Ayurveda, an ancient Indian system of medicine, encompasses a holistic approach to infant and child health, integrating preventive care, nutrition, lifestyle regulation and disease management. Its paediatric specialty, Kaumarabhritya, addresses child development, healthy upbringing, maternal and infant nutrition, and the management of childhood disorders. Traditional practices have also been described for supporting breastfeeding, maintaining the quality of breast milk and promoting overall child well-being. Although several Ayurvedic formulations and medicinal plants have demonstrated potential in preliminary research, their efficacy and safety in children require further evaluation through robust clinical studies.
Ayurvedic concepts of child growth and development
Nutritional requirements during childhood are recognised through three dietary categories: Ksheerapa (infants exclusively receiving breast milk), Ksheerannada (children receiving both milk and complementary foods) and Annada (children primarily consuming solid foods). This classification reflects the importance of age-appropriate feeding practices, balanced nutrition and gradual dietary transitions for optimal growth and development. Nutritious Ayurvedic preparations have traditionally been recommended to support nourishment and digestion.
Individual constitution is assessed through Prakriti, which is determined by the relative predominance of Vata, Pitta and Kapha doshas. Dietary and herbal recommendations are traditionally individualised according to this classification. Warming herbs such as Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), cooling herbs such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) and digestive stimulants such as ginger (Zingiber officinale) have been associated with Vata-, Pitta- and Kapha-oriented approaches, respectively.
Traditional postnatal practices include Jatkarma Samskara, in which ghee, honey and gold have historically been administered with the intention of supporting digestion, intellect and vitality. Phalaprashana Samskara describes the introduction of fruits as complementary foods in accordance with developmental readiness. However, honey should not be administered to infants younger than 12 months because of the risk of infant botulism, and complementary feeding should follow established paediatric nutritional guidance.
Ayurvedic approaches to common paediatric disorders1
Various medicinal plants and formulations have traditionally been used to manage childhood respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological and sleep-related complaints.
|
Paediatric concern |
Ayurvedic medicinal plants or formulations |
Traditionally described applications |
|
Respiratory disorders |
Tulsi (Ocimum tenuiflorum), Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) and Pippali (Piper longum) |
Tulsi has been investigated for antimicrobial and immunomodulatory properties, while Vasa and Pippali have traditionally been used for cough, mucus clearance and respiratory complaints. |
|
Digestive disorders |
Coriander (Coriandrum sativum), Jeerakarishta and Hingvastak Churna |
These preparations have traditionally been used to relieve indigestion, flatulence, bloating and abdominal discomfort. Devadarvyadi Vati, containing Devadaru (Cedrus deodara) and Vacha (Acorus calamus), has also been investigated for digestive disturbances. |
|
Skin disorders |
Neem (Azadirachta indica), Aloe vera and Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia) |
Neem has been studied for antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties; Aloe vera gel has been used for skin irritation and minor burns, while Manjistha has traditionally been recommended for inflammatory skin conditions. |
|
Sleep disturbances and anxiety |
Ashwagandha and Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi) |
These herbs have traditionally been used for their calming and sleep-promoting properties, although paediatric efficacy and safety remain insufficiently established. |
|
Cognitive support |
Brahmi, Shankhapushpi (Convolvulus pluricaulis) and Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica) |
These herbs have traditionally been used to support memory, learning and cognitive function. |
Some clinical investigations have also evaluated specific formulations. Bharangyadi Avaleha, containing Bharangi (Clerodendrum serratum) and Vasa, has been reported to improve wheezing and breathlessness in children with asthma. A systematic review has additionally reported potential benefits of Ayurvedic interventions for reducing spasticity in children with cerebral palsy, suggesting a possible role in complementary neurorehabilitation. Nevertheless, these findings should not be interpreted as establishing efficacy or replacing standard paediatric treatment.
Immunomodulatory and preventive approaches
Rasayana therapy represents an important component of Ayurveda and is traditionally associated with rejuvenation, vitality and immune support.
- Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and Chyawanprash have been used for these purposes. Their reported antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties have generated research interest.
- Seasonal practices, collectively termed Ritucharya, are also incorporated into preventive healthcare. Neem-based preparations have traditionally been recommended during spring, whereas Ashwagandha has been associated with winter regimens. Herbal decoctions such as Ayush Kwath, containing Tulsi, ginger and black pepper (Piper nigrum), have also been traditionally consumed to support resistance to seasonal infections.
- Swarnaprashana, involving the administration of processed gold preparations, is another traditional paediatric practice. Formulations may include Swarna Bhasma alongside herbs such as Vacha, Brahmi and Shankhapushpi. The safety, purity, composition and dosage of gold-containing preparations require rigorous assessment before paediatric use can be recommended.
Conclusion
Ayurveda offers a broad framework for paediatric healthcare through age-appropriate nutrition, preventive practices, individualised approaches and the traditional use of medicinal plants. Preliminary clinical and experimental findings suggest potential applications in selected respiratory, gastrointestinal, dermatological and neurological conditions, as well as cognitive and immune support. Ayurvedic interventions should therefore be considered only under qualified medical supervision and should not delay or replace evidence-based paediatric care.2
References:
- Prajapati V, Damor P. Ayurvedic medicinal plants in child care: enhancing health and development. In: Upadhyaya RB, Vaidya H, Sondagar D, eds. Infant and Toddler Education: Practices, Challenges and Pedagogy. Children's Research University; 2025. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/398124408_Ayurvedic_Medicinal_Plants_in_Child_Care_Enhancing_Health_and_Development
- Raikar A, Khedeka S. Role of Ayurveda in pediatric care. YMT Int. J. Ayurvedic Syst. Med. 2022;1(2); 41-44 https://www.researchgate.net/publication/366928581_Role_of_Ayurveda_In_Pediatric_Care