Sushruta Samhita Sutrasthana Chapter 45 Dravadravya Vidhi Adhyaya (Knowledge of Liquid Substances)

The 45th chapter of Sutrasthana of Sushruta Samhita is named as Dravadravya Vidhi Adhyaya. This chapter deals with Knowledge of Liquid Substances.

अथातोद्रवद्रव्यविधिमध्यायंव्याख्यास्यामः॥१॥
यथोवाचभगवान्धन्वन्तरिः॥२॥

Now we will expound the chapter by name Dravadravya Vidhi- Knowledge of liquid substances as revealed by the venerable Dhanvantari.

1. Jala varga: Group of water

पानीयमान्तरीक्षमनिर्द्रेश्यरसममृतंजीवनंतर्पणंधारणमाश्वासजननंश्रमक्लमपिपासमदमुर्च्छातन्द्रादाहप्रशमेकान्ततःपथ्यतमंच॥३॥

Antariksajala: Water from the sky (rain water)

Water from the sky (rain water) is

–     having taste which is not manifest,
–     is like nectar (in effect),
–     enlivening,
–     satisfying,
–     supporting life and comforting the body / provides positivity,
–     relieves fatigue, exhaustion, thirst, toxicity, fainting, stupor, sleepiness, burning sensation and
–     is conducive / especially suitable for health (good for the channels of the body)

तदेवावनिपतितमन्यतमंरसमुपलभतेस्थानविशेषान्नदिनदसरस्तडागवापीकूपचुण्टीप्रस्रवणोद्भिदविकिरकेदारपल्वलादिषुस्थानेष्ववस्थितमिति॥४॥,

After falling to the ground, the same rain water obtains different tastes. This happens due to various kinds of places or reservoirs where it falls and comes in contact with or gets accumulated such as the below mentioned –

–     nadi and nada – rivers
–     saras – large natural lakes
–     tadaga – artificial lakes
–     vapi – tank with flight of steps,
–     kupa – tank without flight of steps
–     cunti – small pit made near a river,
–     prasravana – stream
–     udbida – spring
–     vikira – water oozing from the ground and later collected at a place
–     kedara – field, meadow
–     palvala – marshy places etc

तत्र, लोहितकपिलपाण्डुनीलपीतशुक्लेष्ववनिप्रदेशेषुमधुराम्ललवणकटुतिक्तकषायाणियथासङ्खचमुदकानिसंभवन्ति’इत्येकेभाषन्ते॥५॥

According to some authorities the rain water falling on the ground of particular colors will have particular tastes –

Anyonya Anupravesha: Tastes of water falling on grounds predominant in different elements

तत्तुनसम्यक्; पृथिव्यादीनामन्योन्यानुप्रवेशकृतःसलिलरसोभवत्युत्कर्षापकर्षेण\ तत्र, स्वलक्षणभूयिष्ठायांलवणंच ;अम्बुगुणभूयिष्ठायांमधुरं; तेजोगुणभूयिष्ठायांकटुकंतिक्तंच : वायुगुणभूयिष्टियांकषायम् , आकाशगुणभूयिष्ठायामव्यक्तरसम्, अव्यक्तंह्याकाशमित्यतः ; तत्प्रधानमव्यक्तरसत्वात्, तत्पेयमान्तरीक्षालाभे॥६॥

That is incorrect. Tastes of water becoming well manifest or ill-manifest depends on predominance of specific elements, due to anyonya anupravesha – interning of Prithvi etc five primary elements of nature. Examples,

–     taste of water fallen on the ground which is predominant of its own (Prthvi bhuta) will be sour and salty;
–     taste of water fallen on the ground which is  predominant of Ap Bhuta (water element) will be sweet;
–     taste of water fallen on the ground predominant of Tejo Bhuta (fire element) will be pungent and bitter;
–     taste of water fallen on the ground predominant of Vayu Bhuta (air element) will be astringent;
–     taste of water fallen on the ground predominant of Akasa Bhuta (ether element) will be unmanifest in taste;

Akasa Bhuta itself is unmanifest. Therefore, the taste of water will also be weakly manifest or tasteless. This kind of water shall be consumed when rain water is not available.

तत्रान्तरीक्षंचतुर्विधम्।तद्यथा-धारं, कारंतौषारं, हैममिति।तेषांधारंप्रधानं, लघुत्वार्; तत्पुनर्द्धिविधं-गाङ्गं, सामुद्रंचेति।तत्रगाङ्गमाश्वयुजेमासिप्रायशोवर्षति।

तयोर्द्धयोरपिपरिक्षणंकुर्वीत-शाल्योदनपिण्डमकुथितमविदग्धंरजतभाजनोपहितंवर्षतिदेवेबहिष्कुर्वीत, सयदिमुहुर्तंस्थितस्तादृशएवभवतितदागाङ्गंपततीत्यवगन्तव्यं; वर्णान्यत्वेसिक्थप्रक्लेदेचसामुद्रमितिविद्यात्, तन्नोपादेयम्।सामुद्रमौप्याश्वयुजेमासिगृहीतंगाङ्गवद्भवति।गाङ्गंपुनःप्राधानं, तदुपाददीताश्वयुजेमासि।शुचिशुक्लविततपटैकदेशच्युतमथवाहर्म्यतलपरिभ्रष्टमन्यैर्वाशुचिभिर्भाजनैर्गृहीतंसौवर्णेराजतेमृन्मयेवापात्रेनिदध्यात्।तत्सर्वकालमुपयुञ्जीत, तस्यालाभेभौमम्।तच्चाकाशगुणबहुलम्।तत्पुनःसप्तविधम्॥तद्यथा- कौपंनादेयंसारसंताडागंप्रास्रवणम्,औद्भिदं, चौण्ट्चमिति॥७॥

Antariksa Jala (atmospheric water) is of four kinds, viz,

1. Dhara (water falling in torrents or rain water),
2. Kara (water from melting of hailstones / icicles),
3. Tausara (water dew / mist) and
4. Haima (water from melting of snow/ ice);

Out of these,

1. Dhara – Dhara i.e. torrential rain water is the best one owing to its lightness property. Dhara is one again of two types. They are –

–     Ganga – atmospheric and
–     Samudra – terrestrial

The rainwater which usually falls in the Asvayuja month of Indian calander i.e. mid September-October is called Ganga. Both these waters should be tested as explained below.

Test for Ganga water – Rain water is collected in a silver vessel. In this water is immersed a lump of boiled rice and left in place for one muhurta time. Later, it shall be examined. If the immersed lump of rice is not very moist after one muhurta, and if there is no change in its color and it remains as it was before, the water tested is Ganga Jala – atmospheric water.

