Abstract

JEEVANIYA MAHAKASHAYA: VITAL NUTRITION FOR CHILDREN’S HEALTH

Dr. Anubha Gautam* and Prof. Rakesh Sharma

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Abstract

Jeevaniya Mahakashaya are a group of 10 drugs that works on the immune system directly and are very much conducive for health. In our Ayurvedic classics the knowledge about Mahakashaya were dealt in Charaka Samhita Sutra Sthana 4th adhyaya which are about 50 in number, each having 10 drugs.[1] Among them, the first and the foremost is Jeevaniya Mahakashaya, which are a group of drugs beneficial for life. Most of the drugs present in this group are essential for functioning of the whole body in terms of providing energy and sustaining life activities. This can be compared to various nutrients and immunity boosters. Drugs mentioned under this became endangered nowadays. These drugs are of great efficacy and potency, Jeevaniya Karma of some of the drugs is evident by researches showing them as a very good Rasayana with rejuvenating and health-promoting properties. Further these drugs are useful in promoting body fat, healing fractures and also reported to restore health immediately and work as antioxidants in the body. Therefore, a comprehensive review of drugs under heading was presented in this article which highlight important aspects that it can act as dietary supplement and important component of nutrition in children. All these drugs have high nutritive value and these Dravyas are predominantly of Madhura Rasa and Madhura Vipaka, as Madhura Rasa is already Satmya to children they can be used in healthy as well as diseased condition of the children.

Keywords: Jeevaniya, Mahakashaya, Madhura, Immunity.