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EFFICACY OF PAUSHTIKA BISCUIT IN THE MANAGEMENT OF UNDERWEIGHT IN PRESCHOOL AGE GROUP W.S.R. TO KARSHYA- A CASE REPORT
Stunting is a terrible outcome of inadequate prenatal and early childhood nutrition, while wasting is a potentially fatal outcome of insufficient nutrition and/or illness. Ashta Nindita Purusha had the Karshya disease, according to Charaka Samhita. The principal complaint of a 3-year-old male child who was brought to the Kaumarbhritya OPD was that he had not gained weight in the previous year. Clinical examinations revealed that the child weighed 9.6 kg, measured 86 cm in height, had a chest circumference of 49 cm, an abdominal circumference of 45 cm, mid upper arm circumference of 12 cm, mid-thigh circumference of 21 cm, and skin fold thicknesses of 5.2 cm for the biceps and 5.4 cm for the triceps. Additionally, the respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems were all functioning normally. The child was diagnosed with moderate acute malnutrition (weight for age -2SD in WHO child growth standards 2006) attributable to external sources, i.e., improper diet. The patient received a therapeutic treatment plan in the form of Biscuits. To achieve a proportionate body personality, is the ultimate goal of Karshya treatment. Paushtika Biscuit has Madhura Rasatmaka, Sheeta Virya, and Snigdha as ingredients. Vata and Pitta, two Doshas, are the root causes of Karshya. After twelve weeks of Paushtika Biscuit intervention, complaints including Bhara Avrudhi, Kshudhahani, Daurbalya, Pandutva, and Utsaha Hani showed a 100% recovery. Moreover, improvements were made to laboratory variables such haemoglobin percent, total red blood cells, total protein, and A/G ratio. This case study demonstrated the efficacy of Paushtika Biscuit as a weight-gain program for kids. Components like Godhuma, Makhana, Amalaki, Atibala, and Kharjura do Vatashamana and Parthiva and Apya Bhavas with their Balya and Brimhana characteristics may boost Kapha and Rasa Dhatu. They also increase Abhyavaharana Shakti, correct digestion, and Avikrita Rasadhatunirmana. Shunthi's Srotoshodhaka property aids in channel cleaning and enhances Dhatus circulation. Amalaki, Guduchi, and Yashtimadhu all have Rasayana properties that boost immunity and overall wellness.
KEYWORDS- Underweight, Karshya, Paushtika biscuit