Infanthood is a critical period as rapid gains in physical,
cognitive, and socio-emotional domains constitute the ‘building blocks’ of a child’s
later growth. It explains why Balachikitsa
is given the foremost position among Ashtangas (8 branches) of Ayurveda. Dr Amrita M Nandakumar, Medical Officer,
Triveni Nursing Home, Trivandrum, writes:-
The ancient medical science encompasses many effective
treatment modalities not mentioned in classical textbooks, thanks to the regional
growth of indigenous medicines. Authentic works in Balachikitsa like Arogyakalpadruma
and Vaidya Tarakam are major
contributions of Kerala, the south Indian state known as the Cradle of
Ayurveda. They are more practically-oriented and can be considered as a
physician’s quick reference handbook.
Uramarunnuprayoga (a combination of certain herbal
drugs introduced to children in a very minimal quantity) is one among the
traditional after bath baby care practices in south India. It is administered
to children in the form of paste as a mode of immunization, which helps in the
maintenance of health and prevention of disease.
Ura refers to rub and Marunnu – medicine. Thus, it represents
a wide range of drugs which are administered to infants by rubbing. They
include drugs possessing digestive stimulation (Deepana and Pachana),
promoting proper movement of tissues inside the body (Vatanulomana), producing strength (Balya) and that which promotes the intellect (Medha).
Uramarunnu is a traditional therapeutic modification of Lehana and Praasana (variety of licking) explained by Acharya in various
Samhithas. Common examples that are practiced by traditional pediatric
practitioners are; in case of constipation Hareethaki
(Terminalia chebula); for abdominal pain and flatulence Lasuna (Allium sativum) are given in more proportion or given more
number of rubs.
Dose- There is no proper standardization on its dosage, it is
based on the number of rubs. . This can be prepared by rubbing certain drugs on
a chaanakallu with honey, butter or breast milk. It can be given to the child
daily after bath from 28 days of birth up to 2 years of age. It is found to be
preventive and curative aid for digestive disorders like colic pain,
Krimiroga(worm infestation) Swasakasa (respiratory disorders) Graha in infants,
and also helps in proper development of milestones .
Mode of administration
– The drugs in Uramarunnu are rubbed one by one with honey/breast milk/butter
generally as the medium on a flat stone called Chaanakallu. The resultant fine
paste is applied to the tongue of the infant or to the nipple of the mother
(Sthanalepanam) and the child is allowed to feed. The time gap between two
doses is usually a week, but in case of any ailments the frequency of
administration and the number of rubs of each ingredient can be modified. The
following drugs are commonly used:
Sanskrit Name Botanical Name Family Malayalam Name
1
Vacha
Acorus calamus L Araceae Vayambu
2
Yashtimadhu
Glycerrhiza glabra L.
Fabaceae Irattimadhuram
3
Hareetaki
Terminalia chebula Retz
Combrataceae Kadukka
4
Hingu
Ferula asafoetida L. Apiaceae
Kayam
5
Rasna
Alpinia galangal L. Zingeberaceae Chittaratha
6
Jathiphala
Myristica Fragrans Houtt
Myristicaceae Jathikkaya
7
Pippali Piper longum L. Piperaceae Thippali
8
Rudraksha
Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. Elaeocarpaceae Rudraksha
9
Avartaphala
Helicteres isora L.
Malvaceae Idampiri
Valampiri
10 Sunti Zingiber officinale
Roscoe Zingiberacea Chukku
11
Vidanga
Embelia ribes Burm.f
Myrsinaceae Vizhalari
12 Lasuna
Allium sativum L.
Alliaceae Velluthulli
13
Chandana
Santalum album L.
Santalaceae Chandanam
14
Mayaphala Quercus infectoria Oliv. Fagaceae Majkani
15
Haridra
Curucuma longa Linn
Zingeberacea Manjal
