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          2018 | Vol 1 | Issue 4 

Uramarunnu: Pediatric Care in the Ayurvedic Tradition 

 B .Buvana , R .Chaithu ,N . Samyoutha 

Assistant Professor
1,2,3, Badruka Pharmacy College and Institution 

 
 

ABSTRACT 

 

BACKGROUND: Appropriate development of children is a prime necessity for a health future of a country. 

Uramarunnu (medicines administered after rubbing) is one of the traditional practices in Southern part of India 

which is a modification of Lehana (drugs administered in lickable form) and Prasana (small quantity of food or 

medicine which is contained in between the thumb and the index finger when taken). AIM: To explore the 

scientific aspect regarding the use of Uramarunnu. MATERIALS AND METHOD : Data from various 

Ayurveda classics, Ayurveda Pharmacopeia of India and online database was reviewed for the work. 

OBSERVATIONS: The drugs of Uramarunnu were found to be possessing digestive stimulant, 

immunmodulator and nervine tonic properties. Thus practise of Uramarunnu covers a three dimensional 

aspects in health care of a child i.e. Gastrointestinal protection; Stimulation of the central nervous system and 

immunomodulation. CONCLUSION: The review suggests that the Uramarunnu is having positive relation 

with Gut-Brain axis and can be used for safe and effective baby care under proper guidance of a physician. 

Keywords: Children, Digestive Stimulant, Immunmodulator, Nervine Tonic, Uramarunnu 
 
 

 

Introduction 

Every child should be able to achieve their optimal 

development at various stages of their life. In order to 

achieve that appropriate childhood development is of 

prime importance, it includes not only physical but 

also socio -emotional, cognitive as well as motor 

development between the age of 0-8 years. So every 

health care system gives utmost importance to the 

prevention of illness and promotion of health of 

children. Health problems as well as treatment should 

be dealt with great caution in the case of children, as 

they are Soukumarya (tender), Alpakayatwa (small in size) 

and Sarva anna anupasevana (not used to intake of 

different kinds of medicine as well as food) [1] 

In this paper a traditional practice - Uramarunnu that 

is being practised in various parts of India has been 

reviewed with respect to commonly used drugs, their 

posology, mode and frequency of administration, 

their action on the GI Tract, CNS and immunity. 

 

Materials and Methods 

A thorough search was done in the Ayurveda classics, 

Ayurveda Pharmacopeia of India and database of 

Google Scholar; Pubmed, NCBI for getting relevant 

data from literature and research papers. Mostly the 

research articles published in English language was 

considered. A detailed review of the common drugs 

used in Uramarunnu in various parts of South India 

were reviewed in parlance with the Classical texts. 

Observations 

Uramarunnu is one of the traditional practices 

prevailing in the southern part of India, especially in 

Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Uramarunnu has 

derived its name from the method in which it is 

administered i.e. Ura refers to rub and Marunnu - 

medicine. Thus it represents a wide range of drugs 

which are administered to infants by rubbing. They 

include drugs possessing digestive stimulation (Deepana 
and Pachana), promoting proper movement of tissues 

inside the body (Vatanulomana), producing strength 

(Balya) and that which promotes the intellect (Medha). 

Uramarunnu is a traditional therapeutic modification 

of Lehana and Praasana (variety of licking) explained 

by Acharya in various Samhithas. 

The drugs in Uramarunnu are rubbed one by one (with 

honey/breast milk/cow’s milk/butter generally as the 

medium) on a flat stone called Chaana. The resultant 

fine paste is applied to the tongue of the infant or to 

the nipple of the mother (Sthanalepanam) and the child 

is allowed to feed. The time gap between two doses is 

usually once in a week, but in case of any ailments the 

frequency of administration and the number of rubs 

of each ingredient can be modified. Common 

examples that are practised by traditional paediatric 

practitioners are; in case of constipation Hareethaki 
(Terminalia chebula); in abdominal pain and flatulence 

Lasuna (Allium sativum) are given in more proportion or 

given more number of rubs. 



 

 

 

Age of administration: Usually administered after 

28 days from birth till 1- 2years. 