Test for Samudra water – Similar test as done for Ganga water shall be done for Samudra water also. After the test, if there is change in color of the rice or the rice particles have become moist, very soft and slimy, then the water tested should be considered as Samudra Jala – terrestrial water. This water should not be used. Samudra Jala collected in the Asvayuja month will also have the qualities of Ganga water.

Method of collection and storage of Ganga water – Ganga water or rain water is the most important one. It shall be collected from a clean place, in the month of Ashvayuja, as said before. It shall be covered with a clean white cloth. Alternatively, this water should be collected from the rooftop which is clean. It can also be collected directly into a clean vessel and then stored in gold, silver or mud vessels.

Alternative for Ganga Jala – If Ganga water is not available, Bhauma Jala should be used, provided it is predominant of Akasa Bhuta qualities.

Below mentioned are the seven kinds of Bhauma Jala –

1. Kaupa (Tank with flight of steps),
2. Nadeya (River),
3. Sarasa (natural lake),
4. Tadaga (artificial lake),
5. Prasravana (waterfall),
6. Audbhida (spring) and
7. Cauntya (pit burrowed in the ground).

Different kinds of water to be used in different seasons

तत्रवर्षास्वान्तारिक्षामौद्भिदंवासेवेतमहागुणत्वात्; शरदिसर्वंप्रसन्नत्वात्, हेमन्तेसारसंताडागंवा; वसन्तेकौपंप्रास्रवणंवा; ग्रीष्मेऽप्येवं; प्रावृषिचौण्ट्चमनभिवृष्टंसर्वंचेति॥८॥

During Varsa rtu (rainy season), atmospheric water (rain water) or water from springs may be used, because of their profound good qualities.

During Sarat rtu (autumn) all kinds of water may be used because this water is clear (free from contaminants).

During Hemanta Rtu (dewy / winter), water of either natural lake or artificial lake (tank) may be used.

During Vasanta Rtu (spring season), water from an artificial tank or a spring may be used.

In Grisma (summer) also it shall be used in the same manner (same kind of water).

During Pravrt (early rainy season) water collected in burrows and all other kinds which are not from rain may be used.

Effects of bathing in contaminated water

कीटमूत्रपुरीषाण्डशवकोथप्रदूषितम्॥
तृणपर्णोत्करयुत्तंकलुषंविषसंयुतम्॥९॥
योऽवगाहेत्वर्षासुपिबेद्वाऽपिनवंजलम्॥
सबाह्यभ्यन्तरान्रोगान्प्राप्रुयात्क्षिप्रमेवतु॥१०॥

The person who bathes by immersing self in the below mentioned kinds of rain water, will be affected by both external and internal diseases quickly –

–     Contaminated with insects and worms
–     Contaminated with excreta, ova and dead-putrefied bodies of animals
–     Contaminated by accumulated grasses and leaves
–     Dirty
–     Containing poisonous substances

Even a person who drinks fresh rain water during varsa rtu – rainy season, will also get affected by both external and internal diseases quickly.

Vyapannajala: Polluted water

तत्रयत्पङ्कशौवालहठतृणपद्मपत्रप्रभृतिभिरवच्छन्नंरविशशिकिरणानिलैर्नाभिजुष्ठंगन्धवर्णरसोपसृष्टंतह्यापन्नमितिविद्यात्।तस्यस्पर्शरुपरसगन्धवीर्यविपाकदोषाःषट्संभवन्ति।तत्र, खरतापैच्छिल्यमौष्णयंदन्तग्राहिताचस्पर्शदोषः, पङ्कसिकताशैवालबहुवर्णतारूपदोषः;व्यक्तरसतारसदोषः; अनिष्टगन्धतागन्धदोषः ; यदुपयुक्तंतृष्णागौरवशूलकफप्रसेकानापादयतिसविर्यदोषः ; यदुपयुक्तंचिराद्विपच्यतेविष्टम्भयतिवासविपाकदोषइति॥तएतेआन्तरिक्षेनसन्ति॥११॥

Signs of polluted water – Water should be considered as polluted when –

–     It is covered with slush, algae, weed, grass, leaves of lotus etc.
–     It is not exposed to rays of sun and moon and air,
–     it is having bad odor, abnormal color, and abnormal taste very prominently

Jala Dosha – Such polluted water will have six kinds of doshas (blemishes) – such as that of touch, sight, taste, odor, potence and taste after digestion.

a. Sparsha dosha (blemishes of touch)  – roughness (hardness) sliminess, warmth, producing  tingling, of the teeth

b. Rupa dosha (blemishes of sight) – presence of slush, sand, algae and many colors
c.  Rasa dosha (blemishes of taste) – prominence of taste is the blemish of taste,
d. Gandha dosha (blemishes of smell) – unpleasant odor is the blemish of smell;
e. Virya dosha (blemishes of potency) – producing thirst, feeling of heaviness, abdominal pain, more elimination of Kapha from the mouth etc,
f.   Vipaka dosha (blemishes of taste after digestion) – the water gets digested after a long time following its consumption or cause constipation

In atmospheric water / pure rain water, these blemishes are not found.

Jala Sodhana: Purification of water

व्यापन्नस्यचाग्रिक्वथनंसुर्यातपप्रतापनंतप्तायःपिण्डसिकतालोष्ट्राणांवनिर्वापणंप्रसादनंचकर्तव्यं, नागचम्पकोत्पलपाटलापुष्पप्रभृतिभिश्चाधिवासनमिति॥१२॥

Below mentioned are the measures used to purify contaminated water –

–     boiling  over fire,
–     heating by exposing to Sun’s rays,
–     immersing heated iron balls, sand or stone into water (are the methods to purify contaminated water)
–     putting flowers such as Naga Campaka, Utpala, Patala etc into water and allowing these for some time to stay in the water (removes bad smell and imparts good smell)

What type of water should be used for drinking purposes?

सौवर्णेराजतेताम्रेकांस्येमणिमयेऽपिवा॥
पुष्पावतंसंभौमेवासुगान्धिसलिलंपिबेत॥१३॥

Below mentioned kind of water is fit for drinking –

Water stored in the vessels made up of one of the below mentioned –

–     gold
–     silver
–     copper
–     bronze
–     precious stones
–     earthen pots

Water stored in the above said vessels and made fragrant by putting fragrant flowers into it

व्यापन्नंवर्जयेन्नित्यंतोयंयच्चाप्यनार्तवम्॥
दोषसंजननंह्येतन्नाददीताहितंतुतत्॥।१४॥
व्यापन्नमुदकंयस्तुपिबतीहाप्रसादितम्॥
श्वयथुंपाण्डुरोगंचत्वग्दोषमविपाकताम्॥१५॥
श्वासकासप्रतिश्यायशूलगुल्मोदरराणिच॥
अन्यान्वाविषमान्रोगान्प्राप्रुयादचिरेणसः॥१६॥

Polluted water should not be consumed on any day, in unusual seasons and so also rain water.  They should always be rejected. Both these two kinds of water not only aggravate the doshas but also are unsuitable for health.

