apart from metals and precious stones, even certain fresh flower has more aura enhancing effect. It is for this reason at the time of wedding in India they wear garlands made from flowers. This is just to enhance their clarity of self. Over a period of time, the flower turned into plastic.

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

Why you should tonsure (shave), particularly for baby?

Following overwhelming response of “Why you shouldn’t cut nails during New Moon day (Amavasya)?” – We are continuously getting more request for writing new articles on various lifestyle practices. In those lines, let us explore an activity that is very important for newborn and for adult – tonsure (or cut hair).

Tonsuring is the practice of cutting or shaving some or all of the hair on the scalp. This is done from infants to adults. Tonsuring is practiced in, all most all, religions. It is always connected with events of life style. It is so very important that it became one of the sixteen samsara known as chudakarana. There are plenty of meaning why our ancestors had given importance to this practice and their associated religious stories – you either ask your granny or Google it to know more.

Let us explore from a spiritual and common sense. From our research that is, searching data outside and deep self introspection through meditations, it became very clear and obvious to us that this is more from an medical meaning to it. At the time of birth, if we examine carefully, we will know the skull of an infant is not a single bone, but a collection of 6 bones creating a gap over the skull. Only because of the flexibility of these bones, the baby’s head passes through the birth canal easily during the time of birth. Had it been a single bone, C section would be the only answer. It is really amazing to see nature’s best work!

According to Embryology, these collection of bones create two gaps called as fontanellel. One at the top of the skull and other at the centre of the skull. Now, you might realise why baby’s head top is very soft and usually no one touches it. This gap on the top, called as, Anterior fontanelle, takes around two and half years to close. The other gap, called as posterior fontanelle, takes around 6-8 weeks to close. Over a period of time, these gaps fill and new bone tissues are created over it to form a fully developed skull.

To seal the gap efficiently, and nourish the growth of these bones, we need vitamin D. Best source of Vitamin D is sunlight. Hair over the head blocks the sun rays. So if we tonsure, the head is nicely exposed to sunlight allowing to generate enough vitamin D. Probably, that is why in some religion they leave a small portion of hair during tonsure over the gaps to make sure those gaps are not touched in by mistake.

This is one of the reason we always push our parents (in our Holistic Parenting Whatsapp group) to practice at least weekly oil bath. Apart from skull development, tonsure helps in stimulating a healthy blood flow, growth of hair, enhances brain development, nervous systems, free from lice, relief from headaches and pains caused during teething.

To conclude, now, we know why our ancestors insisted to tonsure at regular intervals. Usually the 9th month, 3 years and 5th years. Over a period of time, the real meaning was forgotten and it was done as per convenience or for the sake of respect or wishes from parents or grandparents.

Do share us your belief on tonsure, this will be useful for all other parents.

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

This start-up may make choosing school easier

Since we have been conducing Swarna Prashana camps at various schools across Bangalore, paretns often ask us give a candid feedback about the schools and pre-schools. In those, line, Today article from The Hindu mentioned about a start-up company, that actually does this. Thought this will be use full for paretns. We are no way directly or indirectly connected to this start-up. If you use their service so share feedback with us.

What does a parent look for while choosing a school for his/her child? Most parents are confused on this question and there is help at hand for just such parents.

A city-based start-up promises to come to your doorstep, understand the requirements, counsel and suggest options. They also organise trips to the campus, fill in application forms, organise spot registration, admission and even offer a fee concession.

Read more at http://www.atomconnect.com/

Why you shouldn’t cut nails during New Moon day (Amavasya)?

Moon has significant influence on us. If you wonder how these bodies in space could affect us, ask a person at beach on a full moon day. Those rising tides are due to the effects of full moon. From common sense, when moon can influence an ocean, think about a human body? Our body consist of more than 50-70% of water, this is even higher in infants. Our brain consist of more than 75% of water. So it should be clear that moon influences our brain, which is translated to thoughts and reactions. Hence the word “lunatic” is derived from the word “Luna” means moon.

