Ayurveda covers both preventive and curative aspects of health and disease. Preventive aspect of Ayurveda mainly focuses on rejuvenation. Ayurveda helps to improve immune system, increase intelligence, memory power and other aspects of health. While most of this kind of treatment is given after middle age, there are certain home remedies that are prescribed to be followed since infancy. One such Ayurveda baby care remedy is – ‘Swarna – Vacha’.
Table of Contents
Ayurvedic benefits – gold, Vacha
Gold – Ayurveda – Gold (Swarna) is used in Ayurveda since ancient times. Gold is known to improve intelligence, memory and to strengthen immune system.
This is the reason, the yester year kings used to get their food prepared in vessels having gold as a component, and they used to have food in golden plates and bowls.
In Ayurvedic practice, Gold is processed with herbs before usage.
24 carrot gold is used after proper purification.
Vacha – sweet flag – It is a tradition in India to give the infants this herb in minute quantities. This herb initiates and improves speech capability, improves memory and concentration.
Indications, benefits, side effects
For whom it is beneficial?
It is administered for infants above 3 months of age. It is given for 3 – 5 years.
What are the benefits expected?
- Boosts immunity and helps in weak immune system in child
- Improves memory, concentration and speech
- Helps in normal growth and activity.
- Improve voice and skin quality.
- Improves strength of sense organs.
- Improves digestion power
- Helps to attain Tridosha Balance
Any side effect?
This is a time-tested home remedy followed in almost every Indian household.
The amount of Swarna and Vacha delivered with each administration is very minimal.
Method of administration
Method of Swarna Vacha administration –
- In this traditional Ayurvedic method, A thin gold wire is processed with herbs.
- This processed wire is inserted into a piece of Vacha.
- This piece is rubbed with little quantity of milk or water in a small vessel.
- The child is made to lick the paste, early in the morning, before food.
Take 10 drops of cow milk / mother’s milk on a flat surface of small vessel or a wooden surface. Rub SwarnaVacha over the flat surface for 30 seconds. Let the child lick the milk+swarna Vacha paste on empty stomach in the morning.
For babies below one year, it is best to give it on alternate days.
For other children, it can be given daily or on alternate days.
It can be continued for a period of 3 -4 months time.
It is usually given from the 4th month.
Dose for infants of 4 – 6 months – 2 drops once or twice a day of the liquid prepared as above, on alternate days.
Swarna Vacha – to improve speech and intelligence in infants
Cost: Rs 3,500per piece, within India, including courier charges. Cannot ship it outside India.
How to get? Please write to me at hebbarjv@gmail.com
Clinical experience
Dr M S Krishnamurthy MD(Ayu) – IPGT &R, Jamnagar and PhD – National Institute of Ayurveda, Jaipur.
I am an Ayurvedic doctor practicing since 22 years. I feel really proud and privileged to practice and hence to disclose those successful, memorable moments of my clinical practice. Ayurveda, if it is still alive, it is because of the incorporation of few highly successful traditional practices in collaboration with classical Ayurveda.
Vacha (Rhizome of Acorus calamus) is well appreciated as
memory enhancer, immune modulator,
digestive, anti spasmodic,
anti flatulent and carminative
stimulant, appetizer and digestive in classical Ayurvedic textbooks.
But, in clinical practice, more than Vacha, Shankhapusjpi-Brahmi-Mandukaparni-Jyotishmati-Jathamamsi etc are used. Many pharmaceutical companies have brought hundreds of formulations in many combinations of these herbs.
In fact, other than Vacha, most of these herbs have several alternate species and adulterations too. When stored as raw, their shelf life is also lesser than Vacha.
Secondly, the gold is a well- known rejuvenating, complexion enhancer, anti oxidant, detoxifier, immune booster and aphrodisiac. The tradition of design of golden spoon and vessels for all, and specifically for children is also mentioned in classical books. However it is not practical and reasonable to common people. That is the reason why young kids used to feed with golden rings of their parents.