The person who drinks polluted water without purifying it would quickly get affected by dreadful diseases such as those mentioned below –

–     swelling / dropsy
–     anaemia
–     skin diseases
–     improper digestion
–     difficulty in breathing / dyspnoea,
–     cough
–     nasal catarrh / common cold
–     pain in the abdomen,
–     abdominal tumors
–     abdominal enlargement
–     and such other diseases

Jala Prasadana: Clearing turbidity of water

तत्रसप्तकलुषस्यप्रसादनानिभवन्ति।तद्यथा-कतकगोमेदकबिसग्रन्थिशैवालमूलवस्त्राणिमुक्तामणिश्चेति॥१७॥

Methods of clearing the turbidity off polluted water are seven – such as –

–     use of Kataka (adding the paste of the Kataka nut to water)
–     use of Gomedaka (gem/ dolomite)
–     use of bisa granthi (Rhizome of lotus),
–     use of Saivala Mula (root of Algae) – these are immersed in water;
–     Vastra (cloth, filtering through it),
–     Mukta (pearl) – immersing it in water and
–     Mani (crystals of Rocks) or gems (by immersing in water)

Jala Nikshepana: Water stands

पच्चनिक्षेपणानिभवन्ति।तद्यथा- फलकं, त्र्यष्टकं, मुञ्जवलयः, उदकमञ्जिका, शिक्यंचेति॥१८॥

Water stands are five, such as –

1. wooden planks, 
2. tripod stand with eight steps (stages),
3. rings of Munja grass,
4. watershed (chamber / room built  with cane or bamboo reads in open space) and
5. pot hangers

Shitikarana: Water cooling

सप्तशीतीकरणानिभबन्ति;तद्यथा- प्रवातस्थापनम्, उदकप्रक्षेपणं, यष्टिकाभ्रामणं, व्यजनं, वस्त्रोद्धरण्ंवालुकप्रक्षेपणंशिक्यावलम्बनंचेति॥१९॥

Methods of keeping the water cool are seven such as –

–     exposing  to breeze – keeping the water or vessel containing water exposed to breeze, 
–     wrapping  the pots with cloth and sprinkling water (over the cloth) frequently,
–     stirring with stick,
–     fanning the water,
–     lifting through cloth (dipping clean cloth  in water and lifting, repeating this act frequently;
–     keeping the water pot hidden in a sand bed and
–     keeping the pot in a hanger (tied in open space and made to move like a pendulum)

Peyajala: Potable water

निर्गन्धव्यक्तसंतृष्णाघ्नंशुचिशीतलम्॥।
अच्छंलघुचहृद्यंचतोयंगुणवदुच्यते॥२०॥

Water having the below mentioned qualities is said to be the best one and also suitable for drinking –

–     having no smell
–     having no prominent taste
–     quenches thirst
–     clean
–     cold
–     light for digestion
–     pleasing to mind

Nadi Jala: River water

तत्रनद्यःपश्चिमभिमुखाःपथ्याः, लघूदकत्वात्, पूर्वाभिमुखास्तुनप्रशस्यन्ते, गुरूदकत्वात्ः;दक्षिणाभिमुखानातिदोषलाः, साधारणत्वात्।तत्रसह्यप्रभवाःकुष्ठंजनयन्ति, विन्ध्यप्रभवाःकुष्ठंपाण्डुरोगंच, मलयप्रभवा, कृमीन्, महेन्द्रप्रभवाःश्लीपदोहराणि, हिमवत्प्रभवा, हृद्रोगश्वयथुशिरोरोगश्लीपदगलगण्डान्, प्राच्यावन्त्याअपरावन्त्याश्चार्शांस्युपजनयन्ति, पारियात्रप्रभवाःपथ्याबलारोग्यकर्यइति॥२१॥

Swift and slow flowing rivers, rivers flowing in the deserts

नह्यःशीघ्रवहालघ्व्यःप्रोक्तायाश्चामलोदकाः।
गुर्व्यःशैवालसंछन्नाःकलुषामन्दगाश्चयाः॥२२॥
प्रायेणनह्योमरुषुसतिक्तालवणान्विताः॥
लघ्व्यःसमधुराश्चैवपौरुषेयाबलेहिताः॥२३॥

Water is light in nature if it is a swift flowing river which is clear. The water would be heavy in nature in rivers flowing slowly and covered with dirt and algae.

Most of the time the rivers flowing in deserts and their water are bitter, salty, slightly astringent and sweet in taste, light for digestion and beneficial to increase physical strength.

Right time to collect ground water

तत्रसर्वेषामेवभौमानांग्रहणंप्रत्यूषसि, तत्रह्यमलत्वंशैत्यंचाधिकंभवति, सएवचापांपरोगुणइति॥२४॥

All kinds of ground water shall be collected early in the morning. At that time of the day the water will not be polluted and is also colder. Thehse are the ideal qualities of water.

Gangambu Tulya Jala

दिवार्ककिरणैर्जुष्टंनिशायामिन्दुरश्मिभिः॥
अरूक्षमनभिष्यन्दितत्तुल्यंगगनाम्बुना॥२५॥

Below said type of water (having all the below mentioned features) will have the qualities equal to that of the rain water –

–     water touched by sun rays during day time
–     water touched by moon rays during night time
–     water which is neither dry nor very moist

Qualities of rain water collected in clean vessel

गगनाम्बुत्रोदोषघ्नंयत्सुभाजने॥
बल्यंरसायनंमेध्यंपात्रापेक्षिततःपरम्॥२६॥

Below mentioned are the qualities of rain water collected in a clean vessel –

–        mitigates all the three doshas,
–        strengthening
–        rejuvenating
–        good for intellect

All qualities of this water is dependent on the container in which it is collected.