All most all traditions and religious rituals gives much importance to moon’s relative position to us on earth. From spiritual-scientific angle this makes lot of sense. At our holistic childcare group, we often remind parents (or even push them in our Whatsapp Group) to follow certain tips. One such thing is, we request them, not to cut nails (particularly toes) during new moon (or Amavasya) in tandem, we advise parents not to cut hair on a full Moon day (or Purnima).

Without exploring more into various religious rituals connected to Moon, We will analyse from a spiritual angle. Life force in our body keeps oscillating all the time, this is relative to various chakras, nadis, surrounding, etc. On a full moon day our life force is at the head level.

full moon

Now exploring further about the connection towards hair’s effect to health will be clear. Hair is the extension of our nadi. there are around 72,000 nadis in our body. Ida, pingala & sushumna were few important nadis that you must be aware of. It is through this hair tip we sense subtle sensation. If you had visited some ancient south Indian temples, Male devotes are requested to remove their tops while entering the main shrine. Because the spiritual energy are sensed through hair in their chest.

On a full moon day, the life force is high and near the top of the body, head, so cutting the hair will affect the nadi and this will affect the life, health of a body on a longer term. In the same lines, on a New Moon day, when you do not see the moon at all, so less effect on us. So, the life force is at foot level. Nails are also an extension of nadi and it is also through this we sense subtle energy. Now you know the reason, we see all ancient spiritual-scientists (or in other words, rishis, yogis or siddha, prophets, healer, etc.) grow a lot of hair and do not cut nails.

Since, the life force is either pulled to top of the head on a full moon day or at the foot level on a new moon day, it creates indigestion problems. That is one of the reason why people choose to fast on this day. This (biweekly fasting) is good for healthy living.

If you are a regular yoga person or a meditater or a person who can sense the inner sensations of your body, you would for sure feel the pulse at a certain location of your body, particularly on full moon or new moon day.

We are a by-products of our ancestor’s karma. Those passed souls on new moon day, settle at ground level, and it is this time, if you show gratitude, they might bless your family. This is 1 of 12th blessing essentials for our growth mentioned in ancient texts.

From Wikipedia.

Even today, traditional workers like masons do not work on Amavasya in India. However, they will work on Saturdays and Sundays. Even High Court judges of 18th century India used to observe Amavasya as a day off. It was the British Rule that brought the Sunday-off principle to Indian industry.

There are plenty of situation we can use moon to our advantage by knowing its position, We will explore this in great details in coming future. Do ask questions or share this with others.

Author: Velu Jayaprakash

Oil Bath – A Maharashtrian way

Our first detailed article about oil bath has triggered many parents to practices this time tested system. We are very happy to hear some good results. Many parents have responded back to us about their traditional or family way of oil bath.

Case Study on Oil Bath from our parenting community.

One such parent is Lakshmi Bharadwaj from Pune. She is been a active member in promoting ancient wisdom to all parenting community. She share a great inside about oil bath followed in Maharashtra. So we invite her to be our guest author.

So, here we go..

Massage can be a great way to bond with the baby. It has its own way and is practiced differently in every state. One among them would be Maharashtrian oil bath or massage. Massage can be done using baby oil or any suitable oil. Traditionally in North or Eastern part on India, Mustard oil is used for oil massage. Its good in winter season as its warms the body.

Dough Ball Preparation

Newborn babies are given oil massage using a dough ball for first few days for cleansing. This is a gentle act which is very soft as cotton. Take a little quantity of wheat or Maida, dip it in warm oil and do rub it on baby’s body. This enhances circulation, expels toxins from the new born. The ingredients are:

1 bowl mustard or any oil preferably
4-6 cloves of Garlic.
½ tea spoon of Ajwain

Now, Heat Oil with Garlic Cloves and Ajwain until they turn black and filter the oil.

Art of Massaging

A traditional baby massage starts from toe to the face which is to be massaged in the last. Legs and arms are usually very soft and firm downward strokes like hip to ankle and shoulder to palms. Circular clockwise movements are used for the stomach and chest. Anti-clock wise movements to his/her back. Usually quite a lot of pressure is applied for vigorous strokes especially to the legs and head. There is a belief that it straightens the slight bow shape of the legs or curve shape head.