While preparing the Swarna vacha, instead of making it into Swarna bhasma, purified golden leaf is converted into wire and inserted into the the processed Vacha (Acorus calamus rhizome); thus the system of medication appear more traditional, indigenous, safe and unique.
Vacha suvarna or Swarna vacha / Bangaru baje is an ancient Indian wisdom of memory enhancing, immune modulation and hence to prevent from the childhood metabolic and infective diseases. This combination is apt in the treatment of nervine problems as well. If the preparation of Swarna vacha is genuine and prepared as per classical/traditional method it remains safe and very efficacious. So, only after ascertaining the genuineness of the product one should have this preparation and use it appropriately.
A few of my clinical experience with this Swarna vacha:
Case 1: A 3.5 year old male child from Mumbai, had delayed milestones (difficulty to walk, even though he had enough body strength), slow body activities, followed by recurrent rhinitis and indigestion. I asked the client’s mother to give Swarna vacha 3-4 rounds on rubbing in a stone along with ghee, once in two days regularly for 60 days.
In initial 15-20 days no much improvement was observed and they were not so happy. But, they had enough faith with me and hence as per my advice they continued the medication. After 30 days, they gradually appreciated good hunger, well formed stool and relief from the cold and rhinitis.
After 45 days they informed me that his interest in walking is improved and lethargy is significantly reduced. In addition, he was found with alertness and active in play and relative acts. They still continued the Swarna vacha and few other simple remedies. After a period of 3 months they brought the child to my clinic and expressed their gratitude for facilitating in the health care of the child. I advised them to continue the same along with Swarnaprashana ghrita for few more months. They have reported good progress in the child’s improvement.
Case 2: A 63 year old female patient from Shimoga (Karnataka), was diagnosed with Parkinsonism of mild nature followed by amnesia. After thorough examination, I found Kapha-pitta imbalance and asked their party to have Swarna vacha 6 rounds, daily along with Brahmi swarasa and ghee. They took the medicine and continued for about1 month. She was found with good improvement in her sleeping pattern, nervine stability as well as the memory was not deteriorated and instead it too started improving. After 5-6 months medication (with supportive Ayurvedic formulations) she got significant improvement in memory. The old lady who was not in a position to recognize her own daughter (who brought her to my clinic) too was recognized well and was very cordial with her….really it made me very happy….you can think of the pleasure of the client and her beloved ones!
Case 3: This incident is of my distant relative. She is the mother of 6-year-old girl. They got the child after 15 years of marriage. The child was very stubborn, restless and irritable, all the time. They were fed up by all kinds of therapies and treatments. Pediatrician suggested them to take the opinion of Autistc child care centre. As a last resort they approached me. I found the elevated Vata and Pitta and prescribed the Swarna vacha along with ghee (in kalpa method- increase and decrease pattern of medication of Swarna vacha). In addition, I asked them to administer Saraswartarishta and Balarishtha. After about 35-40 days medication she improved a lot… most of her complaints were pacified and the parents were very happy. I asked them to continue the medication for 3 more months followed by Swarnaprashana ghrita later on for sustained effects.
When we spend thousands together money on health care and cure, for immunity and much more…is it not the correct way to bring into practice the age old methods of rejuvenation, immune boosting, disease prevention, digestion and metabolism correction etc…I am very sure that the efforts will be carried soon to promote such techniques in scientific name with newer presentations.
Cost: Rs 3000 per piece, within India, including courier charges. Cannot ship it outside India.
How to get? Please write to me at hebbarjv@gmail.com
64 comments on “Swarna Vacha: Home Remedy For Immunity, Memory, Intelligence”
vin
hello,
my question is a little unrelated. many of the bhasma/churna have metallic ingredients like iron filings/mercury/gold like this case/calcium.
but there are put through the purification process to make them fit for human consumption. is there any explanation in modern chemistry/biology as to how the process makes the harmful metals safe for human consumption?
because all i read about is vilification of these medicines and alarming reports about the metallic contents of these medicines.
thank you very much
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Use of heavy metals and other minerals in Ayurveda and its justification (and condemn in a few instances) needs a lengthy explanation. Thanks for bringing this topic. I will write about it in detail.
vin
thankyou very much sir
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Thanks. Swarna Bindu prashana is – giving processed Swarna Bhasma in the medium of honey or ghee.
