The word “Swarna Prashana” is comprised of two words – “Swarna” and “Prashana”. The term swarna is used for gold and prashana denotes the act of licking. Swarna Prashana is a very excellent way of enhancing immunity and intellectual power in children. Traditionally Swarna Prashana has been practised in Indian culture for ages. 

The word “Swarna Prashana” is comprised of two words – “Swarna” and “Prashana”. The term swarna is used for gold and prashana denotes the act of licking.
Swarna Prashana is a very excellent way of enhancing immunity and intellectual power in children. Traditionally Swarna Prashana has been practised in Indian culture for ages. 
Acharya Kashyapa(exponent of Paediatrics) describes Swarna Prashana in detail by stating that while keeping the child’s face towards east,  rub the gold on a washed stone with a little quantity of water. Then it should be mixed with Madhu and Ghrita and given to the child for licking. This process is called Swarn Prashan. When it is administered for a certain period of time, it helps to enhance memory and immunity. 
The benefits of Swarna Prashana have been stated by Acharya Kashyapa as Medhaagnibalvardhanam which improves memory, digestive power and body strength Ayushyam that enhances life span Mangalyam that is auspicious and Punyam means sacred, Vrishya means aphrodisiac and Grahapaham i.e helps in removing bad effects of grahas. 
If Swarna Prashan is administered for one month, the child will be extremely intelligent and remains protected from diseases. When administered for 6 months continuously, the child will become Shruta Dhara (can remember whatever he listens only once).
Composition of Swarna Prashana in Present Context
Swarna Prashana is a unique combination of Swarna Bhasma (gold ash) mixed with honey and ghee (in unequal quantity) fortified with various herbs like vacha, brahmi, shankhpushpi etc. Swarna Prashana ingredients are basically immunomodulatory and enhance the intellect.
1) Swarna (Gold)
Swarna Prashana contains gold as the main ingredient, which is in bhasma form (specially a processed) as gold cannot be consumed in its raw form. Gold is known to boost immunity as well as to enhance memory. It is a proven immuno-modulator and antibacterial when mixed with madhu and ghrita.
2) Madhu (Honey)
Another important ingredient present in Swarna Prashana is honey which enhances the absorption of gold and acts as anti-inflammatory as well as improves digestion.
3) Ghee/Ghrita
It has exclusive properties that help in enhancing medicinal values of Swarna. It acts as an effective medium in which herbs medications are mixed smoothly.
4) Herbal Components
Bala, vacha, brahmi and shankhpushpi are well known for their capability to strengthen physical and cognitive wellbeing.
Administration of Swarna Prashana
(Time and duration)
Swarna Prashana needs to be administered since birth till the age of 16 on empty stomach to achieve better absorption. More likely, it should be administered early morning during Pushya Nakshatra. Swarna Prashana can be given daily for one month or can be extended up tothe period of 6 months. While administering Swarna Prashana, parents should face north and child should face east direction.
The most important concern of parents is to maintain and improve physical and mental health of their children. On account of over whelming load of infections, side effects of medications, hectic life style, unhealthy beverages and food habits and progressively changing environment, children are becoming more prone to various disorders. Hence, Swarna Prashana is the perfect solution for achieving good learning ability, immune functioning and calmness of mind.
BENEFITS OF SWARNA PRASHANA 
Swarna Prashana develops multi-dimensional health benefits such as 
1. Boosts Memory
It improves attention span of a child which in turn increases memory, retention power and cognitive functions of brain. 
2.  Improves Digestion
It improves appetite and digestion by helping in the absorption of essential nutrients from food. Thus it promotes optimum body growth. 
3. Boosts Immune System
Immuno-enhancer properties of gold stimulate immune system of children.
4. Nourishes Skin
Swarna Prashana possesses detoxification properties. Thus it eliminates unwanted toxins from the body and improves blood circulation helping in skin nourishment.
5. Improves Mental Wellbeing
 It is extremely beneficial for children with special needs such as autism, learning difficulties, attention deficit disorder and hyper activity. It helps in reducing anxiety, aggressiveness, irritability and attention seeking behaviour in children.  
6. Improves Hearing and Vision
Swarna Prashan is known to improve the sense of hearing and vision.
7. Physical Health
It helps in building physical strength and overall body growth in children. 
Swarna Prashana has been practised since ages in India and is the unique method of instilling intellectual and immunomodulatory power. In the present scenario it is attaining fast popularity and is being adopted all over India as an oral vaccine for immunity and intellect. This process also helps in overall growth and development in children.

Dr. Parikshit Sharma
Associate Professor, Department of Kaumarbhritya
Dayanand Ayurvedic College,
Jalandhar-144001 E-mail: ps3.sharma@gmail.com