Children are considered as the crucial part of the society and their health is the foundation of all growth and development. The term “health” includes more than the physical growth. It covers their cognitive development, social and emotional growth and mental health. All these developments start right from the gestation period; from the very first day of fertilization. Diet and regimens of a pregnant woman has an inevitable role in determining the health of a progeny. This may be reason why Acharyas gave prime\ importance to Garbhini paricharya (Regimes should be followed during gestation). The growth and development of the fetus in each month is well narrated in the classics (Maasanumasika garbha vrddhi) and the herbal formulation that must be taken during each month has been clearly documented along with that. When we analyze such combinations, we can understand that these dravyas are very essential for the nourishment of a growing fetus. Ex- milk, ghee, butter (overall growth and nutrition),Yashtimadhu (Brain development) etc. After the birth, different lehana/prasana yogas are mentioned in the classics. These are also helpful for enhancing the digestion and immunity in infants.
Arogyakalpadruma, a regional textbook in Kerala dealing with Baalarogachikitsa written by Kaikulangara Ramavarrior explains a number of formulations which are beneficial in the child health. These formulations are commonly termed as Praakaara yogas.
“Aakhyaatha bahavo ragadoshavaishamyahethavah|
Praakaarayogaihi praageva paalayedheva vaa sisum
||” (Arogyakalpadruma, 35/1)
The word “Praakaara” means protecting walls/fence. As the name denotes, these formulations protects the child from various diseases and enhance their physical and biological barriers to counteract with the external environment. For a baby, everything in the universe is new and they have to struggle a lot in these unfamiliar circumstances. Praakaara yogas help them to thrive!
The concept of giving Praakaara yogas can further be extended to the level of Balam in Ayurveda. Balam is again of three types. Sahajam, Kaalajam and Yukthikrtham. Sahaja bala is nothing but the innate quality of body to prevent diseases which is mainly inherited from the parents. Yukthikrtha and Kaalaja bala can be considered as the acquired immunity, in which Yukthikrtha bala acquired from our food, medicines and regimens (Aahaara cheshttayogajam). For example: Rasayana prayogas. Kaalaja type of balam is acquired from the seasonal changes (Rtu) and age factors (Vaya). Praakaara yogas are examples of such type of bala in which medicines are giving according to their age.
Which age groups are benefitted?
Praakaara yogas are administered right from the jaatamaatra (Newborn) up to 12 years old.
Mode of administration
Praasana (Applying the medicines on the tongue) is the unique way of Praakaara yogas. The drug combinations detailed are as per the age of the child. It is advisable to consume each formulation along with a suitable adjuvant, for seven consecutive days in a dose varying with corresponding age.
Which are the herbs?
- Jaatamaatra (Immediately after birth): Application of Tripaadi (Desmodium triflorum) swarasa along with vacha (Acorus calamus) three drops in the bregma (central part of head)for seven days. This will help in increasing the digestive fire, protect from baalagrhas and maintain the healthy status of vaatadi doshas.
- Pakshaateetha (15 days after birth):Amalaki swarasa bhaavitha bilwa(Aegle marmelos) bilwa done purification in amla swarasa can be administered for seven days.
- Maasajaatha (One-month-old): Ghee prepared out of adding powders of Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Vidanga (Embelia ribes), Hindu (Asafoetida) along with brahmi (Baccopa monnerie) swarasa is administered for seven days. This may help in pacifying the krmiroga(worm infestations), enhance the digestive fire and helpful for anulomana(for easy passage of stool).
- Traimaasika (Three-month-old): Combination of trikatu (Piper, dried ginger and pepper) and Saariba (Hemidesmus indicus) adding butter for seven days.
- Shanmaasika (Six-month-old): Powder of musali (Curculigo orchioides) and trikatu along with honey for seven days.
- Like wise up to 12 years it is explained.
Common herbs in Prakaara yogas and its benefits are listed below,
- Musta (Cyperus rotundus) – Deepana, Paachana, Grahi, Jwaratisarahara
- Vidanga (Embelia ribes) – Krmihara, Deepana, Shoolahara
- Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) – Tridoshahara, Rasayana, Bala varnakrith, Medhya, Kshayapaha
- Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) – Medhya, Rasayana, Balya, Grahi, Deepana, Tridoshahara
- Shankhupushpi(Convolvulus pluriclaulis) – Medhya, Rakshoghna, Svarya
- Jeerakam (Cuminum cyminum) – Deepana, Pachana, Grahi
- Indrayava (Seeds of Holarrhena antidysenterica) – Tridoshaghna, Grahi, Deepana, Jwaratisaraghnam
- Vacha (Acorus calamus) – Medhya, Lekhaniya, Deepana-paachana, Swasahara
On analyzing the karma performed by the herbs in Praakaara yogas, one can understand that the dravya are performing in an all system nourishing way such as,
- Promoting gut health (Deepana, Paachana, Grahi)
- Act as vermifuge (Krimihara)
- Help in the brain development (Medhya)
- Enhance acquired immunity. (Krimihara, Balya, Rakshoghna)
- Overall growth and nutrition. (Balya, Rasayana)
Research studies in Praakaara yogas
Vachadhatryadi avaleha prepared by using the most repeated drugs in Praakaara yoga, having immune modulator activity, were subjected to experimental and clinical trial in 1999. In the clinical study, the drug significantly enhanced antibody formation and moderately suppressed the immunological oedema. Another two studies were also done to assess the efficacy of Praakaara yoga in 2012 and 2013. The drug was administered in 3rd and 6th month in the first study and in the 2nd study it was administered in 1- 1½ years old children. Both the studies showed significant results when compared to the control group. (Chandran S, et al., Unique contributions of Keraleeya Ayurveda in pediatric health care, J Ayurveda Integr Med (2018), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaim.2017.10.008)
Need of the hour
In the present scenario, children need special attention in their development and growth since they are the vulnerable part of our society. Covid-19 pandemic is creating havoc among the parents regarding the health of their children and Praakaara yogas are indeed a solution for all such dilemmas which will be helpful for physical, mental and social well-being.
