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| ==== Suvarnaprashana in Jatakarma Samskara ==== | | ==== Suvarnaprashana in Jatakarma Samskara ==== |
− | Immediately after delivery of a baby, for first 4 days, there is mostly no adequate secretion of the breast milk. Thus newborn baby might not get sufficient breastmilk for growth and nourishment. Along with this there could arise some situations were the mother of the baby is not available to breast feed the baby due to any possible cause. In such crucial scenarios there is a necessity to search for certain feeds which can provide nourishment as well as essential nutrients to support baby's growth and development. Ayurveda acharyas have recommended ''''lehana'''<nowiki/>' in such instances. Lehana indicate certain supplementary feeds in linctus (semisolid/fluid form) that facilitate nourishment, growth, protection and development of the baby with or without breastmilk. Acharya Sushruta and Vagbhata have suggested use of gold in such lehanas. Under Jatakarma samskara, Acharya Sushruta suggests, administration of ''Swarna'' along with honey and ghee in one among the procedures as a single dose at birth in the procedure of new born care. Acharya Vagbhata also provides formula that includes suvarna (gold) along with the combination of other herbs under Jatakarma samskara. <ref name=":0" /> | + | Immediately after delivery of a baby, for first 4 days, there is mostly no adequate secretion of the breast milk. Thus newborn baby might not get sufficient breastmilk for growth and nourishment. Along with this there could arise some situations were the mother of the baby is not available to breast feed the baby due to any possible cause. In such crucial scenarios, there is a necessity to search for certain feeds which can provide nourishment as well as essential nutrients to support baby's growth and development. Ayurveda acharyas have recommended ''''lehana'''<nowiki/>' in such instances. Lehana indicates certain supplementary feeds in linctus (semisolid/fluid) form that facilitate nourishment, growth, protection and development of the baby with or without breastmilk. Acharya Sushruta and Vagbhata have suggested use of gold in such lehanas. Under Jatakarma samskara, Acharya Sushruta suggests, administration of Suvarna (gold) along with honey and ghee as a single dose at birth in the procedure of new born care. Acharya Vagbhata also provides formula that includes suvarna (gold) along with the combination of other herbs under Jatakarma samskara. <ref name=":0" /> |
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| + | == Why Gold? == |
| + | Suvarna (Gold) is one of the most precious metals known to the man since long time. It has been used in ornaments, currency etc widely in India. At the same time gold has secured place as a therapeutically effective medicinal substance in Ayurveda medicine since thousands of years. In various Ayurveda texts, the types of gold to be used, mode of administration of different forms, theirs benefits and therapeutic indications are clearly explained. According to Ayurveda literature, gold is one of the 7 dhatus (metals) and also one of the pure metals used in medicines. It is known to show Rasayana (rejuvenation, immunomodulator, adaptogenic) and Vajikarana (aphrodisiac, invigorating, vitalizing) activity when consumed orally in different formulations. <ref name=":0" /> |
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| + | Various modern research studies have validated the role of Gold in maintenance of health and wellbeing. <ref name=":0" /> |
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| + | * The action of gold in the immune system is supported by an experimental study conducted using suvarna bhasma (calcinated ash) on mice. This pharmacological Study showed specific and nonspecific immune responses, which were modified in a positive manner in Swarna Bhasma‑treated mice. It also had a stimulatory effect on peritoneal macrophages, which may be helpful to fight against infections. <ref name=":0" /> |
| + | * One experimental study of suvarna bhasma conducted on immature rats showed that there is a significant stimulatory effect of gold chloride on female reproductive activity. The traces of gold have been found in endometrium and decidua of uterus in females and highest percentage of gold has been found in the semen fluid of males.<ref name=":0" /> |
| + | * One more study reports state that, colloidal gold colloidal is found to improve cognitive functioning, which was measured in that study by IQ scores. <ref name=":0" /> |
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| + | === Forms of Suvarna used in Ayurveda medicine === |
| + | Classics of Ayurveda mention specific forms of Swarna for internal administration such as Patala/Mandala (leaf/foil), Churna (powder), Bhasma (ash). <ref name=":0" /> |
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| == Present day Suvarnaprashana == | | == Present day Suvarnaprashana == |
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| Duration of Suvarna Prashana therapy: Suvarnaprashana can be given from birth to sixteen years, keeping in mind the rapid growth and development during this phase of life. Some practitioners advise it only up to 12 or 14 years. Clinically, a minimum therapy of 6 months, 1 year to two years is recommended in order to get considerable results. | | Duration of Suvarna Prashana therapy: Suvarnaprashana can be given from birth to sixteen years, keeping in mind the rapid growth and development during this phase of life. Some practitioners advise it only up to 12 or 14 years. Clinically, a minimum therapy of 6 months, 1 year to two years is recommended in order to get considerable results. |
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− | === Forms of Suvarna === | + | === Why on Pushya Nakshatra === |
− | Classics of Ayurveda mention specific forms of Swarna for internal administration such as Patala/Mandala (leaf/foil), Churna (powder), Bhasma (ash). <ref name=":0" />
| + | Pushya constellation is said to facilitate Pushti (Strengthening) or Poshana (Nourishing) i.e. strength in the universe. Hence this constellation is chosen to administer this Suvarna Prashana (Bhinde, Sagar & murthy, A & Dave, Hasmukh & Kiradi, Pallavi. (2013). A SURVEY STUDY ON ‘SUVARNA PRASHANA’- AN AYURVEDIC IMMUNIZATION. Journal of Vishwa Ayurveda Parisad. 10. 3-8. ) |
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− | === Why on Pushya Nakshatra ===
| + | In the context of Rasayana and Pumsavana Karma, Acharya Susrutha and Charaka, respectively mention the usage of Swarna on Pushya Nakshatra (a star in Hindu calendar). The current popular practice of Swarnaprashana only on the day of Pushya Nakshatra may be due to the belief that it is an auspicious star to administer any medication due to its nourishing effect. |
− | Pushya constellation is said to have Pushti (Strengthening), and Poshana (Nourishing) qualities. Hence this constellation is chosen to administer this Suvarna Prashana (Bhinde, Sagar & murthy, A & Dave, Hasmukh & Kiradi, Pallavi. (2013). A SURVEY STUDY ON ‘SUVARNA PRASHANA’- AN AYURVEDIC IMMUNIZATION. Journal of Vishwa Ayurveda Parisad. 10. 3-8. )
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| == Benefits of Suvarnaprashana == | | == Benefits of Suvarnaprashana == |