Uramarunnu is a traditional Paediatric practice for improving general health, nourishment and immunity. Combination of certain herbal drugs are introduced to the child in a very minimal quantity. This can be prepared by triturating drugs with honey, butter or breast milk. Uramarunnu can be given to the child daily after bath from birth upto 2 years of age. The following drugs are commonly included in the combination:
Vacha - Acorus calamus L., Araceae
Yashti - Glycerrhiza glabra L., Fabaceae
Hareetaki – Terminaia chebula Retz., Combrataceae
Hingu – Ferula asafoetida L., Apiaceae
Rasna – Alpinia galangal (L.) Willd., Zingiberaceae
Jatiphala – Myristica fragrans Houtt., Myristicacea
Pippali- Piper longum L., Piperaceae
Kutaja – Holarrhena antidysentrica (L.) Wall. exA. DC., Apocynaceae
Avartaki- Cassia auriculata L., Caesalpiniaceae
Bakuchi – Psoralea corylifolia L., Fabaceae
Rudraksha – Elaeocarpus ganitrus Roxb. ex G.Don, Eleocarpaceae
Sunti- Zingiber officinale Roscoe, Zingiberaceae
Maricha- Piper nigrum L., Piperaceae
Vidanga – Embelia ribes Burm.f., Myrsinaceae
Jyotishmati – Celastrus paniculatus Willd., Celastraceae
Chandana – Santalum album L., Santalaceae
Mayaphala – Quercus infectoria Oliv., Fagaceae
Lasuna – Allium sativum L., Alliaceae
Benefits: The ingredient drugs are having predominantly pungent taste, hot potency, light in quality and thus helps in resolving diseases of Kapha origin. Proper and daily use of the Uramarunnu kindles digestive fire, increases appetite and prevents occurrence of infantile colic, worm infestations, skin diseases etc. It helps in improving strength, intellect, immunity and thus helps in proper growth and development of the child.
Dr. S. Asha
alrca.chennai@gmail.com