Water arising from Candrakanta

रक्षोघ्नंशीतलंह्लादिज्वरदाहविषापहम्॥
चन्द्रकान्तोद्भवंवारिपित्तघ्नंविमलंस्मृतम्॥२७॥

Chandrakanta is the name given to the water of the rivers flowing through white marble reefs. Water arising from Chandrakanta has the below mentioned properites –

–     destroys demons – bacteria, viruses etc.
–     coolant
–     pleasing to the mind,
–     relieves fever, burning sensation and effect of poisons
–     mitigates pitta
–     is pure and good for drinking

Sitambu (Cold water)

मूर्च्छापित्तोष्णदाहेषुविषेरक्तेमदात्यये॥
भ्रमक्लमपरीतेषुतमकेवमथौतथा॥२८॥
ऊर्ध्वगेरक्तपित्तेचशीतामम्भःप्रशस्यते॥

Below mentioned are the benefits of cold water –

–     cures fainting
–     cures pitta aggravation
–     reduces body heat and burning sensation
–     ideal for nullifying the effects of poisons / poisoning
–     pacifies aggravation of blood
–     good for those suffering from alcoholic intoxication, giddinenss and exhaustion
–     beneficial for those suffering from asthma, vomiting and bleeding from upper tracts of the body

Contraindications of cold water usage

पार्श्वशूलेप्रतिश्यातेवातरोगेगलग्रहे॥२९॥
आध्मानेस्तिमितेकोष्टेसद्यःशुद्धेनवज्वरे॥
हिक्कायांस्नेहपीतोचशीताम्बुपरिवर्जयेत्॥३०॥

Cold water usage is contraindicated in the below mentioned conditions / diseases –

–     pain in flanks
–     nasal catarrh,
–     vata diseases
–     throat pain
–     flatulence
–     loss of movement in the abdomen
–     people who have just undergone shodhana – purificatory therapie
–     acute fevers
–     hiccup
–     those who have just consumed fats

Properties / qualities of different kinds of water

नादेयंवातलंरूक्षंदीपनंलघुलेखनम्॥
तदभिष्यन्दिमधुरंसान्द्रंगुरूकफावहम्॥३१॥
तृष्णाघ्नंसारसंबल्यंकषायंमधुरंलघु॥
ताडागंवातलंस्वादुकषायंकटुपाकिच॥३२॥
वातश्लेष्महरंवाप्यंसक्षारंकटुपित्तलम्॥
सक्षारंपित्तलंकौपंश्लेष्मघ्नंदीपनंलघु॥३३॥
चौण्ट्चमग्रिकरंरुक्षंमधुरंकफकॄन्नच॥
कफघ्नंदीपनंहृद्यंलघुप्रस्रवणोद्भवम्॥३४॥
मधुरंपित्तशमनमविदाह्यौद्भिदंस्मृतम्॥
वैकिरंकटुसक्षारंश्लेष्मघ्नंलघुदीपनम्॥३५॥
कैदारंमधुरंप्रोक्तंविपाकेगुरुदोषलम्॥
तद्वत्पाल्वलमुद्दिष्टंविशेषाद्दोषलंतुतत्॥३६॥
सामुद्रमुदकंविस्त्रंलवणंसर्वदोषकृत्॥
अनेकदोषमानूपंवार्यभिष्यन्दिगर्हितम्॥३७॥
एभिर्दोषैरसंयुक्तंनिरवद्यंतुजाङ्गलम्॥
पाकेऽविदाहितृष्णाघ्नंप्रशस्तंप्रीतिवर्धनम्॥३८॥
दीपनंस्वादुशीतंतोयंसाधारणंलघु॥
कफमेदोऽनिलामघ्नंदीपनंवस्तिशोधनम्॥३९॥
श्वासकासज्वरहरंपथ्यमुष्णोदकंसदा॥

यत्क्वाथ्यमानंनिर्वेगंनिष्फेनंनिर्मलंलघु॥४०॥
चतुर्भागावशेषंतुतत्तोयंगुणवत्स्मृतम्॥।
नचपर्युषितंदेयंकदाचिद्वारिजानता॥४२॥
अम्लीभूतंकफोत्क्लेदिनहितंतत्पिपासवे॥
मद्यपानात्समुद्भूतेरोगेपित्तोत्थितेतथा॥४२॥
सन्निपातसमुत्थेचश्रृतशीतंप्रशस्यते॥

Chaturbhaga avashesa jala means water which has been boiled and reduced to one fourth quantity – The water having below mentioned qualities is said to be ideal –

–        it should not spill out while being boiled
–        free from froth
–        is clean
–        and reduced to one-fourth quantity

Paryusita Jala is that stale water which has been kept for more than one day. This kind of water should never be given to a thirsty person. Similarly, water which has become sour in taste and which increases kapha should never be given.  

Srtasita jala is water which is boiled and cooled. It is suitable in the below mentioned conditions –

–        diseases produced by drinking wine
–        conditions caused by aggravated pitta
–        conditions caused by sannipata – aggravation of all the three doshas simultaneously

Nalikerodaka: Coconut water

स्निग्धंस्वादुहिमंहृद्यंदीपनंबस्तिशोधनम्॥४३॥
वृष्यंपित्तपिपासाघ्नंनालिकेरोदकंगुरु॥

Below mentioned are the properties of coconut water –

–        unctuous
–        sweet
–        cold
–        good for heart / pleasant for the mind
–        kindles digestion
–        cleanses the urinary bladder
–        aphrodisiac
–        heavy for digestion
–        mitigates pitta
–        cures severe thirst

Benefits of boiled and cooled water and conditions in which moderate quantity of water needs to be consumed

दाहातीसारपित्तासृङ्मूर्च्छामद्यविषार्तिषु॥४४॥
श्रृतशीतंजलंशस्तंतृष्णाच्छर्दिभ्रमेषुच॥
अरोचकेप्रतिश्यायेप्रसेकेश्वयथौक्षये॥४५॥
मन्देऽग्रवुदरेकुष्टेज्वरेनेत्रामयेतथा॥
व्रणेचमधुमेहेचपानीयंमन्दमाचरेत्॥४६॥

Below mentioned are the properties of boiled and cooled water –

–        best to reduce burning sensation,
–        suited best for those suffering from diarrhea
–        beneficial for those suffering from pittaja and raktaja diseases
–        beneficial for those suffering from fainting, alcoholism, poison, thirst, vomiting and giddiness

One should drink water moderately in the below mentioned conditions / diseases –

–        Loss of taste
–        Common cold
–        Excessive salivation
–        Swelling / dropsy
–        Consumption
–        Dyspepsia
–        Abdominal enlargement
–        Skin diseases / leprosy
–        Fever
–        Eye diseases
–        Ulcers
–        Diabetes

2. Kshira Varga: Group of milks

अथक्षीरवर्गः।
गव्यमाजंतथाचौष्ट्रमाविकंमाहिषंचयत्।
अश्वायश्चैवनार्याश्चकरेणूनांचयत्पयः॥४७॥

Payah or milk is of eight kinds, as obtained from –

1. Cow
2. Goat
3. Camel
4. Sheep
5. Buffalo
6. Horse
7. Woman
8. Elephant

Reasons why milk is beneficial for all living beings

तत्त्वनेकौषधिरसप्रादंप्राणदंगुरु।
मधुरंपिच्छिलंशीतंस्निग्धंश्लक्ष्णंसरंमृदु।
सर्वप्राणभृतांतस्मात्सात्म्यंक्षीरमिहोच्यते॥४८॥

