Changes

== Present day Suvarnaprashana ==

== Present day Suvarnaprashana ==

(ref: Patil, Vaidya Vasant & Samant, Chetali & Baragi, Umapati. (2014). SUVARNAPRASHANA THERAPY IN CHILDREN; CONCEPTS, PRACTICE AND PROSPECTS. Journal of Ayurveda and holistic medicine. II. 1-3. )

Original classical descriptions on Suvarna prashana in Kashyapa samhita and even other texts use metallic gold for the therapy. The gold in metallic form rubbed on a clean rubbing stone with water releases fine gold particles on the surface. These fine particles were then mixed with ghee and honey and then used as a linctus in Suvarnaprashana therapy. One more form of metallic gold use din this therapy is popular as Suvarna vacha yoga. In this method, purified gold wire is inserted into processed underground stem (dry or fresh) of herb named Vacha (Acorus calomus). Later when the herb grows upto a certain level, the part of herb inserted with gold wire is removed. This golden part of herb is rubbed on a clean rubbing stone (5-6 rotations) with milk or water, so as to get fine gold particles along with a paste of the herb vacha. The released gold along with the herbal powder is then mixed with honey-ghee and then it is used for suvarna prashana. These are the classical methods of Suvarnaprashana described in Ayurveda literature. However along with time and advances in Rasashastra branch of Ayurveda which entirely deals with making of safe and effective medicinal formulations from metals and minerals, Suvarnaprashana therapy has also evolved. Considering bhasma form of gold safer than the mere metallic form, now-a-days, at most of the places,  Suvarnaprashana is done using bhasma (purified calcinated) form of gold.<ref>Patil, Vaidya Vasant & Samant, Chetali & Baragi, Umapati. (2014). SUVARNAPRASHANA THERAPY IN CHILDREN; CONCEPTS, PRACTICE AND PROSPECTS. Journal of Ayurveda and holistic medicine. II. 1-3.</ref> The present day Suvarnaprashana practice is described below,

=== Practice of Suvarna Prashana ===

=== Practice of Suvarna Prashana ===

The classical descriptions of Suvarna Prashana therapy uses metallic gold- rubbed on a clean rubbing stone with water, till fine gold particles are released. The rubbed gold or gold powder mixed with fine powder of Medhya, Rasayana herbs, ghee and honey is given to the newborn[4] . Rubbed gold in metallic form carries the risk of toxicity. Hence, a safer option of Suvarna bhasma is being used for the Suvarnaprashana now a day. The ancient alchemists in India discovered the process of bhasmikarana (calcination) which involves controlled incineration of metals, non-metals, minerals and certain organic ingredients, to make them safer and biocompatible. Ancient texts like the Charaka Samhita also describe process of dipping red hot metals in herb decoctions to obtain fine powders/ dust of metals[5] . Methodical guidelines on the preparation of non-toxic bhasma or nano particles of Gold available in the Rasashastra texts dating back almost up to 4th century AD, is a testimony to the exhaustive research , efforts and dedication of ancient Ayurveda scholars and alchemists. Their methods have successfully passed the litmus test of time and modern science alike

In multiple clinics and institutional setups across Bharata, Suvarnaprashana is conducted regularly. The methods, medicines used and duration of therapy may vary slightly on the basis of the practitioner Vaidya's knowledge and experience.

Preparation of Suvarna bindu (Gold drops): Traditionally Shuddha Suvarna has been advised to be rubbed on a rubbing stone with water and then emulsified with madhu and ghrita to achieve a fine colloidal suspension. We now use Suvarna bhasma along with equal proportion of ghrita and madhu. Madhu and Ghrita in equal proportions have been considered as a Viruddha Samyoga (unwholesome combination) [6]. However, it is a popular belief that giving a low dose of this otherwise toxic combination is believed to trigger immune responses which helps to strengthen a child’s immunity for toxins and allergens. Ghrita fortified with Medhya and Rasayana herbs like Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Mandookaparni (Centella asiatica), Yashtimadhu (Glycerrhiza glabra) Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis), Vacha (Acorus calamus) and Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) are commonly used in Suvarnabindu preparation by clinicians expecting enhanced immunomodulatory and nootropic effects of Suvarnaprashana in children. Following are some of the widely used ratios for preparation of Suvarnabindu - Large Batch: 2.4 gm. of Suvarna Bhasma is added to 250 ml of honey and 250 ml processed ghee. Individual Doses: 100mg Suvarna bhasmais added to 6 ml of processed ghee and 6ml of honey is kept separately. Honey is mixed with ghee just before the administration. Although large batches are convenient for commercial use, Suvarna bhasma may settle down in ghee after some time, thus reducing the concentration of Suvarna bhasma per dose. Hence, preparing suvarnabindu in smaller batches is desirable. Suvarna Vacha Suvarna Vacha or Suvarna Vacha which is purified gold wire inserted into processed underground stem (dry or fresh) of Vacha (Acorus calomus) is yet another unique formulation which is popularly used for giving Suvarnaprashana. Suvarna vacha is rubbed on a clean rubbing stone (5-6 rotations) with milk or water, so as to get fine gold particles along with a paste of vacha. This is then mixed with equal amounts of Ghee and honey and used for Suvarnaprashana. Many practitioners use this as an alternative method for Suvarnaprashana. Suvarnavacha uses metallic gold as opposed to calcinated gold which is used in Suvarnabindu. The benefits of suvarnavacha are claimed to be same as that of Suvarnaprashana. The one special benefit of suvarnavacha is improvement of speech. Practitioners advise administration of suvarnavacha in infants after 3 months of age till 5-6 years or 12 years. Although there is one clinical study which reports immunomodulatory effects of suvarna vacha in neonates without any toxicity; further research on standardization of the technique, therapy, along with toxicity studies on appropriate animal models is required to establish the safety as well as efficacy of this therapy[7]

Medicine used

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.

=== Why on Pushya Nakshatra ===

=== Why on Pushya Nakshatra ===