You can give either Swarna bindu Prashana or Swarna Vacha to your son. Any one is just fine.
sameer muravane
thank u
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It can not be prepared at home.
pravin
Vacha has beta-isoasarone which can cause cancer. This information is given on WebMD so want to know What are the ingredents used in suvarna bindu prashan. I need all the ingredents to take best desion my baby is 15 days old now.
Thanks
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Vacha is an Ayurvedic herb used since ages. Some studies about Vacha herb do show carcinogenic activity. But the quantity that is used here or in most of the fomrulations is very very low. So, I really do not find any cancer threat with Ayurveda products containing Vacha.
The real list of ingredients of Suvarna Bindu Prashana depends upon the manufacturer.
Most common used formula is Brahmi Ghrita plus Swarna Bhasma.
Read more about Brahmi Ghrita here – http://ayurmedinfo.com/2012/02/25/brahmi-ghrita-benefits-dosage-how-to-use-side-effects-ingredients-reference/
Read more about Swarna Bhasma here – http://ayurmedinfo.com/2012/07/08/swarna-bhasma-benefits-dosage-ingredients-side-effects-preparation/
As per my personal opinion, it is better to wait till baby is 4 – 6 months old, then you can start with Suvarna Bindu Prashana. Consult your doctor for more info.
Devansh
Wanted to know swarna vacha can be given to any age group
Saisonia
Brahma rasayana is an overall tonic like Chawanprash. Also found Vacha rasayana with Standardized Extracts
* Nir-Brahmi Bacopa Monniea 10:1 herbal extract
* Gotu Kola Hydrocotyl asiatica 7:1 herbal extract
* Jatamamsi Nardostachys jatamamsi 10:1 herbal extract
* Ashwagandha Withania somnifera 15:1 herbal extract
* Shankapushpi Evolvulus Alsinoides 10:1 herbal extract
* Tulasi Ocinum Sanctum 7:1
* Shilajit Natural Asphaltum – mineral pitch 25% vulvic acids
* Haritaki Fruit Chebulic myrobalan 4:1 herbal extract
* St John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum 4:1
* Gingko Ginkgo biloba 5:1
* Skullcap Herb Scutellaria spp 5:1 herbal extract
* Sarsaparilla Root 8:1
* Sage Herb Salvia 5:1
* Licorice Root Glychyrrhiza glabra 6:1
* Valerian Root Valeriana spp 10:1 herbal extract
* Amalaki Fruit Emblica officinalis 5:1 herbal extract
* Bhringaraj Herb Eclipta alba 10:1 herbal extract
* Shatavari Root Asparagus racemosus 4:1 herbal extract
* Pippali Piper longum 4:1
Herbal Powders
* Nutmeg Myristica fragrans
* Cardamom Seed Elettaria cardamomum
* Ginger Root Zingiber officinale
* Cinnamon Bark Cinnamomum zeylanicum
* Mugwort Herb Artemisia vulgaris
* Fennel Seed Foeniculum vulgaris
* Ajwan Seed Apium graveolens
Which is better for mental health and disturbances in mental state. If possible please do mention manufacturer.
Thank you so much
Sai
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
By the list of ingredients,
For ‘mental health’, Vacha Rasayana looks better.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
If the honey is pure, and collected from natural sources, then it is safe for infants.
Major concern raised by western scholars about honey is, Botulinum toxin and that it may cause infant botulism. Recently there was concern about honey’s safety, because tetracycline antibiotic traces were found in it.
In the light of these two issues,
If you are very sure about the quality of honey, if it is collected from wild / organically, then it is safe for below 12 month old.
