Kritika Joshi *1 , Mithilesh Verma 2
1.Post graduate scholar, P.G. Department of Kaumarabhritya, State Ayurvedic College &Hospital Lucknow, U.P. India

2.Head of Department, P.G. Department of Kaumarabhritya, State Ayurvedic College &Hospital Lucknow, U.P. India

INTRODUCTION

Swarnaprashan is a lehan karma (giving something to lick) which is an unmatched traditional way of immunization in children. In
this gold is given in combination with honey, ghrita and various other herbs to the child. It helps in boosting up the intellectual power, physical strength and immunity in the body to fight against diseases.1

. Various researches on gold have proved itsrole as immunomodulator, antioxidant etc.2,3,4 Maximum yogas mentioned in ayurvedic texts as lehana contains gold in them. Other important ingredient of swarnaprashan is honey which is made up of various pollen grains which act as antigen. By its antigenic activity, it stimulates the immune system. The combination of ghee and honey in equal amount act as a virrudh ahara complex5 (incompatible diet) and regular use of it in smaller amount stimulates the body’s immune system. Swarnaprashana given in early stages of life gives good quality of life in future. Considering all the above facts this study was designed and carried out as per International Conference of HarmonizationGood Clinical Practices Guidelines (ICH-GCP). Before commencement of clinical trial ethical clearance was obtained from Institutional Ethical Committee, State Ayurvedic College,
Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. Written and informed consent was taken from the guardians on the behalf of their children before
inclusion in the trial. Children with recurrent infections between 3 to 10 years of age were registered and were divided randomly into two groups. In Group A 1drop of honey containing 1mg of gold bhasma, was given with 1 drop of ghrita to the children upto 5 years of age and children above five years of age were given 2 drops of honey ,containing 2mg of swarna bhasma, with 2 drops of ghrita once a day on empty stomach for 30 days. In group B honey was given as 1 drop daily to children up to 5 years of age and 2 drops daily to the children more than 5 years of age along with equal amount ghrita once a day on empty stomach for 30 days. Children were

followed for 6 months to see the recurrence of disease. After following up it was found that 35% of the children enrolled in
group A were relieved (more than 75% relief in their condition) while 50% children had moderate improvement. In group B 50%
children showed mild to moderate improvement. 50% remained unchanged.