Milk is beneficial to all living beings even by constant use because –

–        It is the essence of many plants
–        Sustainer of life
–        Heavy to digest
–        Sweet
–        Slimy
–        Cold
–        Unctuous
–        Smooth
–        Laxative
–        Soft i.e. mild in actions

Reasons for milk being not forbidden for usage for all living beings

तत्रसर्वमेवक्षीरंप्राणिनामप्रतिषिद्धंजातिसात्म्यात्, वारपित्तशोणितमानसेष्वपिविकारेष्वविरुद्धं, जिर्णज्वरकासश्वासशोषक्षयगुल्मोन्मादोदरमूर्च्छभ्रममददाहपिपासाहृद्वास्तिदोषपाण्डुरोगग्रहणीदोषार्शःशूलोदावर्तातिसारप्रवाहिकायोनिरोगगर्भास्रावरक्तपित्तश्रमक्लमहरं,
पाप्मापहंबल्यंवृष्यंवाजीकरणंरसायनंमेध्यंवयःस्थापनमायुष्यंजीवनंबृंहणंसंधानंवमनविरेचनास्थापनंतुल्यगुणत्वाच्चौजसोवर्धनंबालवृद्धक्षतक्षीणानांक्षुह्यवायव्यायामकर्शितानांचपथ्यतमम्॥४९॥

All varieties of milk are not forbidden for use by all living beings, because

–        of its habituation by birth;
–        it is not against diseases caused by vata, Pitta, sonata (Rakta) and even mind (mental disorders),
–        cures diseases such as chronic fever, cough, dyspnoea, consumption, pthisis, abdominal tumor, insanity, enlargement of  the abdomen, fainting, giddiness, intoxication, burning sensation, profound thirst, diseases of the heart and urinary bladder, anaemia, duodenal disease, piles, colic, upward movement of vata in the abdomen, diarrhea, dysentery, diseases  of the  vagina, abortion, bleeding disease, fatigue, and exhaustion;

–        it wards off sin,
–        bestows strength,
–        is aphrodisiac,
–        increases sexual prowess,
–        rejuvenator,
–        good for intelligence,
–        withholds aging, prolongs life- span;
–        is envilivening,
–        stoutening the  body,
–        unites broken parts,
–        helpful in therapies like emesis,  purgation and decoction enema,
–        increases ojas (essence of tissues) because of identical properties;
–        ideally suited for  health in children, old people, those suffering from injury to chest (lungs) and those emaciated by hunger (starvation), copulation and physical activities

Go Kshira: Cow’s milk

अल्पाभिष्यन्दिगोक्षीरंस्निग्धंगुरुरसायनम्॥
रक्तपित्तहरंशीतंमधुरंरसपाकयोः॥५०॥
जीवनीयंतथावातपित्तघ्नंपरमंस्मृतम्॥

Below mentioned are the properties of cow’s milk –

–        slightly increases moistness in the body channels
–        unctuous
–        heavy for digestion
–        rejuvenator
–        mitigates aggravation of pitta
–        mitigates aggravation of rakta and hence cures bleeding diseases,
–        cold in potency,
–        sweet in taste
–        sweet taste after digestion
–        enliving
–        best in mitigating vata and pitta aggravation

Aja Kshira: Goat’s Milk

गव्यतुल्यगुणंत्वाजंविशेषाच्छोषिणांहितम्॥५१॥
दीपनंलघुसंग्राहिश्वासकासास्रपित्तनुत्॥
अजानामल्पकायत्वात्कटुतिक्तनिषेवणात्॥५२॥
नात्यम्बुपानाद्व्यायामात्सर्वव्याधिहरंपयः॥

The properties of goat’s milk are similar to those of cow’s milk. Below mentioned are the special properties and benefits of goat’s milk –

–        suitable for those suffering from consumption
–        kindles digestion
–        light for digestion
–        constipating,
–        cures dyspnoea, cough and bleeding diseases

Goat’s milk cures all the diseases because of the below mentioned reasons –

–        it has a small body
–        it consumes foods of pungent and bitter tastes
–        it drinks very less water
–        it does more physical activities

Ustra Kshira: Camel’s milk

रुक्षोष्णंलवणंकिंचिदौष्ट्रंस्वादुरसंलघु॥५३॥
शोफगुल्मोदगर्शोघ्नंकृमिकृष्ठविषापहम्॥

Below mentioned are the properties / benefits of Camel’s milk –

–        dry and hot
–        slightly salty and sweet in taste
–        light for digestion
–        cures dropsy, abdominal tumors and abdominal enlargement
–        cures piles, intestinal worms, skin diseases and diseases caused due to poisons

Avi Kshira: Sheep’s milk

आविकंमधुरंस्निग्धंगुरुपित्तकफावहम्॥५४॥
पथ्यंकेवलवातेषुकासेचानिलसंभवे॥

Below mentioned are the properties and benefits of Sheep’s milk –

–        sweet, unctuous and heavy
–        increases pitta and kapha,
–        beneficial in conditions caused due to aggravation of only vata
–        beneficial for those suffering from cough of vata origin

Mahisa Kshira: Buffalo’s milk

महाभिष्यन्दिमधुरंमाहिषंवह्निनाशनम्॥५५॥
निद्राकरंशीततरंगव्यात्स्निग्धतरंगुरु॥

Below mentioned are the properties / benefits of Buffalo’s milk –

–        greatly increases moisture in tissues
–        sweet in taste
–        destroys digestive fire
–        produces sleep
–        very cold
–        more unctuous than cow’s milk

Ekashepha prani Kshira: Milk of animals of single hoof

उष्णमैकशफंबल्यंशाखावातहरंपयः॥५६॥
मधुराम्लरसंरूक्षंलवणनुरसंलघु॥

Below mentioned are the properties of the milk of animals with single, unsplit hoof, like horse, donkey etc –

–        main tastes – sweet and sour
–        secondary taste – salt
–        potency – hot
–        dry,
–        light – easily digestible
–        strengthening
–        mitigates vata diseases occurring in the sakha – extremities / tissues

Nari Kshira / Stanya: Woman’s milk / breast milk

नार्यस्तुमधुरंस्तन्यंकषायानुरसंहिमम्॥५७॥
नस्याश्चयोतनयोःपथ्यंजीवनंलघुदीपनम्॥

Below mentioned are the properties of breastmilk –

–        taste – sweet
–        secondary taste – astringent
–        potency – cold
–        light – easy for digestion
–        best for – nasal medication, filling in the eyes
–        kindles digestion
–        sustains life

Hastini Kshira: She-elephant’s milk

हस्तिन्यामधुरंवृष्यंकषायानुरसंगुरु॥५८॥
स्निग्धंस्थैर्यकरंशीतंचक्षुष्यंबलवर्धनम्॥

Below mentioned are the properties of she-elephant –

–        taste – sweet
–        secondary taste – astringent
–        potency – cold
–        heavy – hard for digestion
–        unctuous
–        aphrodisiac
–        bestows stability
–        good for eyes and vision
–        augments strength  

Properties / qualities of milk obtained in the night and day

प्रायःप्राभातिकंक्षीरंगुरुविष्टम्भिशीतलम्॥५९॥
रात्र्याःसोमगुणत्वाच्चव्यायानाभावरस्तथा॥
दिवाकराभितप्तानांव्यायामानिलसेवनात्॥६०॥
श्रमघ्नंवातनुच्चैव्चक्षुष्यंचापराह्णिकम्॥

Below mentioned are the properties of the milk obtained in the morning –

–        potency – cold
–        usually heavy for digestion
–        constipating

These properties are due to the absence of any physical activities of the animals at night since they are resting and also because of the impact of predominant qualities of moon on the animal and its milk at night time.