 

Dose: Given in a dose of 1 pinch or 1 Vidangaphala 
dose and increased as per age to a maximum dose of 

size of an Amalaki (Embilica officinalis) [2] 

 

Discussion 

While dealing with Uramarrunu there are three 

important aspects that needs to be taken into 

consideration with respect to its action. They are, 

1. Gastro-intestinal tract protection 

2. Central Nervous System stimulation 

3. Immunomodulation 

The infants and children are mentioned as possessing 

tender constitution and the age is Kapha Dosha 
predominant. Children’s diet is predominantly sweet 

and unctuous as they are mostly fed with breast milk, 

ghee, butter etc. [3] There is always probability for 

derangement in the digestive fire (Agnimandya) which 

can lead to Gastro Intestinal Tract dysfunctions 

(Grahaneedooshana) and production of Undigested 

metabolites (Ama). As a child is unable to perform all 

activities as adults; derangement in the function of 

Vata Dosha (Vatavaigunya) is another concern as the 

movement (Gati) of Vayu is not always downwards 

(Anuloma), so there are symptoms like frequent 

vomiting, abdominal pain. [4] There is a primary need 

for maintaining a healthy gastro-intestinal tract by the 

administration of Deepana-Pachana-Vatanulomanadravya. 

The nervous system in a child is in the phase of 

development. It can be stimulated in the stage of 

infancy and childhood for better levels of intelligence 

and cognitive functions as well as to prevent neuro 

degenerative disorders in future. Ayurveda aims at 

development of all aspects of intellect viz Grahana 
Shakti [5] (grasping power), Dharana Shakti [5] (retention 

power), Vivechana Shakti [5] (discrimination power) and 

Smriti [5] (recollection). So there is a need for the 

administration of drugs that promotes the intellect 

(Medhya) with suitable medium or vehicle (Anupana) 
that promotes the development of the Central 

Nervous System. 

Children and new-born have only passive immunity 

which has been obtained from the maternal 

immunoglobulins and colostrum. As children are in a 

stage of under developed body tissues (Aparipakva 
Dhathu), there is a need to boost the neuro-endocrine- 

immune axis of the body which can be called as 

Innate strength (Bala) / Vitality (Ojus) / Immunity 

(Vyadhikshamatwa), so as to help children and neonates 

resist and overcome the attack of diseases.[6] 

Some of the most common Ingredients used in 

Uramarunnu and their properties are listed in the table 

1. 

 

Table 1:- Common Ingredients of Uramarunnu and their properties 
 

Sanskrit 
Name 

Botanical 
Name 

Family 
Part 
used 

Rasa Guna 
Veery 

a Vipaka Karma 

Vacha [7] Acorus calamus Araceae Rhizome Katu- Thiktha 
Laghu-Theekshna 

(Light-sharp acting) Ushna Katu 
Deepana, Medhya & Kantya 

(Voice promoters) 

Hingu [8] Ferula Asafoetida Apiaceae Resin Katu Theekshna Ushna Katu 
Deepana-Pachana, Ruchya 

(Promotes taste) 

Harithaki [9] Termnalia chebula Combretaceae 
Seeds; 
fruits 

Pancha Rasa 
(Five tastes) 

Laghu-Ruksha (Light- 
Dry) 

Ushna Madhura 
Vata-pittaharra, Rasayana 

(Rejuvenating), Anulomana 

Lasuna [10] Allium sativum Liliaceae Bulb Katu-Madhura 
Guru-Snigdha- 

Theekshna Ushna Katu Deepana, Balya, Medhya 

Haridra [11] Curcuma Longa Zingiberaceae Rhizome Thiktha -katu Ruksha Ushna Katu 
Kapha-Pittahara, Vishaghna 

(cures poisonous effect), Varnya 
(Improves complexion ) 

Jathiphala [12] 
Myristica 
fragrnas Myrtaceae Seed Thiktha -katu Laghu-Theekshna Ushna Katu Deepana, Grahi (Absorbing) 

Bakuchi [13] Quercus infectoria Fabaceae Seed Thiktha -katu Ruksha Seetha Katu Kapha-Pitta, Grahi 

Chandana [14] Santalum album Santalaceae 
Heart 
wood 

Thiktha - 
Madhura Laghu-ruksha Seetha Katu Piita-Kaphaghna 

Ela [15] 
Eletteria 

cardamomum Zingiberaceae 
Whole 

fruit 
Katu-Madhura Laghu Seetha Madhura 

Rochana (Promotes taste), 
Deepana, Anulomana 

Jyothishmathi [16] 
Celestrus 

paniculatus Celastraceae Seed Katu-Thiktha Ushna-Theekshna Ushna Katu Vathaghna, Deepana 

