Panchamrut During Pregnancy – Benefits and Recipe

Panchamrut, a traditional Ayurvedic concoction composed of five sacred ingredients: milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar, is of significant importance in Indian culture and rituals. Often used in religious ceremonies, this elixir is celebrated for its nutritional and therapeutic properties. But now that you’re pregnant, you’ll want to know whether or not you can have panchamrut. A healthy diet is essential during pregnancy; panchamrut is indeed healthy, and you can eat it while pregnant. Consuming panchamrut in pregnancy can offer numerous health benefits for the mother and the developing baby. Rich in essential nutrients, it supports overall well-being, boosts immunity, and aids fetal growth. 

Let’s find out how panchamrut can benefit you during pregnancy.

What Are the Five Ingredients of Panchamrut in Pregnancy and What Do They Symbolise?

The word Panchamrut, considered sacred, is derived from Sanskrit; ‘Panch‘ means ‘five’, and ‘Amrut‘ means ‘nectar of Gods’. Panchamrut is a blend of 5 vital ingredients which, when combined, enhance the quality of each other and give the best results. Panchamrut has medicinal values which heal and nurture human bodies. During pregnancy, the reproductive cells are highly potent and need a good amount of nourishment, and special Ayurvedic health tonics like Panchamrut are very beneficial for moms-to-be. Below, we discuss the five ingredients of Panchamrut and what each ingredient symbolises.

1. Milk – Symbolises Purity and Piousness

Cow’s milk (A2) is considered the next best after breast milk. Consuming cow’s milk helps prevent obesity, promotes easy digestion, and increases breast milk production. In this way, it helps improve immunity and boosts your health during pregnancy as it is a rich source of proteins, calcium, and vitamins B12, A, and D (1).

2. Curd – Symbolises Prosperity and Progeny

Not only does curd or yoghurt provide a cooling effect, but it also acts as a probiotic. Curd contains amino acids and helps in digestion, which is low in the early days of pregnancy. Curd also increases the strength of the body and nourishes muscles. It is a good source of calcium and phosphorous. It also balances ‘pitta’, the substance in our bodies that governs heat and metabolism, according to Ayurveda (3).

3. Honey – Symbolises Unity and Sweet Speech

Honey is considered Yogavahi in Ayurveda, which means it acts as a carrier. It enhances the qualities of the other four ingredients. It helps boost immunity. It is considered to be an antiseptic that promotes healing (2).

4. Ghee – Symbolises Victory and Intellect

Ghee made from cow’s milk contains butyric acid, which detoxifies our bodies, improves bowel health, and has anti-inflammatory properties. It is also rich in nutrients like fat-soluble vitamins A, D, E, and K and Omega-3 and Omega-9 essential fatty acids. Ghee from cows has properties that help improve skin complexion and are beneficial for the eyes, heart, and throat. It increases memory and intelligence and also promotes emotional balance (4).

5. Sugar – Symbolises Bliss and Happiness

Ayurveda recommends sugar as it provides energy and reduces fatigue in the early days of pregnancy. It also reduces dryness in the body.

Benefits of Freshly Prepared Panchamrut in Pregnancy

Panchamrut is a sweet concoction used in Hindu ritual prayers. It is also very beneficial for moms-to-be as it provides vital nutrients that aid in the unborn baby’s development. Panchamrut during pregnancy is a boon as it boosts muscle strength, increases immunity, and enlivens the mother’s brain, thus keeping her relaxed and healthy during her pregnancy.

Below are the benefits of panchamrut in pregnancy:

1. Tackles Acidity and Fatigue During the First Trimester

It strengthens the digestive system and helps to relieve acidity and ulcers in the stomach and intestines. These ulcers may be caused by extensive hormonal changes.

2. Helps Boost Immunity

It helps nourish the seven bodily tissues responsible for strength in the body: reproductive tissue, teeth, fatty tissue, nerve tissue, muscle tissue, plasma, and blood cells (5).

3. Helps Improve Kanti (Complexion)

It gives a healthy glow to the mother’s complexion and benefits the baby’s skin.

4. Promotes Emotional and Mental Health

According to Ayurveda, panchamrut is an excellent tonic for pregnant women. It promotes the brain development of the baby, improves retention and grasping power, and enhances memory and intelligence.

