Ayurveda
has special focus on children. Ayurvedic preparations have been used to
build a healthy body and sharp intellect right from the time of infancy
for thousands of years. According to Ayurveda breast milk has no
substitution. It is the ideal diet for the newborn child. The most
important aspect of paediatrics or childhood is growth and development,
as they are the parameters of health and disease. Proper diet is the
gateway to good health. The child should be given good and nutritious
food in the beginning to make the base or foundation of his health
strong and solid. After a few months the diet should consist of
wholesome food for the proper development of the child. Liquid diet made
with husk-free and well washed sali or sasti rice (especially old rice),
mixed with oleaginous substances and salt is ideal. Balance of Vata,
Pitta, and Kapha energies, the corner stone of good health can be
achieved in early childhood. Health problems of children can be easily
controlled by herbal preparations. The powders (flour) of wheat and
barley also can be given according to congeniality. Hot electuary or
lickable item cooked with vidanga herb, salt, oleaginous substance is
beneficial; to the one having diarrhoea, kodrava herb can also be mixed
to this electuary. If the child is having pitta constitution then grapes
(mrdvika) with honey and ghee (ghrta) should be given.
