Abstract

EVALUATING THE ROLE OF SWARNA PRASHAN IN ENHANCING PEDIATRIC IMMUNITY AND COGNITIVE FUNCTION: A RIGOROUS ASSESSMENT

Dr. Sonam Angial*, Prof. Mahesh Narayan Gupta

Abstract

Swarnaprashana—the administration of processed gold to children—as first detailed by Acharya Kashyapa. Thousands of years ago, Kashyapa advocated for the use of Swarna (gold) to enhance intellect, digestion and metabolism, physical strength, immunity, complexion, fertility, and life. Various classical Ayurvedic texts describe formulations of processed gold, often combined with herbal drugs, for prolonged use in children. Within Ayurveda, Swarnaprashana is primarily utilized in two contexts: Lehana (supplementary feeds) and Jatakarma Samskara (newborn care). This review aims to dispel common misconceptions by critically analyzing the available data, including the age, method of administration, benefits, and dosage described in classical Ayurvedic textbooks, alongside related scientific studies. We propose that the benefits of Swarnaprashana are multifaceted, functioning as a general health promoter while specifically enhancing areas like intelligence, digestion, metabolism, immunity, physical strength, complexion, and fertility. Ayurveda mandates the use of only purified and processed gold for internal consumption. The optimal age and duration of Swarnaprashana administration should be determined based on the desired positive health outcomes for the child.

Keywords: Ayurveda, children, gold preparation, immuno-modulator, Swarnaprashana.