Tag: arka

Ravana – The world’s first Pediatrician

Ten head Ravana
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.

Ravana Receiving a Boon from Shiva LACMA M.2009.148.2 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

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

FAQ – about swarna prashana

FAQ on swarna prashana
FAQ on swarna prashana

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

What is Swarna Bindu Prashana?

Since ancient times, our ancestors passed their best practices of holistic lifestyle to their next generations. Over a period of time they became a ritual that got integrated into their day to day life. These series of rituals are known as samskaras. They are connected with the major events of life such as pregnancy, childbirth, naming ceremony, education, marriage, etc. These samskaras enables us to live a complete fulfilling physical and spiritual life.

Swarna Prashana is one  of sixteen samskaras mentioned in ancient texts for paediatrics. It is an unique method to build long lasting health and intellect naturally without leaving any harmful side effects.

Swarna prashana is an unique method of giving swarna bhasma (gold ash) mixed with honey and ghee that is fortified with arka, an herbal extracts like vacha, brahmi, shankupushpi, etc. to children orally.

This process promotes overall growth in a natural way. Due to its broader benefits, it is not only useful for normal children, its much more beneficial for children with special needs such as autism, learning difficulties, attention deficit disorder, hyper activity, delayed milestones, etc.

Swarna Prashana is one  of sixteen samskaras mentioned in the ancient texts for pediatrics.

Contents

Benefits

Benefits of Swarna prashana is elaborated in “Kashyapa Samhita” that was written before 600 BC.

“SUWARNAPRASHANAM HYETANMEDAGNI BALAVARDHANAM AYUSHYAM MANGALAM PUNYAM VRUSHYAM VARNYAM GRAHAPAHAM”- Ka. Su. 18/ 4-5

It means the following benefits can be achieved

  • Medha (intellect)
  • Agni (digestive and metabolic power)
  • Bala (strength)
  • Aayush (gives long life)
  • Mangalam (is auspicious)
  • Punyam (virtuous)
  • Vrushyam (aphrodisiac)
  • Varnya (increases complexion)
  • Grahapaham (eliminates the evil effects of planets) Find out why, here?

Find out more details about Gold from healing point of view.

Age

Swarna prashana can be given from birth till 16 yrs.

Time

On empty stomach, preferably early morning.

Day

Preferably on pushya nakshatra day. Why Pushya nakshatra?

Duration

We can either follow daily for one month (30 days), which can be extended to 6 months (180 days) Or, we follow monthly once on pushya nakshatra till age 16.

Procedure

Parents should face north and kid should face east while giving this drops.

Diet

Food – Preferably on empty stomach, to enhance better absorption. The child can be fed after 30 minutes. It’s better to avoid junk food that day.

FAQ

Any known side effects

No known side effects noted so far. Swarna Prashana is made from herbs & minerals after proper processing according to classical ayurvedic methods which is natural and safe.

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 doctor’s 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

P.S. Swarna Prashana or Swarna Prashan or Swarn Prashan or Swarna Bindu Prashana or Suvarna prashan or Swarnaprashana or suvarnaprashana are all same.