Panchamrut During Pregnancy – Benefits and Recipe

Panchamrut is made during puja and other religious ceremonies in India and is considered to be sacred. It is made with five (panch) ingredients, namely, milk, curd, honey, ghee, and sugar. It is very healthy and can benefit your health. 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, and panchamrut is indeed healthy and you can eat it while pregnant.

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‘ meaning ‘five’, and ‘Amrut‘ meaning ‘nectar of Gods’. Panchamrut is a blend of 5 vital ingredients which, when combined together, 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 5 ingredients of Panchamrut and what each ingredient symbolises.

1. Milk – Symbolises Purity and Piousness

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

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 said to be 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. Honey – Symbolises Unity and Sweet speech

Honey is considered to be 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.

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 which help in improving skin complexion and is beneficial for the eyes, heart, and the throat. It increases memory, intelligence, and also promotes emotional balance.

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 in pregnancy is a boon as it boosts muscle strength, increases immunity, and enlivens the brain of the mother, 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, helps to relieve acidity and ulcers in the stomach and intestines. These ulcers may be caused due to extensive hormonal changes.

2. Helps Boost Immunity

It helps nourish the seven bodily tissues responsible for strength in the body, which are – reproductive tissue, teeth, fatty tissue, nerve tissue, muscle tissue, plasma and blood cells.

3. Helps Improve Kanti (Complexion)

It gives a healthy glow to the mother’s complexion and is also beneficial for the baby’s skin.

4. Promotes Emotional and Mental Health

As per Ayurveda, Panchamrut is a great tonic for pregnant women, as it promotes the brain development of the baby. It 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 in the preconception period as it helps to strengthen reproductive organs.

Panchamrut Recipe During Pregnancy

Panchamrut is an incredibly nutritious recipe. It should be taken every day, preferably 2-4 spoons in the morning, on an empty stomach. 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 – 1tsp
• Ghee – 2 tsp
• Ripe banana (optional)
• Holy basil (tulsi) leaves
• Chopped almonds (optional)

How to Make

• Whisk well all the ingredients; add 2 threads of saffron (optional).
• Garnish with washed tulsi leaves/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.

If you need a large quantity of panchamrut, you may increase the measurements of ingredients.

Always consume freshly prepared panchamrut in pregnancy as it has a shelf life of only a couple of hours. According to Ayurveda, ghee and honey must not be of 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. Incorporate panchamrut into your diet during pregnancy to take advantage of its numerous health benefits. However, do consult your doctor before making any changes to your diet during pregnancy. If you have gestational diabetes, panchamrut may increase your blood glucose levels; so talk to your gynaecologist before adding it to your diet.

Also Read:

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