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