This generally helps in the physical development of the baby. Doctors suggest best not to massage the baby with Ubtan Oil until their Umbilical Cord stump falls off.

Bathing Method

The traditional way is Mother or Granny or well-practiced Mausi to to sit on the bath floor or any very short stool with legs stretched in front and crossed at ankles. Baby either lies along the legs with his head towards the body and feet towards the feet. Usually baby is placed facing downwards when washing his head.

Warming

After giving bath, baby is thoroughly wiped with a soft towel and moved over an aromatic smoke coming from incense Sambrani on a heated coal by sprinkling Ajwain crushed Garlic, Vavding and Shepa. Vekhand should be used to dry any wet parts like hair, armpits etc. This makes the baby to have a very good sleep.

Lulling

Vekandh is applied all over the baby’s body after giving him warming with an aromatic smoke. He is then swaddled in cloth to make baby’s legs held together and kept straight for them to develop properly.

Caution

Be gentle while massaging
Do not use rough strokes
Do not put oil in baby’s ears, nose eyes, etc. without proper guidance
Be cautious while using Ubtan [Mixture of Gram flour, Turmeric & Milk]. This is applied to the human body in order to remove the dirty stains, hair and used to moisturize baby’s skin
To make sure that the babies does not ingest anything in their mouth while giving the bath
It is utmost important to handle the baby at a safer distance from coal as the fumes from the heated coal would harm the baby
keep away the smoke from the baby’s face as it may cause him discomfort

About author

Lakshmi Bharadwaj is a home-maker and mother of two lovely kids. She comes with a rich tradition that follows home-remedies. She was the Parent of the month last year. She is passionate about reviving our ancient lifestyle practices and has guided parents, from whatsapp, about various home remedies.

Author: Lakshmi Bharadwaj

Lakshmi Bharadwaj, known as OJAS in whatsapp group, is a home-maker and mother of three lovely kids. She comes with a rich tradition that follows home-remedies, which makes her a passionate towards ancient knowledge in Ayurveda naturopathy and herbs. She is one of the sincere and senior member of swarnaprashana Whatsapp parenting community. She has been constantly guiding new parents and with her continuous selfless efforts on various social and educative platforms. In 2015, She was the Parent of the month for her exceptional guidance in home-remedies to many parents in our whatsapp community. View all posts by Lakshmi Bharadwaj

Use winter to your advantage, to build a stronger child!

We are in mid of winter, many parents seems to worry more than other seasons. They all keep asking more questions about taking precaution. This trend is very good, an many people are looking for natural and alternative remedy to protect themselves and their family. But, apart from precaution, we can actually take advantage of winter season to keep our body healthy.

The positive side is, during winter the digestive capacity increases compared to other months. The food is digested faster. This is the good time to give kids heavy and nutritious food because there is active digestion and nutrient absorption happening naturally.

Ayurveda prescribes heavy food in winter because it provides sufficient heat and adequate nutrition which otherwise the digestive heat would start consuming the tissue elements of body for want adequate fuel.

Ayurveda recommends

Foods that are unctuous, nourishing sweet, sour and salty in moderate amounts
Meat soups, Honey, Cane juice, Raw rice or Rice flour based food, Payasm or Kheer, Cheese, Milk, Yogurt, Traditional fried snacks like Chikli, Atirasam, sweets and desserts, Fruit juices, Fruit salad,etc.

To avoid

Dehydration – Take sufficient amount of liquids. In winter, Stimulation of thirst will be reduced in winter season
Constipation – drink more water and ea rich in fibers
Avoid cold items like ice creams

Best time to do Oil massage

Oil massages are important in winter. It helps preventing dryness, retains enough moisture, promotes digestion, helps to get good sleep. The most important factor to be remembered is after taking oil bath heavy food should be taken during winter. Traditionally meat preparation were consumed after oil bath. Dry skin is common problem in children, this can be avoided by giving them oil bath weekly twice.

In short

Heavy food that is sweet, fatty and sour, that is warm
Oil bath followed by heavy meal
Weekly twice oil massages
Drink more warm water
Food rich in fiber
Avoid exposure to dry and cold air

Enjoy the winter!

