How To Improve Immune System In Children? An Ayurvedic Method
Ayurveda explains many methods to improve immune system in children. Ashwagandha is a very important herb in Ayurvedic medicine manufacturing. Here is a very special and simple home remedy prepared with Ashwagandha, milk and clarified butter (ghee).
How to improve immune system in children by Ashwagandha ghee?
Table of Contents
Ingredients
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) herb – powder – 10 grams
Cow ghee (clarified butter) – 100 grams
Milk – 800 ml.
Method of preparation
- Cow ghee is taken in a wide mouthed vessel, heated for 20 seconds.
- Make a bolus of ashwagandha powder with water and add to ghee.
- Add milk to ghee.
- Continue heating till the entire water portion evaporates and at the end, only the ghee remains. Filter it at the end and preserve the ghee part. Discard the solid part.
- Keep on stirring through out the entire procedure.
- Make sure to take previously boiled milk for this process.
- Make sure to take a wide mouthed vessel with a lot of free space, because when the milk starts boiling, it starts rising up and it may spill out.
Signs of proper preparation
Signs to watch at the end of the procedure:
- Quantity: At the end, approximately 80 – 100 ml of ghee only remains along with the ashwagandha herb paste.
- Fire test: When you put ashwagandha paste into fire at the middle of the procedure, it makes sound, suggesting that there is still mositure (water) in the container. But at the end stage, the ashwagandha paste when put into fire will not make any sound.
- Wick test: When you take ashwagandha between your fingers and try to roll, it easily gains wick form.
- Clarity: During the procedure, there will be lot of frothing and the entire liquid turns muddy. Nearing the end, frothing stops and ghee gets clearly separated from the ashwagandha bolus.
- Good taste, aroma and colour: During the initial stages of boiling, there will not be any appreciable aroma. But at the end, the container starts emitting typical sweet aroma of ghee and Ashwagandha.
Once after observing these signs, you need to stop heating. Otherwise, the ghee will get burnt and the entire procedure will be a waste of time.
Note: As per the precise textual reference, the proportion of Ashwagandha : ghee : milk is – 25 grams:100 grams:800 ml. But I have taken only 10 grams of Ashwagandha in place of 25 grams, because, the bulk of ashwagandha will entirely cover the volume of ghee and the yield will be very very less. Hence, in this herbal health care remedy, I have slightly altered the proportions.
In the video, I have used the term ghee and ghrita inter-changeably. Ghee in sanskrit is Ghritam.
Ashwagandha ghee benefits
- “Ghritam deyam sukumaaraanaam pushtikrut balavardhanam”
- In children, this Ashwagandha ghee is very beneficial in improving nourishment and body weight.
- It also helps to improve immunity of the body.
- Ashwagandha is a powerful anti oxidant herb.
- This Ghritam preparation contains both water and fat soluble phytochemicals of Ashwagandha in the medium of ghee.
- Ashwagandha is a proven herb to improve muscle strength and bulk.
- Ashwagandha improves mental strength and concentration.
- According to Ayurveda, ghee and milk are also important for the children and helps in improving immunity and nourishment.
- Ayurveda says that regular intake of ghee and milk is a way to achieve natural rejuvenation.
- This ghee can also be used in elders to improve immunity.
Contraindications
- Obese children.
- During cold infection and fever, it is better to avoid this ghee. Once after the infection period is gone, this ghee can be continued.
Dosage
For children above the age of 1 year – half teaspoon in the morning, with warm water, before food.
Please feel free to let me know about any doubts.
How long to take?
For up to 6 – 8 weeks, excluding rainy seasons or when the kids have cold or fever.
Related articles Your child does not eat well?
46 comments on “How To Improve Immune System In Children? An Ayurvedic Method”
suryakrishnamurthi
Excellent and surely a timely introduction to save the community from squandering on readymade tabs of the other system of medicines
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Allergic rhinitis is one of the forte of Ayurveda. It can surely very well treated. Consult your Ayurvedic doctor.
Gaurav
Does this involve strengthening of the immune system? Respiratory system?…
Thank you,
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
It involves both.
karthik
Once Ashwagandha ghee is prepared how long it can be stored? And also is there any process in storing the ghee?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Once it is prepared, it can be stored anywhere between 4 months to one year. If the atmosphere has moisture, it might undergo rancidity in about four months. It should be stored in clean, dry area away from moisture or direct sun light, in air tight container.
