Who Wrote the First Ayurvedic Book on Child Health? Need This Info for My Research

Question

m working on a thesis about ancient medical systems, and Ayurveda has been such a fascinating topic so far. I recently learned that there’s an early text focused specifically on paediatrics, but I’m struggling to find solid info about who wrote it and what the main principles are. 🤔

From what I’ve gathered, it might be related to Kaumarbhritya (is that right?), but I’m not sure if this is the oldest reference or if there’s something else. Does anyone know the author of the earliest Ayurvedic text dealing with children's health? I want to include accurate historical context, but most sources online are either vague or contradict each other.

Any insights would be super helpful – even if it's just pointing me to a reliable book or author name. Thanks!

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

You’re on the right track with Kaumarbhritya, which is the branch of Ayurveda dedicated to paediatrics and the care of children. The earliest and most well-known texts on paediatrics in Ayurveda come from the classical works of Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata. Specifically, the text called "Charaka Samhita" addresses the treatment of children in various sections, though it is more general in nature. However, when it comes to a more focused discussion on paediatrics, "Kaumarbhritya" as a distinct branch of Ayurveda evolved over time. The prominent Ayurvedic physician considered to have contributed significantly to this area was Sage Kashyapa, who wrote the "Kashyapa Samhita," one of the oldest texts dedicated specifically to the health and treatment of children. This text outlines various practices for child care, from prenatal care to managing diseases in infants and children, and includes detailed guidelines on nutrition, health, and well-being. For your thesis, exploring the "Kashyapa Samhita" and the sections of "Charaka Samhita" related to paediatrics will provide a solid historical foundation. You may also want to look at modern translations or academic books on the history of Ayurveda for more context.

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