What is immunity from an Ayurvedic perspective?

future so bright Immunity is one of the main benefits of swarna prashana. Many parents ask us or assume a lot about immunity; so, we decided to give a detailed version of Immunity from an ayurvedic point of view.

Immunity, as everyone knows, is the capacity of the body to fight against the disease, the concept of which is well explained in Ayurveda.

The 2 main principles of Ayurveda are,

“Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam;

athurasya vikaraprashamanam”

Which means, to protect health of the healthy and relieve the suffering of the sufferer.

Theory of Immunity

Immunity in ayurveda is called vyadhi kshamathwam. Vyadhi means disease and Kshamatwa means tolerance.

“व्याधिक्षमत्वं नाम व्याधिबल-विरोधित्वम् व्याध्युत्पादकप्रतिबन्धकत्वमिति यावत् I”

Vyadhikshmatvam nama vyadhi bala virodhitwan vyadhiutpadhaka prathibhadakatwamll -Chakrapani

Immunity or Vyadhikshamatva means the capacity of body to act against diseases. Vyadhibala virodhitwam as well as capability of preventing diseases Vyadhiutpadhaka prathibhadakatwam

These both sub-types of vyadhikshamatva can be related to the non-specific and specific immunity of the present day.

Whenever we talk about immunity, we mean the prevention against all disease. The preventive medicine was given equal importance along with treatment of diseases.

Western medicine, which focuses on specific infections or diseases (like polio rubella), depends highly on immunizations and boosters to prevent diseases, whereas Ayurveda deals in just balancing the state of body and mind.

The modern medicines define immunity as the state of having sufficient biological defences to avoid infection, disease, or other unwanted biological invasion where as Ayurveda mentions about stopping the manifestation of disease along with fighting the disease. It includes the preventive and curative aspect too.

When there is a balance state of tridoshas, five senses working normally, mind body and consciousness functioning in blissful harmony, with proper function of digestive fire, and few other factors, he is considered to be a healthy and with good immunity.

How does the immune system work according to Ayurveda

The concept of immunity in Ayurveda is explained through many factors like the vital strength Bala and the vital energy of life Ojus that are responsible for the normal functioning of body and mind.

What is Bala and ojus?

These are the complementary forces and power in the body which are responsible for the prevention of disease and maintaining condition of good health and mind. Stamina or vital strength is Bala. Ojus is the vital essence of all the seven tissues in our body.

Bala or the vital strength is that which can be called as the outcome of the equilibrium of tridoshas and this is achieved through the ojus the vital essence of all the tissues. To make it simpler the Bala depends on the Ojus for its maintenance. Or the function of Ojas is to generate Bala. From the treatment point of view both Bala and ojus are the same. In short the immunity is the external manifestation of the Bala and this bala is responsible for the healthy functioning of mind and body of the individual.

Many a times though people have good knowledge about immunity and health when it comes to their children some of their doubts are left unanswered always.. Here are few of them and answers to them from Ayurveda

Why people fall sick even after taking healthy food?

Though some people follow healthy routine including good sleep, exercise, balanced food, suffer ill health whereas some people who do not follow any of these manage to live healthy. The reason is the bala and ojus. If the body is having a depleted amount of ojus and sareerabala, it is not capable of withstanding the strength of disease-causing factors.

The conditions when Bala or Ojus are depleted is explained in the following questions

What factors affect the Immunity or influence the condition of Bala and Ojas?

Various factors contribute towards immunity. They are normal doshas, equilibrium state of dhatus (bodily tissues), normal agni (digestive fire), patency of srotas (microchannels) etc.

