Swarnprashan Sanskar is based on the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda and has been described by Acharya Kashyap in Kashyap Samhita Sutrasthan Lehadhyaya an important ancient Ayurvedic text. As per Ayurveda, there are 16 sanskaras and Swarnaprashan is one of them.
Swarnaprashan is made of two words; Swarna i.e. gold and Prash i.e. administer the medicine. The process in which, the Swarna Prashan yog consisting of swarna bhasma (ash of gold as nano-particles) with other herbal extracts, in a semi-liquid form is given to the child orally, is known as Swarnaprashan or Suvarnaprashan or Suvarnabinduprashan.
Swarna bhasma is made by shodhan & marana (processes to purify gold & convert it into nanoparticles). This bhasma is yogvahi (easy to circulate & absorb in the body) in nature That's why when we mix Swarna bhasma in honey mixed with a little cow ghee, it is absorbed quickly into the body & acts very fast.
Ingredients –
Swarna prashan yog contains swarna bhasma (Gold), gaughrit (cow ghee), honey, and certain herbs, which are known to affect a child's intellect positively. These herbs include Brahmi (Centella asiatica), Vacha (Acorus calamus), Shankhpushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) etc.
How does it work?
It is Medha-Ayu-Bal-Varna-Agni-Vardhak means it improves –
• Mental health reinforces mental abilities, like learning, retention & memory (Medha-vardhanam).
• Helps to develop resistance against illnesses (Ayushyam).
• Physical strength, vigour & well-being (Ayu-vardhanam)
• Skin health & complexion (Varnya).
• Digestion & metabolism( Agni-vardhak)
• Decreases allergy problems
It is a unique method to produce non–specific immunity in the body to fight against general disorders. Swarnaprashana sanskar is given in Pushya nakshatra, the auspicious day which falls every month. On this day, the rays of the moon are at maximum power, which provides Tarpana ( strength) to our body, that is why the potency of the medicine increases a lot.
Benefits –
Based on the action of the nanoparticles of Swarna & other ingredients, this liquid is also used as an adjuvant in the management of different diseases, like-
• Low & weak immunity
• Slow growth
• Generalized weakness
• Memory loss & other mental disorders
• Allergic disorders
• Poor appetite & slow metabolism
• Dull skin
Dose –
The dose is in drops which is given according to the age, weight & immunity of the child as described by Acharya Kashyapa. It can be given to the child up to 16 years of age.