AYURVEDIC PRACTICES TO BOOST IMMUNITY WHILE RAISING CHILDREN
For the parents, it is a full-time job of raising
their children that lasts a lifetime. Unfortunately, parents have to face a lot
of challenges in raising healthy and resilient children, such as environmental
toxins, processed foods, and high levels of stress. However, Ayurvedic
practices offer a time-tested approach to bolstering children's immunity and
strength, enhancing their overall health and vitality. In the pursuit of
enhancing children's health, many are turning to Ayurvedic medicine for its
holistic and natural approach to wellness. That's why I'm excited to share with
you some Ayurvedic remedies that can supercharge your children's health,
boosting their immunity and vitality naturally.
SYMPTOMS OF LOW IMMUNITY AMONG THE CHILDREN
It is important to know how to recognize if a child
has low immunity. There are a few symptoms like, if the child falls sick again
and again if there is a slight change in the weather the child will have a
cold, cough or fever or else he feels less hungry, does not feel like eating,
or there will be a digestive issue....etc. If you find any such symptoms in
your child then you can understand that your child is suffering from a lack of
immunity. So, it is crucial to know how to increase the immunity of children.
THE GOLDEN RULES OF AYURVEDA IN BOOSTING HEALTH AND THE IMMUNE SYSTEM OF CHILDREN
Ayurveda
advocates for lifestyle modifications that promote children's health and
well-being. Additionally, it suggests following a regular daily routine known
as “Dinacharya” and adhering to seasonal guidelines known as “Ritucharya” to
synchronize your children's lifestyle with the rhythms of nature, further
promoting their overall well-being. Ayurveda proposes 10 essential golden rules
to be followed when raising your children.
01. Role of breastfeeding and oil massage in boosting the immunity of children:
The first six months after birth are critical for a child's development, and there are two crucial things to consider during this time. The first is the importance of the mother's breast milk, which provides all the necessary nutrients for the baby. No other food or drink is required during this period. The second is the practice of "Abhyang" or “oil massage”, which is highly valued in Ayurveda and is essential for the child's well-being. You don't need to use expensive oils, as sesame or coconut oil is sufficient. Consistently using these two methods for the first six months of a child's life will help him build a stronger immune system.
02. Feed your child light and easily digestible food to strengthen his immune system:
It is important to feed your child light and easily digestible food to strengthen his immune system. Once your child reaches six months of age, you can start introducing light food items such as lentil water, rice starch, and fruits. It is important to keep in mind that the quantity of food should be limited and easy to digest.
03. It is better to avoid packaged or processed items and promote homemade treats for children:
According to Ayurveda, childhood is considered up to 16 years of age. During this time, the Kapha dosha will remain dominant in the body of the children leading to low immunity. As a result, symptoms of diseases related to Kapha dosha can be seen in children like cold or cough, and digestive issues. Our Ayurvedic texts emphasize the importance of “Shadras” meaning “six tastes” like Sweet, Sour, Salty, Bitter, Pungent and Astringent. Each of these tastes plays a vital role in building physiology, health, and well-being of children. The first three tastes Sweet, Sour and Salty aggravate Kapha dosha or diseases related to Kapha. Children under 16 years of age tend to prefer these three tastes and will become prey for Kapha diseases very easily. Among these three tastes children usually prefer the taste of SWEET. Therefore, parents must take special care of their children's health up to age 16. They can be fed with homemade treats like halwa, laddu, peanut and jaggery laddu, instead of bakery items, cakes, packaged or processed sweets and chocolates or any kind of junk food.
04. The role of Food in building the immunity of children is crucial:
According to the Ayurvedic system, it is recommended to feed your child whenever he feels hungry. It is wrong to feed a child when it is his time to eat. So, don’t chase him. Allow your child to eat whenever he feels hungry and give him food according to his hunger. It is advised to include a variety of foods in your child's diet such as pulses, rice, vegetables, roti, buttermilk, butter and ghee (clarified butter). Additionally, green leafy vegetables, sprouts, and dry fruits can be given in limited quantities as these are heavy foods and will take time to digest.
05. Traditional food is good for children:
Ayurveda advocates for traditional food as the best source of immunity and strength for both adults and children. There is no need to prepare separate food for children, give them whatever you eat. You should give water according to the thirst of your children. It is recommended to keep electronic gadgets like mobile phones and televisions away from children during meal times. Parents should eat with their children, which will have its own impact on their personality growth and well-being. Totally, your children will develop strong health and immunity naturally.
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06. Role of seasonal fruits in strengthening the child’s immunity:
It is important to consider the role of seasonal fruits in strengthening a child's immunity. The fruits should be in season and the child should like the taste of those fruits you are feeding. The fruits or the juice extracted from the fruits should be given in a limited quantity otherwise it will aggravate Kapha disease. Never feed your child milk and fruits together as this combination will be considered as “virudda ann” or “opposite food combination” in Ayurveda. Therefore, it is advised to maintain a time gap between the consumption of fruits and milk.
07. Early to bed early to rise - a healthy lifestyle habit:
Parents should encourage their children to sleep early and wake up early in the morning and engage in physical activities like exercises, yoga, pranayama and outdoor games These activities will effectively enhance the immune system of children. If this kind of lifestyle becomes a habit for children, it will naturally boost their immune system.
08. Amla or Indian Gooseberry - the best Ayurvedic tonic and natural immunity booster for children:
A good quality of food plays a vital role in building immunity among children without depending on any multivitamins or tonic. The best Ayurvedic tonic for enhancing the immune system is amla or Indian Gooseberry. It can be consumed either in the form of murabba or candy, sharbat or fresh juice on an empty stomach early in the morning.
09. Swarna sidh jal - Effective Ayurvedic remedies for child immunity:
To prepare it, you will need a small piece of 24-carat pure gold. Take a litre of water and boil it with the small piece of gold until it reduces to half a litre. Strain the mixture and your healthy "swarna sidh jal" will be ready. This “swarna sidh jal” is beneficial for the heart, skin and also plays a significant role in improving the immune system. It is the best Ayurvedic remedy for boosting the immune system for children and adults. This golden mixture has to be taken early in the morning, before sunrise.
10. Every child is unique and a precious gift from God to their parents:
It's important to never compare your child with others, as each child's weight, physical condition, complexion, sharpness, and habits are different. The moral support provided by parents plays a crucial role in promoting their children's physical and mental health, which in turn helps to build a strong and healthy immune system.
CONCLUSION
In
conclusion, Ayurvedic remedies offer a natural and holistic approach to
supercharging your child's health, boosting their immunity, and enhancing their
vitality. I encourage you to explore the wisdom of Ayurveda and discover the
myriad ways it can benefit your child's health and vitality. Let's work
together to nurture a generation of healthy, resilient, and vibrant children.