For millennia, honey has been treasured across cultures as a symbol of nourishment and healing, particularly for infants. Yet in 1978, Western medicine abruptly deemed it unsafe for babies under one year old due to concerns about botulism. But was this ban truly justified, or did precaution overshadow ancient wisdom and emerging scientific insights?

While infant botulism is an extremely rare condition, modern research reveals that most cases stem from environmental spores, not honey consumption. Meanwhile, traditions spanning Egypt, Africa, and Ayurveda have safely incorporated honey into infant care for thousands of years. Ayurvedic texts even describe Swarna Prashana—a revered practice of giving gold-infused honey to newborns to enhance immunity, intellect, and vitality.

In this episode, we challenge the stigma around honey in paediatric care, exploring its rich history, scientific evidence, and time-tested applications. Whether you're a parent or health practitioner, this conversation will empower you to navigate infant nutrition with confidence and clarity.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

🍯 The Honey Ban: How a Nutritional Staple Became "Forbidden"
🍯 Infant Botulism: Separating Myth from Science
🍯 Ancient Cultures & Honey in Infant Care
🍯 Ayurveda’s Perspective on Honey for Babies
🍯 The Science Behind Raw, High-Quality Honey
🍯 Debunking Common Concerns: Sugar, Allergies & Choking Hazards
🍯 Swarna Prashana: Ayurveda’s Time-Tested Immunisation Ritual
🍯 The Importance of Responsibly Sourced Honey
🍯 Reintroducing Honey with Confidence and Wisdom

RESOURCES:

Further Reading & Related Articles:

• Ayurvedic Immunisation Over Vaccination For Babies
• Honey – Nectar or Poison?

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Natural Immunisations for Babies & Children: Building Resilience with Ayurveda
• Bees: Crucial Beeings for Health on Earth | Simon Mulvany #031
• Immunising your Baby Naturally | Dr. A.V. Raju #006
• Homeopathic Immunisation for Babies & Children | Dr Isaac Golden, World Authority on Homeopathic Immunisation #092
• Heavy Metals, Minerals and Bhasma in Ayurvedic Herbology and Herbal Products (3rd Biggest Myth in Ayurveda) | Dylan Smith #084

Ayurvedic Products & Herbal Formulations:

• Swarna Prashana (Ayurvedic Herbal Immunisation for Babies)
  • Pushya Nakshatra Dates for Swarna Prashana – Check Here
    
    

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Human adaptation has shaped an extraordinary immune system in your child over millions of years—yet modern interventions often overlook this innate intelligence instead of strengthening it.

In this episode, Dylan explores how to nurture your child’s immunity using time-tested Ayurvedic wisdom and holistic parenting approaches that work in harmony with the body’s natural defenses.

He also addresses key parental concerns around vaccines, vitamin K injections, and the honey “ban” for infants, offering insights that empower parents to make confident, well-informed decisions. Tune in to discover how to honour your child’s natural resilience while navigating today’s health landscape with clarity and trust.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:

🌿 The Innate Evolutionary Intelligence Of A Baby’s Immune System
🌿 The First Steps In Building Immunity At Birth
🌿 Breast Milk And It's Role In Enhancing Immunisation
🌿 Ancient Ayurveda Approaches To Enhancing Immunity
🌿 Conventional Immunisation Programs: Navigating Vaccines, Vitamin K Injections & Alternative Perspectives.
🌿 The Honey Controversy: Understanding The Role Of Honey In Infant Care
🌿 The Role Of Digestion In Immunity
🌿 The Importance of Parental Confidence: Learning To Trust Your Instincts

OTHER RESOURCES:

Related Blog Articles:

• Ayurvedic Postnatal Care Plan

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Immunising your Baby Effectively and Naturally | Dr. A.V. Raju #006
• Homeopathic Immunisation for Babies & Children | Dr Isaac Golden, World Authority on Homeopathic Immunisation #092

Related Courses:

• Baby Abhyanga Massage: Postnatal Course & Community

Ayurvedic Herbs & Products for Immunity:

• Swarna Prasa Pusya – Ayurvedic herbal immunisation for infants & children
• Pushya Drops – A more affordable alternative for immune support
• Swasakasantak Yog – Ayurvedic respiratory formula for babies
• Swasananda Leham – Strengthens the lungs & respiratory system
• Anand Sid Yog – A potent immune-boosting Ayurvedic blend
• Baby Agni – Digestive support for newborns
• Swagni – Advanced digestive tonic for infants with digestive concerns

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website

“There is no curable disease in the universe which has cannot be effectively cured by śilājatu, [but only] when administered at the appropriate time, in combination with suitable herbs and by adopting the prescribed protocol”.
~ Caraka Samhitā, authoritative classical Ayurveda text

I’m Dylan Smith, an Ayurveda practitioner and educator, and in case you have not heard of Shilajit, it is one of Ayurveda’s most revered herbal substances.

This potent, mineral-rich resin sourced from rocky mountains is rapidly gaining popularity in Western supplement markets for its purported energising and rejuvenating effects. In this episode, we aim to disrupt the growing fad of shilajit as a dietary supplement in wellness communities.

We’ll challenge the notion that shilajit—prized in Ayurveda for its potent healing properties—can be casually consumed. Much of what’s sold is adulterated or harvested improperly, and often lacks proper purification. We’ll explore essential Ayurvedic principles like correct dosage, the right vehicle (anupāna), and a tailored diet (pathya) to balance shilajit’s intense qualities and ensure safety and efficacy. When these elements are neglected, shilajit’s benefits can be lost—or even become harmful—underscoring the need for proper guidance in its use.

My guests include Dr. Sumit Kesarkar, who has spent over two decades harvesting shilajit indigenously across Asia, and the renowned Raju family of Ayurvedic doctors: Vaidya J.R. Raju, Vaidya Pavani Raju, and Vaidya Harsha Raju. Together, we’ll offer practical insights on sourcing authenticity, safe usage, and time-tested ways to honour shilajit’s role as a powerful rasayana.

IN THIS EPISODE WE DISCUSS:
🏔️ Shilajit’s Geological Formations and Origin
🏔️ Understanding Shilajit as a Rasāyana (longevity elixir) In Ayurveda
🏔️ Shilajit's Health Benefits & Debunking the Overemphasis on Mineral Content
🏔️ Proper Purification of Shilajit (not common knowledge)
🏔️ Prevalence of Adulteration, Unsustainable & Improper Harvesting Methods
🏔️ Appropriate Dosage to Absorb the Benefits and Prevent Harm
🏔️ Diet & Protocol to Adhere to While Consuming Shilajit
🏔️ + more!

RESOURCES:

• Abhyanga Course w/ Vital Veda
• Training in External Basti Treatments w/ Vital Veda
• Marma & Pulse Retreat w/ the Raju Family
• Shilajit, Can It Keep Us Young Forever? – Dr. Kesarkar
• Book a Consultation with Dylan

Related Podcast Episodes:

• Coffee, Whisky & Lord Shiva | Dr. Sumit Kesarkar #104
• Organic Herbal Revolution & Prana Potent Herbs | Bharat Mitra #057
• The Yoga of Time, Vedic Medicine & Veda Mandala (#059)

Support the show

🌿 Follow us on Instagram (@vitalveda)
🌿 Our Courses
🌿 Our Treatments
🌿 Our Online Shop
🌿 Vital Veda Website