SUVARNA PRASHANA: AN AYURVEDIC APPROACH TOWARDS CHILD IMMUNIZATION

Abstract

All countries in the world have an immunization programme to deliver selected vaccines to the targeted beneficiaries, specially focusing on pregnant women, infants and children, who are at a high risk of diseases preventable by vaccines. In Kashyap Samhita Suvarnaprashana samskara is given as Lehan kapana (medicine to be licked) which is useful in enhancing im-munity as well as for intellectual development. In this samskara (rituals) swarna Bhasma (gold preparation) with herbs like Vacha Churna (Acorus calamus), Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) mixed with Honey and ghee is administered to the new born baby. Analysis of Various experimental studies shows that Swarna Bhasma possesses immunomodulatory, free radical scavenging activity, antistress activity and analgesic activity. Animal studies data shows that chronic administration of suvarna bhasma is nontoxic. The purpose of suvarna prashana is same as of modern vaccination to prevent disease by building immunity, it im-prove overall immunity and also helpful in proper brain development. Suvarnaprashana therapy is administered in the Pushya nakshatra of every month at Ayurveda centres across India. So it is need of time to include Suvarnaprashana in Indian immunization schedule.