Below mentioned are the properties of the milk obtained in the day time / afternoon –

–        mitigates vata
–        relieves fatigue
–        good for eyes and vision

These properties are due to the animals being exposed to sunlight and breeze and also, they being active and indulged in physical activities during the day time.

Ama-pakva kshira: Uncooked and cooked milk

पयोऽभिष्यन्दिगुर्वामंप्रायशःपरिकीर्तितम्॥६१॥
तदेवोक्तंलघुतरमनभिष्यन्दिवैशृतम्॥
वर्जयित्वास्त्रियाःस्तन्यमाममेवहितद्धितम्॥

Ama Paya means uncooked milk. It generally increases moistness greatly in the tissues.

Srta Paya means boiled milk. It is very light in nature and is therefore easily digestible. It does not increase moistness in the tissues. Even if it does it might slighltly increase the moisture.  

Woman’s milk i.e. breast milk is good for health even in its uncooked state also. Other than this, all other kinds of milks are good only after cooking and should not be consumed raw.

Dharoshna Kshira

धारोष्णंगुणवत्क्षीरंविपरीतमतोऽन्यथा।
तदेवातिशृतंशीतंगुरूबृंहण्मुच्यते॥६३॥

Dharoshna Kshira is milk which is directly drawn out in a stream from the udder of the animal. This milk is rich in its qualities. The others collected in vessels and used in later time are opposite in qualities i.e. they are not rich in qualities.

If the milk is cooked too much and then cooled, it becomes hard for digestion and also causes stoutening.

Tyajya kshira: Milk to be rejected

अनिष्टगन्धमम्लंचविवर्णंविरसंचयत्॥
वर्ज्यंसलवर्णक्षिरंयच्चविग्रथितंभवेत्॥६४॥

Milk with below mentioned features shall be rejected –

–        that which emits bad smell
–        is sour in taste
–        is discolored
–        has tastes other than its own,
–        slightly salty
–        that which has undergone coagulation

इतिक्षीरवर्गः| 

With this, the description of ‘groups of milk’ ends.

3. Dadhivarga: Group of Curd/ Yoghurt

दधितुमधुरमम्लमत्यम्लंचेति; तत्कषायानुरसंस्निग्धमुष्णंपीनसविषमज्वरातिसारारोचकमूत्रकृच्छ्रकार्श्यापहंवृष्यंप्राणकरंमङ्गल्यंच॥।६५॥

There are three kinds of Dadhi i.e. curd (yoghurt, curdled milk). They are –

–        Madhura – sweet
–        Amla – sour and
–        Ati amla – very sour

Properties –

–        Secondary taste – astringent
–        Potency – hot
–        Qualities – unctuous,
–        Benefits – aphrodisiac, sustains life, signifies auspiciousness,
–        Cures – irregular fevers, diarrhea, loss of taste, dysuria, emaciation

महाभिष्यन्दिमधुरंकफमेदोविवर्धनम्॥
कफपित्तकृदम्लंस्यादत्यम्लंरक्तदूषणम्॥६६॥

Sweet curds –

–        Sweet in taste
–        Causes great increase of moisture in the tissues
–        Aggravates kapha
–        Aggravates medas – fat

Sour curds –

–        Sour in taste
–        Aggravates pitta and kapha

Very sour curds –

–        Very sour in taste
–        Vitiates blood tissue

विदाहिसृष्टविण्मूत्रंमन्दजातंत्रिदोषकृत् |६७|

Below mentioned are the properties of Mandajata (or Mandaka dadhi – i.e. curds not well formed) –

–        Causes burning sensation during digestion of food
–        Eliminates faeces and urine
–        Simultaneously aggravates all the three doshas

Go Dadhi: Curds from cow’s milk

स्निग्धंविपाकेमधुरंदीपनंबलवर्धनम् ||६७||
वातापहंपवित्रंचदधिगव्यंरुचिप्रदम् |६८|

Go Dadhi is the curds prepared from cow’s milk. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        Sweet taste after digestion
–        Is unctuous
–        Enhances appetite / kindles digestive fire
–        Increases strength
–        Mitigates vata
–        Is auspicious and
–        Bestows good taste

Aja Dadhi: Curds of Goat’s Milk

दध्याजंकफपित्तघ्नंलघुवातक्ष्यापहम्॥६८॥
दुर्नामश्वासकासेषुहितमग्रेश्चदीपनम्॥

Aja Dadhi means curds prepared from the milk of goat. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        Mitigates kapha and pitta
–        Increases Vata
–        Light for digestion
–        Kindles digestive fire
–        Beneficial for patients suffering from piles, dyspnea and cough

Mahisha Dadhi: Curds of buffalo’s milk

विपाकेमधुरंवृष्यंवातपित्तप्रसादनम् ||६९||
बलासवर्धनंस्निग्धंविशेषाद्दधिमाहिषम् |७०|

Mahisa Dadhi is curds prepared from buffalo’s milk. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        Sweet taste after digestion
–        Mitigates vata and pitta
–        Mainly aggravates kapha,
–        Greatly unctuous / fatty
–        Aphrodisiac

Ustra Dadhi: Curds of camel’s milk

विपाकेकटुसक्षारंगुरुमेद्यौष्ट्रिकंदधि॥७०॥
वातमर्शांसिकुष्ठानिकृमीन्हन्त्युदराणिच।

Ushtra Dadhi or Austrika Dadhi is the curds prepared from the milk of camels. Below mentioned are the properties of this curd –

–        Slightly alkaline in taste
–        Pungent taste after digestion
–        Heavy for digestion
–        Mitigates vata
–        Cures – piles, skin diseases, intestinal worms and abdominal enlargement

