Significance of Swarnaprashana in Boosting Immunity

Abstract

Administration of gold in children is a unique practice mentioned in Ayurveda as “Swarnaprashana” by Acharya Kashyapa thousands of years back. He explained evidently the administration of Swarna (gold) in children for the benefits of improving Medha (intellect), Agni (digestion and metabolism), Bala (physical strength), Ayusha (longevity), Mangalkarka (Increase auspicious circumstances), Punyam (Virtue), Vrushya (Fertility) Grahabadhanashaka or Grahapaham (Protection from piritis & microorganisms) and act as a immuno-modulator. There are various formulations of gold along with herbal drugs explained by different Acharya for prolonged usage in children. The primary sources of Swarnaprashana in children are found in two classical Ayurvedic texts: Jatakarma Samskara (newborn care) and Lehana (supplementary feeding). The age and method of administration, benefits and dosage as per various classical textbooks of Ayurveda are discussed here along with the reports of related scientific studies. Ayurveda recommends only purified and processed form of gold for internal administration.