Following are the factors that determine the condition of Bala and Ojas, which affects the immune status:

Birth place – Being born in a region where people are naturally healthy or strong has a direct impact on the बल of a person. For instance, birth in Jangala desha or dry arid areas considered to be most beneficial than humid and marshy areas
Healthy pedigree – birth in a family without any family history of immunodeficient disorders
Time of birth – birth at a time when strength of people is naturally in the highest, the visarga kala. This is when the sun moves towards the southward direction, the moon is powerful and producing cold and pleasant atmosphere
Favourable time – Favourable time in ones’ life brings happiness and enhancement of Bala
Excellence in qualilty of sperm and ovum – The quality of the Beeja (the sperm and ovum) and Kshetra (the place where the foetus grows) have direct impact on the health of the offspring. This plays a very important role in building up the innate immunity with which the baby is born
Excellence of diet – Wholesome food increases the bala. Ayurveda also explains eight factors to achieve wholesomeness of food
Excellence of physique (sharirasampat) – Strong and compact built body type, the body parts in proper proportion and compactness of body parts are the factors indicating good Bala
Excellence of suitability or adapted food and other habits – Wholesome food and other habits adapted in daily give good health. In fact, these proper habits can enhance the immunity and can be called as acquired immunity
Excellence of mind – A Satvic (calm and balanced) mind promotes good health. When the individual is confronted with different negative emotions and stress, it affects his health too
Strength of the individual – Refers to the characteristic Bala of an individual
Youth – When one is young, naturally all the tissues are in the fully nurtured state and there will increase of Bala and hence immunity
Activities – The physical activities the person is involved with like exercises, yoga, etc.
Joyous atmosphere – When a person lives in a happy atmosphere keeping himself away from worries, anxiety, etc., there is increase of Bala or the vital strength

Who fall sick?

Those not having good bala, good defense mechanism, when the tissues are not properly nourished, and people having weak satwabala (because mind and body are interdependent), the person is prone to fall sick.

Persons obese, emaciated, weak, whose muscles and blood are diminished, debilitated, overconsumption of food and underconsumption of food with weak mental faculty are also prone to fall sick.

How to know if a person has enough Bala or Ojas

Generally the person who having good ojus looks satisfied has good complexion and strong body. Ojus provides strength, nutrition and satisfaction to the body and mind.

Susruta says a person with medium body will have the maximum strength.He is able to perform any activities,able to tolerate hunger, thirst,cold,hot,sun, rain,wind.

Charaka indicates that the bala is considered as the physical and mental strength of the individual and bala can be assessed by the ten attributes dasa vidha athura bala pareeksha as mentioned by Acharya Charaka

If the person is of vata prakruti then he has less strength, Pitta prakrit medium and Kapha prakruti good strength

This factor is for assessing the diseases through different parameters like dosha dushya kala, etc.

To Know the bala of purusha, ashta saras are explained ..If the person is having Rakta sara then he is weak,If the person is of Mamasa ,Majja and shukra sarat hen he is strong and if the person having all the saras are then he is very strong

If a person’s compactness of the body is good then he is strong, if not,less strength and if his compactness is moderate then he has medium

The person with proper measurement of the body are endowed with longevity, strength, immunity, happiness, supremacy,wealth and other desired qualities.The body with less or more measurement has qualities contrary to this.

If the person is accustomed taking all six tastes then he is balavan, if the person is accustomed to only one then he is of less strength and if using the tastes moderately then he’ll have moderate strength a

Satwa is the mental strength.A person with good mental strenght possess good learning capacity ,retention or knowledge and memory.He will be able to bear stronger therapies,can tolerate disease,adopts same sort of feelings towards happiness or sorrow, will have good self control.and have satwa guna predominantly.One who has moderate mental strength will have all the above in medium level and rajo guna in predominance and those with less mental strength cannot sustain mental stress .In spite of having good physique they are susceptible to fear ,grief greed and delusion.and have predominant tamo guna

This is the power of ingestion as well as digestion.

If the person can perform more physical work then he is of good strength,if moderately then medium bala and if less then avara bala.

Children (upto 16 yrs) and old (above 60) have less strength and middle aged 16 to 60 years have the maximum strength.

Vagbhatta explains that physician should examine all above ten factors to understand the strength of his patients and treat them accordingly.

How to Boost Immunity

Immunity is achieved naturally by birth and acquired by other means. Ayurveda focuses on three major areas to increase the immunity.

Food
Activities
Rasayana and Vajeekaranas

Food

Food is said to be one of the three pillars supporting life.Its the foremost of those supporting life. Strength and life depend on the food.