Avika dadhi: Curds of sheep’s milk

कोपनंकफवातानांदुर्नाम्रांचाविकंदधि॥७१॥
रसेपाकेचमधुरमत्यभिष्यन्दिदोषलम्॥

Avika dadhi is curds prepared from the milk of sheep. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        Sweet in taste
–        Sweet in taste after digestion
–        Aggravates kapha and vata
–        Causes aggravation of all the doshas
–        Increases moisture in the tissues
–        Exacerbates piles

Badava Dadhi: Curds of horse’s milk

दीपनीयमचक्षुष्यंबाडवंदधिवातलम्॥७२॥
सूक्षमुष्णंकषायंचखफमूत्रापहंचतत्॥

Badava Dadhi is the curds prepared from the milk of horse. Its properties are as below mentioned –

–        Taste – astringent
–        Potency – hot
–        Quality – dry
–        Mitigates kapha
–        Aggravates vata
–        Mitigates urine
–        Kindles digestion
–        Not good for eyes and vision

Nari Dadhi: Curds of woman’s milk

स्निग्धंविपाकेमधुरंबल्यंबल्यंसंतर्पणंगुरु॥७३॥
चक्षुष्यमग्र्यंदोषघ्नंदधिनार्यागुणोत्तरम्॥

Nari Dadhi is the curds prepared from milk of women i.e. breastmilk. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        Taste after digestion – sweet
–        Qualities – unctuous, heavy for digestion
–        Benefits – bestows strength and nourishment, best for eyes and vision
–        Mitigates aggravation of doshas
–        Best in qualities

Hastini dadhi: Curds of elephant’s milk

लघुपाकेबलासघ्नंविर्योष्णंपिक्तनाशनम्॥७४॥
कषायानुरसंनाग्यादधिवर्चोविर्धनम्॥

Nagya Dadhi is the curds obtained from the milk of she-elephant –

–        Secondary taste – astringent
–        Potency – hot
–        Quality – light,
–        Mitigates kapha
–        Increases faeces
–        Destroys digestive fire and also power of digestion

Best milk among the lot

दधीन्युक्तानियानीहगव्यादीनीपृथकपृथक्॥७५॥
विज्ञेयमेवंसर्वेषुगव्यमेवगुणोत्तरम्॥

Only the curds prepared from the milk of cow should be understood as best in qualities amongst the curds enumerated separately so far.

Parisruta Dadhi

वातघ्नंकफकृतस्निग्धंबृहणंनातिपित्तकृत॥७६॥
कुर्याद्भक्ताभिलाषंचदधिसुपरिस्रुतम्॥

Below mentioned are the properties of curds which has been well filtered many times through cloth –

–        Qualities – unctuous
–        Mitigates vata, increases kapha
–        Does not greatly aggravate pitta
–        Benefits – enhances desire for food, stoutening

Srita Kshira Dadhi

श्रुतात्क्षिरात्तुयज्जातंगुणवद्दधितत्त्स्मृतम्॥७७॥
वातपित्तहरंसुच्यंधात्वग्रिबलवर्धनम्॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Srta Ksira Dadhi i.e. curds prepared from boiled milk –

–        Mitigates vata and pitta
–        Bestows good taste
–        Increases the strength of dhatu agni i.e. digestive fires located in the tissues

Dadhi Sara

दध्नःसरोगुरुवृष्योविज्ञेयोऽनिलनाशनः॥७८॥
वह्नेर्विधमनश्चापिकफशुक्रविवर्धनः॥

Dadhi Sara means scum of curds or supernatant fluid portion of curds. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        Qualities – heavy for digestion
–        Mitigates vata
–        Increases kapha
–        Enhances digestive fire
–        Increases semen, is aphrodisiac

Asara Dadhi

दधित्वसारंरूक्षंचग्राहिविष्टम्भिवातलम्॥७९॥
दीपनियंलघुतरंसकषायंरुचिप्रदम्॥

Asara dadhi means curds which are devoid of scum. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        Taste – slightly astringent
–        Qualities – dry, very light for digestion
–        Increases vata 
–        Enhances digestive fire
–        Benefits – bestows good taste, withholds fluids
–        Others – is constipating

Seasons suitable and unsuitable for curd consumption

शरद्रीषमवसन्तेषुप्रायशोदधिगर्हितम्॥८०॥
हेमन्तेशिशिरेचैववर्षासुदधिशस्यते॥

Curds is generally unsuitable during the below mentioned seasons –

–        Sarat – autumn
–        Grishma – summer and
–        Vasanta – spring

Curds are suitable during the below mentioned seasons –

–        Hemanta – winter
–        Sisira – cold, dewy season / late winter and
–        Varsha – rainy season

Mastu

तृष्णाक्लमहरंमस्तुलघुस्त्रोतोविशोधनम्॥८१॥
अम्लंकषायंमधुरमवृष्यंकफवातनुत्॥
प्रह्लादनंप्रीणनंचभिनत्त्याशुमलंचतत्॥
बलमावहतेक्षिप्रंभक्तच्छन्दंकरोतिच॥८२॥

Mastu means lower portion of curds which has been diluted with water. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        Taste – sour, astringent and sweet
–        Qualities – light for digestion
–        Mitigates kapha and vata
–        Benefits – relieves thirst and exhaustion, cleanses the channels, bestows happiness and satisfaction, bestows strength quickly, produces liking for food, quickly breaks the hard masses of faeces,
–        Others – non-aphrodisiac

Summary of group of curds

स्वाद्वम्लमत्यम्लकमन्दजातंतथाशृतक्षीरभवंसरश्च॥
असारमेवंदधिसप्तधाऽस्मिन्वर्गेस्मृतामस्तुगुणास्तथैव॥८३॥

Until here were described qualities of seven substances – curds which are sweet, sour and very sour, mandajata, srtakshirabhava sara, asara dadhi and mastu.

इतिदधिवर्गः। 

With this, the description of the group of curds has been completed.

अथतक्रवर्गः।

4. Takra Varga: Group of buttermilk.

तक्रंतुमधुरमम्लंकषायानुरसमुष्णवीर्यंलघुरूक्षमग्रिदीपनंगरशोफातिसारग्रहणीपाण्डुरोगार्शःप्लीहगुल्मारोचकविषमज्वरतृष्णाच्छर्दिप्रसेकशूलमेदःश्लेष्मानिलहरंमधुरविपाकंहृद्यंमूत्रकृच्छ्रस्नेहव्यापत्प्रशमनमवृष्यंच॥८४॥

Takra (buttermilk) is

–        sweet – sour (in primary taste) and astringent in secondary taste,
–        hot in potency,
–        light (easily digestible),
–        dry,
–        kindles digestive fire,
–        cures homicidal poisoning, dropsy, diarrhea, duodenal disease, anaemia, piles, diseases of the spleen, abdominal tumor, anorexia, intermittent fevers, thirst, vomiting, excess of salivation, colic, increase of fat, Kapha and Vata,
–        is sweet in taste and after digestion,
–        good for heart (mind),
–        relives dysuria, disorders caused by improper administration of oleation therapy and
–        is non-aphrodisiac

मन्थनादिपृथगभूतस्नेहमर्धोदकंचयत्॥
नातिसान्द्रद्रवंतक्रंस्वाद्वम्लंतुवरंरसे॥
यत्तुसस्नेहमजलंमथितंघोलमुच्यते॥८५॥

Takra – is that liquid –

–        which is churned and its fat removed and
–        water – half of its quantity is added
–        which is neither too thick nor too thin
–        whose primary taste is sweet and sour and
–        whose secondary taste is astringent

Takra is buttermilk.

