The online platforms are flooded with exchanges and sermons
on prevention of viral infections by boosting one’s immunity. However, most
such advice have as their target grown-up persons, leaving many parents unsure
about ways to stimulate the natural defense of their little ones.
Dr Geetha G. Menon of the highly rated Keraleeya Ayurveda Samajam says
children aged between one and five years are most susceptible to diseases as
the passively acquired antibodies from mothers can protect infants for only up
to 18 months. Therefore, the age group that requires utmost care are children
in the one to five age group, she says.
Dr. Geetha points out that the immune system is not mature
enough to fight off pathogens during the early years of a child and this makes
the child dependent on antibodies from the mother. Hence, breastfeeding of
newborns and infants is a must for immunologic protection against many
infections besides being the best source of nutrition. Also, they can be
provided with Ayurvedic medicine Gopichandanadi Gulika (mixed and
grinded with breast milk for those below six months of age and with honey or kashyam
thereafter) till they are one year old.
The most important thing is to ensure proper digestion which
allows the body to get the nutrients and energy it needs from the food they
eat. They may face difficulties like attack of worms, especially so in the case
of children who take only milk. Ashtachoornam is the most effective in
preventing this condition. The Ayurvedic medicine can be mixed with ghee and
served along with fully boiled soft rice. The same can also be administered
along with butter milk. Another medicine for improving digestive power is Mustharishtam.
Ayurvedic medicines like Indukantha Gritham or Indukantham Kashayam
are effective in increasing immunity in the children.
If children suffer from mucus or sputum-related issues
(cough, cold, sore throat, nasal congestion etc), they can be administered with
juice of Panikoorka leaves mixed with honey or extract of Adalodakam
mixed with honey. Agastya Rasayanam too is effective.
In fact, the juice extracted (after boiling water with Panikoorka
leaves) can be served to children from six months onward to boost immunity and
prevent diseases, especially upper respiratory tract infection. Similarly,
boiled coconut oil has anti-viral action and can be used to massage hair of
small children.
Rajanyadi Choornam, an Ayurvedic medicine, can be used for immunity building in
children from six months of age to five years. It can be mixed with honey and
served daily. Medicines like Saraswatarishtam or Saraswata gritham
are given to children to boost their wisdom and memory power.