Food which is easily digestible, wholesome, sweet, unctuous, cold in temperament increases ojas People who are used to take ghee, gingelly oil, milk, meat soups and food with all the six tastes always have good strength and capable of doing heavy tasks and live long life Ayurveda recommends milk, curd, ghee, meat soups, rice, red rice, fruits, wine and other herbs that increase the natural vital strength to be used. It also mentioned that for management of immune deficiency these herbs processed, milk, meat soups should be used along with food.

Activities

There are many specific code of conducts or practices in Ayurveda for all age group like things to be followed in different seasons etc.Food and activities have to followed accordingly to prevent disease and maintain good physical and mental health.These activities describes how to lead your life from to death for in healthy and peaceful way. Some of them are:

For the welfare of pregnant women and desired offspring – follow garbhini masanumasic paricharya and punshavana karma
To promote health of infant- Lehana Karma, various medhya rasayana (memory enhancing drugs)
To perform the daily activities in a healthy way -Dinacharya
Taking care of health in different seasons-Rtucharya
Understanding the three important aspects of our life- The three pillar of our life-Tryoupastambhas- Food ,Sleep and Healthy sexlife
Adopting sodhana (Panchkarma) according to ritu in healthy person
Meditation for spritual growth
Exercises- Daily exercise of up to 50% of one’s exertion capacity enhances digestion, strengthens tissue metabolism and promotes immunity
Wholesome Diet-Regular meals with all the six tasteshelp to prepare the body for a time of nourishment by inceasing appetite and enhancing digestion
The sixteen samskaras esp the jatakarma,karnavedana,annaprashana induce immunity

Rasayana and Vajeekarana

Acharyas promotes Rasayana and vajikarana for enhancing ojas and boosting immunity.

The various herbs diet regimen that increase longevity by delaying aging and preventing diseases can be called as Rasayan. The Ojas promoting herbs or rasayana and vajikarana yogas fulfills the deficiencies and improve the condition of the seven dhatus.

Use of rasayanas results in disease-free long life (dirghamaayu), smiriti (recapitulating power), medha, aarogyam (healthy well being), tarun vaya (youthfulness), prabha, varna (complexion), voice, strength etc.

Rasayana and vajikarana are immensely helpful in treating immunodeficient disorders.

Some of the popular rasayanas that are commonly used are Chyavanprash, Brahmarasayan, Kushmandarasayan, Triphala, etc. Some food items if taken daily are the best rasayana for eg: Ghee, millk, gingelly oil.

How can we enhance immunity in children?

In Ayurvedic mentions countless formulations for adults and children. A special formulation by the name of Lehana was mentioned in all the major texts to enhance immunity mainly for children. Lehana means intake of medicine by licking. Powders of herbs, gold bhasma, were mixed with honey and ghee were given to children. They were also processed into medicated ghee and given. Lehana is the easiest method to give medicine to children from newborn baby to elder children.

Some of the lehanas given with gold to infants are

Svaran bhasm with kustha (Saussurea lappa), vacha (Acorus calamus), madhu (honey) & ghrita
Svaran bhasm with paste of brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), sankhpuspi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), with honey & ghrita
Svaran bhasm, arkpushpi, vacha, honey & ghrita
Svaran bhasm, khaidarya, sweta durva, etc.

Swarnaprashana -The first immunization

The first lehana was given immediately after birth even before umbilical cord was cut and breast fed by mother. This was followed as a ritual and one among the sixteen samskaras. Gold was rubbed with honey and ghee and given to the baby by the father. This is known Swarnaprashana-the first immunisation. The antioxidative properties of swarnabhasma helps to cope with the oxidation stress the baby went through during the labour. It provide general immunity, prevents infections, helpful in growth & development & enhancing the intelligence.

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Theory of Immunity

How does the immune system work according to Ayurveda

What is Bala and ojus?

Why people fall sick even after taking healthy food?

What factors affect the Immunity or influence the condition of Bala and Ojas?

Who fall sick?

How to know if a person has enough Bala or Ojas

How to Boost Immunity

Food

Activities

Rasayana and Vajeekarana

How can we enhance immunity in children?

Swarnaprashana -The first immunization

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