5. Balances Pitta

If your body is pitta-predominant, the increase in excess heat can become reactive, settle in the tissues, and manifest as an imbalance if it is not properly eliminated. Panchamrut tonic helps to remove excess heat from the digestive tract and soothes the pitta.

Ayurveda also recommends consuming panchamrut during preconception as it helps strengthen reproductive organs.

Panchamrut Recipe During Pregnancy

Panchamrut is an incredibly nutritious recipe. It should be taken daily on an empty stomach, preferably 2-4 spoons in the morning. Below is a simple and nourishing recipe for panchamrut.

To prepare lip-smacking and nutritious panchamrut, you will need the following:

Ingredients

• Curd – 1 tsp
• Milk – 5 tsp
• Honey – 1 tsp
• Sugar – 1 tsp
• Ghee – 2 tsp
• Ripe banana (optional)
• Holy basil (tulsi) leaves
• Chopped almonds (optional)

How to Make

1. Whisk all the ingredients well; add two threads of saffron (optional).
2. Garnish with washed tulsi leaves or chopped almonds (optional) and refrigerate if needed. Now, the panchamrut is ready to eat. You may add chopped ripe banana pieces as a taste enhancer.

You may increase the measurements of the ingredients if you need a large quantity of panchamrut.

Tips While Consuming Panchamrut in Pregnancy

When consuming panchamrut during pregnancy, certain guidelines must be followed to ensure safety and maximum benefit. By adhering to these tips, expectant mothers can make the most of this nourishing Ayurvedic drink while avoiding potential risks.

• Always consume freshly prepared panchamrut during pregnancy, as it has only a few hours of shelf life.
• According to Ayurveda, ghee and honey must not be in the same quantities. Ghee must always be more.
• Make sure you use a stainless steel or silver utensil to prepare panchamrut.
• Add only some banana for taste and no other fruits.
• If you have gestational diabetes, panchamrut may increase your blood glucose levels, so talk to your gynaecologist before adding it to your diet.
• Always consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet during pregnancy.

FAQs

1. Are there any potential side effects of consuming panchamrut during pregnancy?

When consumed in moderation, panchamrut is generally safe. However, due to its rich ingredients, overconsumption may lead to excessive calorie intake or digestive issues. Pregnant women with lactose intolerance should be cautious, as panchamrut contains milk and yoghurt.

2. Can panchamrut be customised to suit individual tastes or dietary restrictions?

Yes, panchamrut can be adjusted according to personal preferences or dietary needs. For example, if a pregnant woman is lactose intolerant, she might use lactose-free milk and yoghurt. Additionally, the quantity of honey or sugar can be modified to suit one’s taste or health requirements.

3. When to take panchamrut in pregnancy?

Panchamrut can be taken throughout pregnancy, but due to its nutritional content, it is especially beneficial in the second and third trimesters. Always consult your doctor before starting to ensure it aligns with your health needs.

4. Can panchamrut be beneficial for postpartum recovery as well?

Absolutely. Panchamrut’s rich nutrient profile can aid postpartum recovery by providing essential vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats. It can help boost energy levels, support lactation, and enhance overall recovery.

Incorporating panchamrut into the diet during pregnancy can be a natural and effective way to enhance maternal health and support fetal development. Following the simple recipe mentioned above, expectant mothers can easily prepare this beneficial drink at home, ensuring they and their babies reap its full advantages. As always, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant dietary changes during pregnancy.

References/Resources:

1. Milk; Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health; https://nutritionsource.hsph.harvard.edu/milk/

2. Zaid. S. S. M, Ruslee. S. S, Mokhtar. M. H; Protective Roles of Honey in Reproductive Health: A Review; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8197897/

3. El-Abbadi. N. H, Dao. M. C, Meydani. S. N; Yogurt: role in healthy and active aging; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6410895/

4. Kataria. D, Singh. G; Health benefits of ghee: Review of Ayurveda and modern science perspectives; PubMed Central; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10789628/

5. Goyal. R, Veerakumara. K Shrilatha. T; Panchamrut: A way towards Healthier Life, An Ayurvedic Overview; International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research; https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370054531_Panchamrut_A_way_towards_Healthier_Life_An_Ayurvedic_Overview

Also Read:

Eating Betel Leaf (Paan) when Pregnancy
Benefits of Eating Fibre-rich Foods in Pregnancy
Health Benefits of Dry Fruits during Pregnancy
Is it Safe to Consume Tulsi (Holy Basil) while Pregnant