Rasayana for Childcare

2. An introduction to Prashana, a childcare health tradition,
practised at home using 6 plant medicines, where
the plant drug is rubbed on a stone with water and small
quantities of the paste given to the child.
The plants mentioned in the book are known by different
vernacular names. It is said that when something
is beloved it is called by many names. These plants certainly
prove so! We have used in our text the most popular
name that is in use today, regardless of which language
that is. For instance, Haridra is more commonly known
as Turmeric so we have used the English name, Turmeric
in the text. The herbal ingredients can be sourced from
kitchens, gardens, supermarkets, Indian stores and herbal
medical stores such as the Ayurvedic ones or the Unani
medical stores called Davasaz. The quality of the material
that you use in the recipes is obviously very important. So,
always buy authentic plant drugs from reputed suppliers.
Growing it in your own garden will not only ensure good
quality herbs but also have herbal help close at hand for
primary care.
We have included a brief bibliography at the end and
hope that readers of a scientific, or even a simply curious
bent, who wish to seek out the science behind these traditions,
will find it useful.
In conclusion, the time seems right for a book like this.
In today’s fast-paced world, it will be useful for young
parents and other caregivers who no longer have the old
support network of family members and elders close by
to advise them on care-giving of children, especially with
relation to health issues. This book aims to fill that gap
with easy-to-use recipes, to take care of health promotion,
prevention and cure of some common illnesses faced
by children. We, the writers, hope to share with you our
joy of herbs and healing through Rasayana plants!
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