If it is branded honey from market, best to avoid it in infants.
priya edwin
My girl age is 2 . It looks like her hub count is 10.5.is there anything that I can give e naturally to boost up her iron
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Include more of these in her diet – cooked beans, cereals, pumpkin seed, carrot, dates, sesame seed, chickpeas, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, roasted almonds, roasted cashews, or sunflower seeds, raisins, peaches, or prunes, spinach, bread,
Veeresh.N.Hiremath
Thanks for the lot of information,please could you tell any ayurvedic solution general memory power.
Veeresh.N.Hiremath
Thanks for the lot of information,please could you tell any ayurvedic solution general memory power.For adults like 45 plus.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Please read here –
https://www.easyayurveda.com/2013/02/21/improve-sleeping-habits-of-your-elders-and-increase-their-memory/
https://www.easyayurveda.com/2012/12/10/how-to-improve-your-brains-ram-speed-and-disk-space/
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Please read here –
https://www.easyayurveda.com/2009/09/25/improve-memory-and-fight-memory-loss-with-simple-effective-tips/
https://www.easyayurveda.com/2012/12/10/how-to-improve-your-brains-ram-speed-and-disk-space/
https://www.easyayurveda.com/2013/02/21/improve-sleeping-habits-of-your-elders-and-increase-their-memory/
Vijay Das
Dear Dr. Hebbar,
This is truely a very good article. I have seen many of your videos. Could you please post a video or an article about How to prepare Swarna Prashana in detail.
Thanks
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Thanks.
It may take a while, but will surely do it.
shruti joshi
A very good information
Ravishankar
I’m using swarnavacha for past 5years in my clinical practice. It gives significant result in preventing respiratory illnesses. Present day we are living in hazardous environment. Immune boosters are needed.
Thank you
Dr.Ravishankar Kulamarva MD (Ayu)
Consultant Ayurveda Pediatrician.
Arun Kumar
Hello Dr.
Kindly let me know the price of Swarn Vacha, I want to purchase the same.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Sent by email
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Replied by email
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, I do not do personal consultation. First consult a physician and get a lab blood test done.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It is different. Contact ravi.kulamarva@gmail.com for Swarna Vacha.
Ramesh
My son (Age 2yrs 8 months) is affected with Autism. Currently we are giving him “Shanka Pushpi” syrup in addition to speech and other therapies. Wanted to know if this is enough or should we try giving Swarnaprashana / swarnamrutha prashana / suvarna bhasma / vacha rasayana?
Dr Malini Bhat
Dear sir, Instead of Shankha pushpi you can start with Svarna vacha when it comes to Speech. And a Pancha karma therapy of Shirodhara. Do consult a ayurvedic physician for the same.
Junas Marandi
Dear Sir, You are prescribing so many medicines in so many diseases without mentioning its botanical name. Local names of plants and herbs differ in different locality. It may be coffusing factor. Thanks.
Dr Malini Bhat
Dear sir, We will write the botanical names in the coming articles.
Ravikiran Phatak
Hello Dr. Hebbar
Is there any specific time to give Swarna Vacha in a day? Morning, Noon or evening.
If so till what time we can give it to child?
Dr Malini Bhat
Namaste Sir, It is preferable to give it in the morning.
Anusha
Can you tell how swarna bhasma can be added to oil for abhyanga and in creams and lotions? Also possibly the recipe for the same
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
External use of swarna Bhasma does not have much impact as it is not well absorbed via skin. Hence it is not worth the money.
Read more about Swarna Bhasma here – http://ayurmedinfo.com/2012/07/08/swarna-bhasma-benefits-dosage-ingredients-side-effects-preparation/
Madhu
Dear sir, My son (age9yrs 3mon) is affected with ADHD and SLD. Currently we are giving AMLAKACHURNA daily morning and swarnabindu prasana monthly once, Wanted to know it is enough or should we try giving suvarna vacha, are sirodhara is required How much benefit with this, Thank you.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Take 10 drops of mother’s milk on a flat surface of small vessel or a wooden surface. Rub SwarnaVacha over the flat surface for 30 seconds. Let the child lick the milk+swarna Vacha paste on empty stomach in the morning. Do this on alternate days for 2 – 3 months time.
