Abstract

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF BALASHOSHA (CHILDHOOD UNDERWEIGHT) USING BHRINGARAJASAVA ALONG WITH ICMR DIETARY GUIDELINES: A CASE REPORT

Kamalesh Fagore*, Nareshkumar B. Chaudhary, Nisha Kumari Ojha

ABSTRACT

Balashosha is a pediatric nutritional disorder described in Ayurveda, characterized by inadequate nourishment of body tissues due to impaired Agni and defective tissue nutrition. It closely resembles childhood underweight, a condition associated with poor physical growth, reduced immunity, and increased susceptibility to recurrent infections. This case report describes the management of a five-year-old male child diagnosed with Balashosha using Bhringarajasava along with individualized dietary counselling based on the ICMR Dietary Guidelines for Indians. The child presented with poor weight gain, reduced appetite, generalized weakness, and recurrent episodes of cough and cold. Following a comprehensive clinical and Ayurvedic evaluation, treatment was initiated with oral Bhringarajasava for 84 days, supported by age-appropriate nutritional rehabilitation emphasizing a balanced diet and healthy feeding practices. The child was monitored at regular follow-up visits for clinical progress, dietary adherence, and growth assessment. At the end of the intervention, noticeable improvement was observed in appetite, activity level, nutritional status, and overall well-being, accompanied by satisfactory gains in growth parameters. The treatment was well tolerated, and no adverse drug reactions or treatment-related complications were reported throughout the study period. The favorable clinical outcome suggests that combining classical Ayurvedic pharmacotherapy with evidence-based dietary counselling may offer a practical and holistic approach for managing Balashosha in children. While the findings from a single case cannot be generalized, they highlight the potential value of integrating traditional Ayurvedic principles with contemporary nutritional recommendations in pediatric practice. Further well-designed clinical studies involving larger sample sizes are required to establish the safety, efficacy, and long-term therapeutic benefits of this integrative approach in the management of Balashosha.

Keywords: Balashosha, Bhringarajasava, childhood underweight, Ayurveda, nutritional rehabilitation, ICMR dietary guidelines.