Role of Lehana (Supplementary?Feeding) in Nutritional Disorders

Abstract

Abstract:Lehana?(?????)—literally “that which is licked”—is a class of honey? or?ghee? based paediatric supplements described in the K??yapa?Sa?hit? and other Ayurvedic treatises. Contemporary evidence suggests that select Lehana formulations improve anthropometry, haematological indices, and immune markers in under? five children. This paper situates Lehana within the modern taxonomy of supplementary feeding, reviews recent clinical and public? health data, and discusses its potential to mitigate protein? energy malnutrition, stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies. Considerations for safety, standardisation, and policy integration are highlighted.

Keywords: Lehana, Kaumarabhritya, supplementary feeding, malnutrition, Ayurveda, stunting, wasting, protein? energy malnutrition (PEM)