Yastimadhu [17] Glycerrhiza glabra Fabaceae Root Madhura Guru -Snigdha Seetha Madhura Vata-Pitta,Balya 

Vidanga [18] Embelia ribes Myrsinaceae Fruit Katu -thiktha Laghu-ruksha Ushna Katu Deepana, Anulomana, Krimighna 

Sunti [19] Zingiber officinale Zingiberaceae Rhizome Katu Laghu-Snigdha Ushna Madhura Deepana, Pachana, Anulomana 

Pippali [20] Piper longum Piperaceae 
Fruit, 
Root 

Katu Laghu-Theekshna Ushna Katu Vataghna, Deepana, Pachana 

Maricha [21] Piper nigrum Piperaceae Fruit Katu-Thiktha Laghu-ruksha Ushna Katu Kaphaghna, Ruchya, Deepana 

Mustha [22] Cyperus rotendus Cyperacae 
Rhizome 

root 
Katu-Tikta Laghu -ruksha Ushna Katu 

Kapha-Vatahara, Deepana, 
Pachana, Grahi 



 

 

 

Probable mode of action: 

On a closer evaluation of the drugs that are used 

in Uramarunnu the drugs are bitter and pungent 

(Tikta- Katu Rasa) predominant, light in nature 

(Laghu Guna), Pungent in post digestion phase 

(Katu Vipaka) and a combination of hot and cold 

(Ushna -Seetha) potency. 

 

Tikta Rasa is Akasa + Vayu (Space + Air) 

Mahabhuta predominant and Katu is Agni 
+Vayu (Fire + water) Mahabhuta predominant 

there by making the drugs Laghu by their nature. 

Being Laghu Guna predominant it will be easy to 

digest for the children and the combination acts 

as Agni Deepana, [23] Pachana, 
Vatanulomana. Thus the Agni in proper state and 

Vayu in its Anuloma Gathi (moving in its 

normal course) they promote the smooth 

functioning of the entire system 

of the child. Among the six Rasas, Tikta is said to 

be Medhya [24] in nature thereby acting on the brain 

and neurological tissues and promoting the CNS 

development in children. Once the system is 

corrected it help in the production of Prakrutha 
(with all normal qualities ) Doshas - Vata, Pitta, 
Kapha. This Prakrutha Avsatha of Doshas itself is 

Bala (immunity), [25] which in turn develops a good 

immune system in children to fight and prevent 

diseases. 

On analysing the Rasa, Guna, Veerya, Vipaka 

and Prabhava of the drugs used it is clear that the 

combinations direct site of action is Gastro 

intestinal tract thereby on Agni which further 

improves the innate strength and further immunity 

and the wellbeing of the human body. 
 

 

Table 2 :- Drugs in Uramarunnu and their action on GIT and CNS 

 

Name Of 

The Drug 

Action On GIT Action On CNS 

Vacha It iscarminative, stomachic, laxative, anthelminthic, [27] 

abdominal colic, dysentery. 
Promotes Intellect, anticonvulsant, 
nerve tonic, tranquilizing, sedative. It 

is used in epilepsy, delirium.is anti- 

inflammatory, immunomodulatory 
and neuro-protective.[27] 

Hingu It is antispasmodic, carminative, laxative, digestive, anti- 
helminthic, used in flatulence, dyspepsia. It is anti- 
hepatotoxic,anti-inflammatory [28] 

Nervine tonic ,used in hysteria, 
epilepsy, psychopathy. 

Harithaki It is carminative, digestant, laxative, anthelminthic. Used in 
stomatitis, anorexia, flatulence. 

Used in cephalgia, neuropathy, 
debility [29] 

Lasuna Digestive, carminative, laxative, anti-helminthic. Used in colic, 
flatulence, constipation. It shows antimicrobial activity against 
gram positive and negative bacterial. [30] 

CNS stimulant, tonic, in facial 
paralysis, hysteria and weakness of 
brain. 

Haridra Appetizer, carminative, stomachic, laxative, anti-helminthic. It is 
used in constipation, flatulence and dyspepsia. 