Nandini
Hello Dr.i have heard vacha can cause intestinal tumour in larger amounts.is it safe for kids.and wanted to know if there is any particular brand selling vacha or is it available in all Ayurvedic stores.
Mrs agarwal
My daughter is 20 yrs old..she is peefectly f9 but gets cough.cold very ftequent where as she sdoesnt have even ice crea..colddrinks..gets tired very fast…is it good for her
Ethan Depweg
What mantra is used for preparation of this medicine during grinding?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No mantra has been specified.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It is best to stop it now.
Hemanth Shah
Hello,
Can this piece of herb/gold be rubbed with brahmi ghrita instead of milk?
Shanthi
My daughter is 10 yrs old, should I start with Swarna Vacha now for her and give continuously for 6 months and then stop forever
Manjari
doctor pls give dosage as per age from 0 to 6 months
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It is usually given from 4th month.
Dose for infants 4 – 6 months – 2 drops once or twice a day of the liquid prepared as above, on alternate days.
Rajitha
doctor pls give dosage as per age for 1 year boy
P R Roshan
Hello Dr. What is the difference between Swarna Vacha and Swarna Bindu Prasanna
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Swarna Vacha is targeted more towards brain health, memory, speech.
Swarna bindu prashana – more towards immunity and general health.
P R Roshan
Thanks for the clarification sir.
P
Can both be started together
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Better to take one after the other. Swarna Vacha first and then Bindu Prashana.
prashant sharma
sir
swarna bindu prasha mai honey already mix hota hai yafir jb use diya jata hai tb hi mix kiya jata hai
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
honey already mix nahi hota hai. Chaahe to baad me mix aap khud hi kar sakte hai.
Sangeetha bhat
Rubbing vacha with normal gold string is ok ? Or ya have to buy gold processed with herbs ?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Rubbing Vacha with normal gold is fine.
Gopi
Hello Ramesh, my son is diagnosed as mild autism. Would you mind if I ask which components worked best for your son. Thank you
Swathi
I have a new born baby boy – 7 weeks old. We are giving the baby vacha (baje)and nutmeg (jaakaayi) everyday, rubbing it with mother’s milk. I have the following queries:
1. What is the difference between swarna vacha and swarna bindu praashna?
2. When should we start administering swarna vacha for the child and till when should it continue?
3. When should we administer swarna bindu praashna for the child and till when should it continue, and at what intervals?
4. What is the ideal dosage of vacha and nutmeg to be used? Please share month-wise dosage. easiest would be – for how long do we rub the herbs on the stone to make a paste?
5. Should I replace the vacha with swarna vacha? If yes, where can I get authentic swarna vacha? Again – dosage.
6. What other herbs can I include in my infant’s diet?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Swarna Bindu prashana is administered for six months to improve immunity and brain strength.
Swarna Vacha is to address weak immunity and to improve speech.
Swarna Vacha is administered on alternate days for a 3 – 6 months time.
Swarna Bindu Prashana is administered for six months.
What is the ideal dosage of vacha and nutmeg to be used? Please share month-wise dosage. easiest would be – for how long do we rub the herbs on the stone to make a paste?
There are no strong rules. In infants, it is just rubbed once over the sandalwood paste. So, the dose of Vacha and nutmeg is ~10-20 milligrams.
Should I replace the vacha with swarna vacha? If yes, where can I get authentic swarna vacha? Again – dosage.
We have it. Please write to hebbarjv@gmail.com
Aishwarya
Hi sir, I have started swarna vacha for my kid when she is 5months old.. Till what age I can continue it..? .. Kindly give details on usage with respect to age..
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, it can be used on alternate days for 2 – 3 months time.
priya
Hi, thankyou so much for this article. I have some swarna prasana from india its like a honey stciky liquid I bought from Ayurdham after consulting with the doctor. I have been giving my Nandini two drops daily since 4 months, she is 14months old. Should I give it in ghee or milk or another medium? She is very healthy but not walking alone yet which could be just time I think. Thankyou.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It can be given along with half a teaspoon of ghee. Swallow it and then give some water.