Rasayana for Childcare

Foreword
It is important to address the health and nutrition needs of the
population, particularly the vulnerable segments viz. pregnant,
lactating mothers and children of growing age. Universal Health
Coverage for all citizens is a vision of the governments of developing
and developed countries alike. There is a commitment from
governments to provide quality healthcare and food and nutrition
security which is accessible, affordable and acceptable. This is a
challenging and expensive task if the governments were to do it
alone. However, if people were better equipped to handle some of
the primary health care conditions at home, particularly the care
of pregnant women, new-borns and young children, the foundation
for a healthy society can be laid in a de-centralised and inexpensive
way.
Just as care and nourishing conditions given to a young plant
sapling makes it thrive, new born babies and young children need
to be nurtured as well. Home is the best environment where the
child is surrounded by people who care for her/him. Most cultures,
including India, have traditional wisdom and domestic health
practices which are passed on from generation to generation. The
formal medical systems such as Ayurveda dedicate separate disciplines
for the care of children. However, these traditional practices,
due to various reasons including a lack of science base have
eroded over time. It would be extremely beneficial to revitalise
our practices.
When Padma approached me for writing the Foreword, I was
a bit surprised because I am not an Ayurveda doctor. However,
she explained that she wanted the perspective of a non-Ayurveda
scholar who is aware of the gap that exists for childcare at home.
As former Director and nutrition scientist from a leading national
institute in India, I have witnessed the basic need in our
societies to strengthen the health and nutrition of mothers and
children. For a rapidly-developing economy like India, the healthcare
indicators such as maternal, neo-natal and infant mortality
and morbidity need attention and support from alternative systems
of medicine as well. We need more point-of-use solutions to
prevent stunted growth, promote cognitive development, improve
iron, zinc and calcium absorption and alleviate other Vitamin deficiencies
as well as build the necessary capacity to ward off infections
(immune functions). Commonly-used herbs and fruits could
provide the much-needed nourishment during the early stages of
growth, prevent diseases and promote health.
Grandmothers, mothers, fathers and others who take care of
children would be aware that colds, fever, sore throat, cough,
vomiting, diarrhoea, stomach aches and wounds are common during
childhood, especially until the age of five. It is important to
help the children build their own immunity to fight against the
diseases. Mild, herbal home remedies can offer quick relief and
the first level of defence.
Padma, Subrahmanya and Uma have put together this attractive
user-guide for young mothers and care-givers of children based on
an Ayurvedic concept called Rasayana. Rasayana teaches us ways
to have an energetic life and also to rejuvenate ourselves. The
book contains plant remedy recipes for children that are explained
in easy-to-follow steps. They can be practised at home for certain
minor ailments as well as lay the foundation for sound health and
nutrition. The clarity and the simplicity of the book are its assets.
It empowers everyone, especially the women at home, with ways
to tackle common ailments. The photographs and illustrations are
attractive and the little tit-bits are interesting associations that
help us remember the plant and its usage.
I encourage you to try out the recipes; they are not only timetested
but budget-friendly with easily available materials at home.
Some from fruits are delicious as well. The trick is in the dose…
small doses given every day as opposed to large, concentrated doses
go a long way to make you healthy, happy and wise.
Enjoy reading and sifting through the book as I did, consume
and digest the information and share with friends and family.
Wish you and your children long and prosperous lives.
Dr. Kamala Krishnaswamy
M.D, FASc, FAPASc, FAMS, FNASc,FNA,FIUNS,FNAAS,FTWAS
Former Director, National Institute of Nutrition
& Emeritus Medical Scientist (ICMR);
Former President, Nutrition Society of India
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