CNS stimulant and used in epilepsy, 
debility [31] 

Jathiphala Digestive,carminative,stomachic,laxative,antihelminthic,antispas 
modic.It is used in dyspepsia, flatulence, diarrhea, vomiting 

CNS stimulant, used as an 
anticonvulsant and used in insomnia 
[32] 

Bakuchi It is anti-helminthic, antipyretic, used in management of skin 
diseases and it is immunostimulant.[33] 

-- 

Chandan It is antifungal, antibiotic, antiviral and a potent antioxidant It produces a sedative effect [34] 

Ela It is gastro protective, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, 
antispasmodic and used as an antioxidant [35] 

-- 

Jyothishmath 
i 

It is an analgesic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. nervine tonic, enhances cognitive 
function, hearing and memory[36] 

Vidanga It has analgesic, antihelminthi, antibiotic and antioxidant 
property. 

It is an anticonvulsant [37] 

Sunti It is anti-inflammatory, antiemetic, antioxidant. It is GIT 
protective, improves Gastro Intestinal mobility and 
Immunomodulatory. [38] 

-- 

Pippali It is anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti -asthmatic, 
immunomodulatory and hepatoprotective in nature.[39] 

-- 

Maricha It is anti-inflammatory; antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, 
antispasmodic and antipyretic in nature [40] 

-- 



 

 

Mustha It is astringent, diuretic, analgesic, antispasmodic, carminative, 
antitussive, vermifuge, antiemetic, gastroprotective. It inhibits 
gastric mobility, anti-diarrheal. 

It acts as a tranquilizer, 
anticonvulsant. [41] 

 

According to Ayurveda, Agni is the basis of 

strength of all human beings which in turn 

promotes the Bala. This principle is like the 

recent theory of Gut Brain Axis in the body. The 

concept of the Gut-Brain axis, is used to describe 

the complex bi-directional communication 

system that exists between the central nervous 

system and the gastrointestinal tract and which is 

vital for maintaining homeostasis of human 

body. [26] As children are more susceptible to 

Agnimaandya, which is the root cause for all 

disease, the drugs of Uramarunnu by virtue of 

their property improves Agni, promote 

Amapachana and the Anulomagathi of 

Vayu, which in turn helps in proper movements or 

circulation of Dosha, Dhathu etc. and thus 

maintaining homeostasis of various body tissues. 

The pharmacological studies already reported on 

the individual drugs also favours the effect on 

Gastro Intestinal tract and Central Nervous 

System as listed in table 2. Enteric nervous 

system is a subdivision of autonomic nervous 

system. It is embedded in the mucosal lining of 

the gastro intestinal lining and is described as the 

second brain. The enteric nervous system 

communicates with the CNS through 

sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous 

system. The support cells of the enteric nervous 

is like astroglia of brain. The capillaries 

surrounding the ganglia is similar to blood brain 

barrier The enteric nervous system can alter its 

response depending on the bulk and nutritive 

content of the food materials and medicaments. 

This bidirectional gut-brain axis is a 

communication that integrates the gut and central 

nervous system activities. Gut-brain axis 

influences a range of diseases, influence the 

behaviour, links the emotional and cognitive 

centres of the brain with the intestinal function. 

Moreover, the enteric nervous system influences 

the central nervous system via neural, endocrine 

and metabolic pathways by producing inhibitory, 

inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines. 
[26] 

 

Thus the drugs of Uramaruunu, clearly 

promotes the gut health of the children and 

thereby improve overall growth both physically 

and mentally. The healthy gut thus helps the 

body to develop a strong immune system to fight 

and resist diseases. It covers multiple positive 

aspects of the gastro intestinal tract, such as the 

effective digestion and absorption of food, the 

absence of gastro intestinal illness, normal and 

stable intestinal microbiota, effective immune 

status and a state of well-being itself. 

Conclusion 

Uramarunnu is a traditional practice which acts 

primarily on the Gastro intestinal tract. It has a 

three dimensional impact i.e. Gastro Intestinal 

Tract protection, Immunomodulation and Central 

Nervous System stimulation. Uramarunnu also 

acts on Gut- Brain Axis and satisfies the concept 

of native vaccine to a greater extent. The 

number of drugs used can be increased or 

decreased or modified according to the condition 

of health and disease. The study concludes that 

Uramarunnu can be used for safe and effective 

baby care under proper guidance of a physician. 

Research works to promote and establish 

scientifically these traditional health care practices 

are to be done in future. 
 

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