Benefits of Vayambu or Ura Marunnu

Recently, a dentist remarked to me, "Your daughter has such good teeth, no cavities even though she's in her twenties. What's the formula? You must have done something when she was a baby for her teeth to be that perfect even now!

That made me wonder: Did I do anything? Yes, until they were around 4, I didn't give them any candy, cake, or fruit juice. And yes, they never ever had any illnesses, ear infections, or trips to the emergency room. But other than that?

Then I remembered my mother exclaiming "It is excellent for teeth! If you drink this, the baby will have healthy bones and teeth. Don't you want that?” She was talking about the extremely bitter beverage that she used to give me while I was pregnant, which was made from Kadukka or Haritaki-infused water.

She ritualistically fed my children a tiny bit of a concoction every day soon after bathing them since the twenty-eight day following their birth. She would bathe them with such care after giving them a religious oil massage while cooing and singing, and then she would quickly and tenderly place this mixture in their mouths with her fingers before I fed them.

It was awful when I tried it once. When I asked her why this was done, she responded that it would strengthen their muscles, bones, neurological system, and brain. It aids in healthy organ development and improves cognition, she continued.

In response to the dentist's remarks, I decided to conduct some research on the ingredients that she had used. I was astounded by our ancestors' intelligence and their understanding of Ayurveda and herbal treatments. 

Information was not easy to find though. My mother called it vayambu, but during my research, I discovered that vayambu was actually dry sweet flag, which is only a portion of the overall mixture.

After a lot of searching, I discovered the following on the National Institutes of Health website.

Ura-marunnu is a traditional baby care practice comprising a group of drugs administered to the child in the form of paste. This is widely practiced in the states like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Different ingredients of Uramarunnu which are prevalently used in Kerala are Avartaki (Caesalpiniaceaeauriculata Linn), Vacha, Jatiphala (Myristica fragrance Houtt.), Mayaphala (Quercus infectoria Oliv.), Karpuravalli (Plectranthusamboinicus Lous.), Lakshmana (Ipomoea sepiasia Koenig Ex. Roxb.), Tripadi, and Koshataki (Luffa acutangula Linn.)  Any of these drugs alone or as a group is triturated with breastmilk/honey/butter/cow's milk and administered once in a week, after 28 days till the age of 2 years. Dosage is the drug obtained with a single rub on an abrasive material. There is no proper standardization on its dosage. Sticking to the concept of Oushadamatra mentioned in Sharghadara Samhita, the dosage can be restricted to 1–2 ratti. It is a preventive and curative aid for digestive disorders like colic pain, Krimiroga (worm infestation), Swasakasa (respiratory diseases), and Graha in infants and children, and also helps in the proper development of milestones 

If I recall well, my mother prepared the concoction with a few other elements in addition to Gold, Vayambu, Avara, Kadukka, and Jatikka.

Here is what I discovered when I looked for their benefits (gathered from many ayurvedic websites)

Gold:

It is well recognized to strengthen the immune system and improve memory.

A cleaned stone is traditionally treated with Swarna bhasma, or raw gold, and a small amount of water. It is then given to the infant to suck after being churned with honey and ghrita or ghee. Babies are sometimes fed swarna bhasma together with herbs like brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri) and vacha churna (Acorus calamus).

Avara or Avarataki

A coolant that enhances liver and digestive health. a natural source of antioxidants, a laxative, and a blood purifier. eliminates body odor and gives skin a glow.

Vayambu or sweet flag

To strengthen digestion in babies and prevent colic.

Various other benefits

·       Sweet flag is useful against the treatment for cough and cold. It can also have positive effects against respiratory disorders like bronchitis.

·       It can be a body coolant and used against dyspepsia, and vomiting.

·       The rhizome of Sweet flag has sedative properties, it can have a depressing effect on the central nervous system.

·       Hence, it is an essential ingredient in ayurvedic medicines used for the treatment of psychosomatic disorders like epilepsy.

·       Acorus calamus roots are one of the main components of pills used against snake bites.

·       Sweet flag plants are used externally for the treatment of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and paralysis

·       Vayambu or Sweet flag root vapours are used as insect repellent.

 

Jatikka, Jatiphala, or nutmeg

Small babies' minds are calmed and relaxed by nutmeg. This calms newborns' irritation, allowing them to sleep peacefully.

To control the signs of tension or anxiety, utilize nutmeg.

According to Ayurveda, Vata controls the neurological system as well as all bodily motions and functions. Vata imbalance is primarily to blame for tension or anxiety. Nutmeg balances Vata dosha, which helps to lessen the signs and symptoms of anxiety.

Haritaki or Kadukka

Enhances mental performance, increases sexual health and stamina, aids with digestion, and treats infections and wounds.

Additionally, it encourages adults to lose weight and prevents diabetes.

It serves as Triphala's key component.

From NIH website: Haritaki (Terminalia chebula Retz)

Haritaki is held in high esteem in Ayurveda, for its properties to prevent and cure diseases. It has enjoyed the prime place among medicinal herbs in India since ancient times. It is called the ‘King of Medicines’ and is always listed first in Ayurveda because of its extraordinary therapeutic benefits.

More Info: https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/haritaki-benefits-uses-dosage-formulations-and-side-effects#:~:text=Haritaki%20portrays%20strong%20anti%2Dbacterial,treats%20wounds%20and%20improves%20healing.

May today's youth see the value of this age-old knowledge and continue to employ these natural methods to enhance their health and well-being.