Gaurav
Is this remedy allowed and helpful for adults as well?
Thank you,
Gaurav
For some reason the Ashwagandha sold in capsules here in US has a very dark brown color instead of the light brown color of the ashwagandha root. (It is also much finer.) Is this color normal or is it a sign of some chemical processing that is best avoided?
Also, is there a difference between dosage of “standardized extract” vs. just simply home made ashwagandha root powder?
Thank you.
Gaurav
Tasted the Churana (Baba Ramdev) like the one in your video for the first time today. And now having tasted it, the powder in the capsules is much more bitter/concentrated + different tasting compared to this Churana. Is this expected? I’ve tried capsules of several brands – all of them have this bitterness+dark brown color. Do they process the root with chemicals after grinding?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi,
1. Original Ashwagandha churna is brownish white to white in colour. It is bitter to taste. But if it is processed in milk, it is kind of sweetish bitter.
2. After boiling in milk, the Ashwagandha powder can be filtered out.
3. I do not know what different brands do with Ashwagandha while selling it in capsule form. Ideally, it should be plain ashwagandha powder in capsule form.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
The dark brown colour must have been standardized extract. Its dose is usually lesser than the home made ashwagandha powder.
I will write in detail about advantages and disadvantages at both the versions of the herb in the near future. But from an Ayurveda perspective, when a doc prescribes ashwagandha, he means the home made ashwagandha powder and not the extract of it.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, it will be better to consult an Ayurveda doctor in person. Proper evaluation, home remedies / good medicines to improve memory and concentration should help your son.
Gaurav
What is the reason that Ashwagandha ghee is contra indicated during cold infection and fever?
Can Ashwagandha in milk continue to be taken during a viral (flu) attack to help sustain against the weakness and body aches and also to fight the attack? If not, what would be the best anti-viral herbs and/or home remedies to help recover from viral attack (since antibiotics might not really help)?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
The problem lies with ghee and not ashwagandha. Ghee is not ideal yo consume during fever because it is associated with indigestion. Based on same logic even milk is not good. During a viral attack a kashayam prepared with hwrba like tulasi, ginger, ashwagandha turmeric and pepper would be more appropriate.
Gaurav
Are these strength giving herbs (ashwagandha, shatavari, etc…) also okay to consume while taking antibiotics for bacterial infections? Or are they contraindicated with any common allopathic medication?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
There are some drug interactions with certain herbs. http://webmd.com lists them quite elaborately. But the funny thing is, they say that the herb’s effect is not proven in most of the cases, but they say that Ashwagandha interacts with sedatives and improves drowsiness and sleepiness, it interacts with immunity suppressing drugs because it improves immunity, Ashwagandha increases thyroid hormone secretion and hence taking it along with thyroid hormones might cause increase in thyroid hormone levels. Thereby, they’re indirectly agreeing to the efficacy of Ashwagandha in these conditions. http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-953-ASHWAGANDHA.aspx?activeIngredientId=953&activeIngredientName=ASHWAGANDHA
Similarly for Shatavari, interaction with lithium is listed. – http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-supplements/ingredientmono-1167-ASPARAGUS%20RACEMOSUS.aspx?activeIngredientId=1167&activeIngredientName=ASPARAGUS%20RACEMOSUS#vit_interactions
In general, with antibiotics, the strength-giving herbs are good to take. But it is always good to maintain half an hour gap between allopathic and Ayurvedic herbs. Allopathic drug, first.
Dharmesh
Hi, just one doubt, when the entire water part is evaporated,how to filter it to part it with the solid!!
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, when the total water part is evaporated, we end up with liquid ghee and the solid part (of Ashwagandha).
So, that needs to be filtered, to obtain Ashwagandha ghee. Watch the video. You may get a better idea.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, it can be made with the said ingredients.
You can take the four herbs, a total quantity of 2 teaspoon add it to a cup of milk (pre boiled). – Then boil it for two minutes, filter and administer. The same way, you can make it with water as well.
If you are making it with milk, the effect will be better. But you cannot give fruit juice immediately after giving his milk drink. There should be minimum 30 minutes gap between milk remedy and fruit juice.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
For upto 6 – 8 weeks, excluding rainy seasons or when the kids have cold or fever.
