The Golden Shield of Health: Suvarna Prashan in Ayurveda
By Dr. Malvika Tambe, Atmasantulan Village, Karla 410405
Understanding Ayurveda’s True Purpose
When we delve into the heart of Ayurveda, we discover its profound focus not merely on curing ailments but on preserving health and preventing disease. Ayurveda provides a detailed framework for sustaining well-being—through daily routines, mindful eating, seasonal care, and most significantly, through Rasayana (rejuvenation therapy).
As the ancient Yogaratnakar proclaims:
“Through Rasayana, one attains long life, sharp memory, intellect, robust health, youthful vigor, strength of body and senses, and radiant beauty.”
— Yogaratnakar, Rasayanadikaran
Rasayana: A Fountain of Youth and Immunity
Rasayana therapy is designed to nourish the body’s core tissues (Dhatus), especially Rasa Dhatu, which in turn nourishes all other tissues. It supports longevity, boosts Ojas (the subtle essence of immunity and vitality), strengthens mental faculties, and brings the three doshas into balance. In a world where immunity and mental resilience are more essential than ever, Rasayana is a timeless Ayurvedic gift. Among the many rejuvenating agents, Suvarna (gold) is regarded as a supreme Rasayana—easy to administer, required in minute quantities, yet profoundly impactful.
Suvarna: Ayurveda’s Most Precious Rasayana
Ayurveda recommends the use of gold-based Rasayana right from the moment of birth, signifying its extraordinary safety and efficacy. Suvarna acts not only as a rejuvenator but also as a Vajikarana—a strength-enhancer. It is prescribed during pre-conception to strengthen reproductive capacity, during pregnancy to empower fetal growth, and after birth to build robust immunity and intellect in the child.
One of the most revered forms of gold therapy is Suvarna Prashan, an ancient Ayurvedic practice endorsed by Acharya Kashyapa. It involves administering purified 24-carat gold rubbed with ghee and honey to newborns, promoting:
• Enhanced intelligence and memory
• Stronger digestion and metabolism
• Improved resistance to illness
• Physical vitality and longevity
Regular administration for one month improves immunity, and continued use for six months can significantly boost memory retention. This practice holds special relevance for preterm babies, who are often born with low immunity and need enhanced protection in their early years.
Introducing Santulan Baal Amrut: A Modern Rasayana for Children
Carrying forward this time-honored wisdom, Santulan Baal Amrut offers a convenient, safe, and effective way to deliver the benefits of Suvarna Prashan in today’s world.
This special Rasayana formulation contains two of the most precious Ayurvedic ingredients:
Suvarna Varkha (pure gold leaf) and Kashmiri Keshar (saffron).
• Gold enhances mental grasping power, boosts immunity, improves vitality, and promotes longevity.
• Saffron, a prized Ayurvedic herb, is known to enhance complexion, support immunity, and balance all three doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Key Benefits of Baal Amrut:
• Boosts appetite and improves digestion
• Protects against seasonal infections
• Acts as a brain tonic and enhances memory
• Builds strong immunity
• Helps prevent cough, cold, and abdominal infections
• Promotes radiant, healthy skin
• Strengthens mental and physical development
• Aids faster recovery from common illnesses
• Encourages all-round vitality and a long, healthy life
Who Can Take It?
Babies from birth (day 1) up to 5 years of age.
Dosage:
• Day 1 (from birth) to 2 years: 80–100 mg (approx. 1 pinch) daily, mixed with honey*
• 3 to 5 years: 160–200 mg (approx. 2 pinches) daily, mixed with honey*
(*Or as directed by the physician)
How to Administer?
Traditionally given as a chaatan—a paste of Baal Amrut powder mixed with honey placed directly on the tongue. For infants, a pinch of powder mixed with a drop of high-quality honey can be placed gently on the tongue or administered using a small spoon.
When to Take?
Ideally, it should be given in the morning on an empty stomach. If missed, it may be given later in the day, but not immediately after feeding.
With regular use, Baal Amrut serves as a memory and concentration enhancer, providing the foundation for a child’s emotional and intellectual growth.
Clearing Misconceptions
Despite its immense value, several myths surround Suvarna Prashan:
• Some believe a single month of administration is enough. In reality, Ayurveda encourages continuing it—at least in some form—throughout childhood, ideally advised for whole life time.
• A common misunderstanding is that Suvarna Prashan should only be administered on the auspicious Pushya Nakshatra. While Pushya is indeed considered favorable, daily administration at home is far more beneficial than occasional use.
Forms of Gold Therapy and Suvarna-Samskarita Jal
Ayurveda offers multiple forms of gold-based therapy:
Suvarna Varkha (gold leaf), Suvarna Churna (powder), Suvarna Bhasma (ash).
Gold, when combined with honey and ghee, is more bioavailable and therapeutically potent.
Dr. Balaji Tambe often emphasized the benefits of Panchamrut (milk, ghee, curd, honey, and rock sugar), particularly when enriched with Amritsharkara—a Rasayana par excellence. Regular use from early life can provide the cumulative benefits of gold therapy.
An easy-to-practice option is Suvarna-Samskarita Jal—water energized by immersion of gold. This water, though not ingesting the metal directly, carries subtle vibrational benefits. It aids digestion and supports immunity, making it an excellent daily health ritual.
A Shield for the Future
As infectious diseases continue to pose challenges globally—including the resurgence of COVID-19—immunity-building has become a top health priority. Children, especially those born prematurely, are particularly vulnerable. Suvarna-based Rasayana like Baal Amrut offers a safe, scientifically rooted approach to bolstering resistance and ensuring holistic well-being.
Embracing Ayurveda’s Eternal Wealth
Gold is a noble metal—it neither corrodes nor degrades. Across Indian culture, gold is revered not only for its beauty but for its akshaya (imperishable) essence. In this spirit, as we celebrate Akshaya Tritiya, let us look beyond material gold and embrace the immortal gift of health it offers through Suvarna Rasayana.
Let us make Suvarna Prashan of Baal Amrut a part of every child’s journey—a golden shield of strength, intellect, and lifelong vitality. Not just for our little ones, but as a tradition of wellness for the entire family.