Nandini
Hello Sir, You said Aswagandha is useful for conception for ladies…when to take aswagandha…whether to take in follicular phase, ovulation or leutal phase
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, As a general uterine tonic and to regularize hormones, Ashwagandha can be used throughout menstrual cycle.
Ashwagandha increases estrogen, hence useful in follicular phase.
It is also very useful to relieve adrenal fatigue. Adrental fatigue lowers progesterone. Hence, It is also useful in luteal phase.
If there is low estrogen levels, then Ashwagandha along with Shatavari during follicular phase is useful.
But it is better to consult your doctor for the right medicines.
Read more about Ashwagandha here – https://www.easyayurveda.com/2014/06/22/ashwagandha-withania-somnifera-benefits-dose-side-effects/
lubna
Hi
I am lubna.
I saw ur video how to make the ghee can it be mixed in rice or roti and given to child.
my child is 4 yrs and catches cold n cough very often.
empty stomach in morning can be difficult so mixing in food is possible
and any think to increase knowledge strong memory
thank u sir
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, this remedy itself is good to improve memory.
lubna
Sir hi
can this be given in food like rice or chappies
as taking empty stomach in morning my 4 ur old son would not take
peter
Thank you for the reply. My son is 3 yrs old. Good to know that Ashwangandha can be boiled in milk and given without ghee if one has cold. He is currently having cold and cough (worse at night while sleeping). I will continue giving Ashwangandha in milk without ghee. If there any remedy for coughing while sleeping.
Kritika
Hello Sir, I made this successfully with the help of your video. Will give to both my kids.
I have a question – what to do with the khoya that is left behind? Can it be used in any way?
Dr Malini Bhat
Dear Madam, Khoya has a gamut of health benefits too, starting with the calcium content that promotes strong bones and reduces the risk of osteoporosis, to being a good source of riboflavin, Vitamin A and Vitamin B12. However, as is common knowledge, care should be taken as excessive consumption of this dairy product could lead to weight gain.
Can be made into any sweet items only and no other usage of it.
Kritika
Hello Sir, I successfully made this ghee using your helpful video. Will give to both my children. I have a question – can the khoya that is left behind be used in any way?
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
No. Use only the ghee. Throw away the rest ingredients.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
AFter about 3 months of time.
Amit Todi
From were I can get the pure Aswagandha
Amit Todi
I made the ghee But lastly it get thick(Looks like Thick Rabri) as not like shown in the video.Is it useable
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, please heat it for 2 – 5 more minutes. The thick rabri will dissolve and give out pure ghee. The sold waste particles will get separated. Please wait for that.
Amit Todi
FInally succeed in preparing..But as my son dislikes i am give a drop of honey in it and after some peices of Kismis and Munnaka in his mouth..is it ok..
shubham
Sir I have a doubt , I want to know the dose that can be given to a 14 year boy , his immune system is not strong he gets cold anytime even in summers , and he is skinny but not too much his wight is 40kg around , I want to increase his wieght and hight both , can ashwagandha be given to cure all that , reply as soon as possible
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Something like Aswagandhadi lehyam is a good option
Tausif Momin
Hi Dr…
i want to Eat Ashwagandha Powder Can you please tell me about Dose of Ashwagandha and Also which brand is best for Ashwagandha
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Depends on purpose. Usually it is safe to give 2 grams of Shatavari with a cup of milk at night after food for 2 months time.
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
Hi, after filtereding you are supposed to give the milk part. Not the solid part. – 10 ml at night, after food for 1 month time.
Sk
Thanks doctor
Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)
if she is healthy, no need.
Anagha
Hi
I am 35 yrs old female. I have mood swings and don’t have sound sleep. I have severe acidity(shit pitta- I get kind of patches once exposed to cold) for last 13 yrs. Pl suggest remedy.
J
I have pain in back of head hands legs back lower back etc and sometimes i feel my hands and legs are throbbing inside my ears also pain sometimes and i feel little throbbing inside it also i
I always read all ur articles and trust on ur knowledgeable advice pls suggest aayurvedic medicine for my problem
Divya
I am just giving ashwagandha tonic to my 12 month old . Which doctor prescribed for strengthening . He has cough should I continue ???
Vaishali
Hello doctor…can I give this ashwagandha ghee to my kids? And which ashwagandha I should use( powder,dry ashwagandha sticks)?can you please recommend any?