Ghola – is that liquid –

–        from which fat is not removed i.e. it has fat in it and
–        water is not added to it but
–        is churned well

Ghola means undiluted buttermilk.

Contraindications for buttermilk consumption

नैवतक्रंक्षतेदद्यान्नोष्णकालेनदुर्बले॥
नमूर्च्छाभ्रमदाहेषुनरोगेरक्तपैत्तिके॥८६॥

Takra is contraindicated in the below mentioned conditions –

–        those suffering from wounds
–        those debilitated
–        those suffering from fainting, giddiness, and burning sensation
–        in diseases caused by rakta and pitta and
–        in hot seasons

Conditions in which use of buttermilk is good

शितकालेऽग्रिमान्द्येचकफोत्थेष्वामयेषुच॥
मार्गावरोधेदुष्टेचवायौतक्रंप्रशस्यते॥८७॥

Takra is best suited in the below mentioned conditions –

–        cold seasons
–        weakness of digestive fire
–        kapha diseases
–        obstruction of channels
–        aggravation of vata

Sweet and sour buttermilk

तत्पुनर्मधुरंश्लेष्मप्रकोपनंपित्तप्रशमनंच; अम्लंवातघ्नंपित्तकरंच॥८८॥

Sweet buttermilk –

–        aggravates kapha
–        mitigates pitta

Sour buttermilk –

–        mitigates vata
–        increases pitta

Buttermilk in dosha aggravation

वातेऽम्लंसैन्धवोपेतंस्वादुपित्तेसशर्करम्॥
पिबेत्तकंकफेचापिव्योषक्षारसमन्वितम्॥८९॥

Takra Kurchika

ग्राहिणीवातलारूक्षादुर्जरातक्रकुर्चिका।

Takra Kurchika means a solid portion of split buttermilk. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        dry in quality
–        increases vata
–        is constipating
–        difficult for digestion

Manda, Kilata, Piyusa and Morata

तक्राल्लघुतरोमण्डःकूर्चिकादधितक्रजः॥९०॥
गुरुःकिलटोऽनिलहापुंस्त्वनिद्राप्रदःस्मृतः॥।
मधुरौबृंहणौवृष्यौतद्वत्पीयूषमोरटौ॥९१॥

In comparison to Takra, Manda and Kurcika are lighter for digestion. Manda is a supernatant layer of buttermilk. Kurcika means fluid of curds.

Kilata means a solid portion of split milk. It is heavy and hence cannot be easily digested. It mitigates vata. It is aphrodisiac and induces good sleep.

Piyusa means milk of the cow from the moment of delivery of its calf till the next seven days. Morata is thick milk till it becomes thin. It is sweet, stoutening and aphrodisiac.

Navanita: Butter

नवनीतंपुनःसद्यस्कंलघुसुकुमारंकषायमीषदम्लंशीतलंमेध्यंदीपनंहृद्यंसंग्राहिपित्तानिलहरंवृष्यमविदाहिक्षयकासव्रणशोषार्शोऽर्दितापहं, चिरोत्थितंगुरुकफमेदोविवर्धनंबलकरंशोषघ्नंविशेषेणबालानांप्रशस्यते॥९२॥

Below mentioned are the properties of fresh butter –

–        taste – sweet, astringent, slightly sour
–        potency – cold
–        light – easily digestible
–        mitigates pitta and vata
–        makes the body soft
–        benefits – good for intellect and heart, kindles digestive fire, does not cause heart-burn, constipating, aphrodisiac
–        cures consumption, cough, emaciation caused from wounds and ulcers, facial paralysis

Below mentioned are the properties of stale butter –

–        heavy
–        increases kapha
–        increases fat
–        benefits – stoutening, bestows strength, mainly beneficial for children
–        cures – phthisis

क्षीरोत्थंपुनर्नवनीतमुत्कुष्टस्त्रेहमाधुर्यमतिशीतंसौकुमार्यकरंचक्षुष्यंसंग्राहिरक्तपित्तनेत्ररोगहरंप्रसादनंच॥९३॥

Below mentioned are the properties of butter obtained from churning the milk –

–        taste – best in those having sweetness
–        potency – very cold
–        best among those having unctuousness i.e. has rich fat content and best in causing lubrication
–        brings about softness of the body parts
–        benefits – good for eyes and vision, cures bleeding diseases and eye diseases, bestows good complexion and color to the skin, constipating

Santanika

संतानिकापुनर्वातघ्नीतर्पणीवृष्याबल्यास्निग्धारुच्यामधुरामधुरविपाकारक्तपित्तप्रसादनीगुर्वीच॥९४॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Santanika – cream of milk –

–        taste – sweet
–        taste after digestion – sweet
–        mitigates – vata
–        qualities – unctuous, heavy for digestion
–        benefits – nourishing, aphrodisiac, strengthening, enhances taste, relieves bleeding diseases

विकल्पएषदध्यादिःश्रेष्ठोग्व्योऽभिवर्णिताः॥
विकल्पानवशिष्टांस्तुक्षीरविर्यात्समादिशेत्॥९५॥

Until here, the properties of curds and other products of cow milk only were described because of the best qualities that they possess.

The products of milk of other animals too shall be understood on the similar lines of the properties of their milks.

इतितक्रवर्गः।

With this, we end the description of Takra Varga i.e. the group of buttermilk.

अथघृतवर्गः।

 5. GhritaVarga : Group of ghee

घृतंतुमधुरंसौम्यंमृदुशीतवीर्यमनभिष्यन्दिस्नेहनमुदावर्तोन्मादापस्मारशूलज्वरानाहवातपित्तप्रशमनमग्रिदीपनंस्मृतिमतिमेधाकान्तिस्वरलावण्यसौकुमार्यौजस्तेजोबलकरमायुष्यंवृष्यंमेध्यंवयःस्थापनंगुरुचक्षुष्यंश्लेष्माभिवर्धनंपाप्मालक्ष्मीप्रशमनंविषहरंरक्षोघ्नंच॥९६॥

Ghrta means ghee. It is the butter fat which is obtained after cooking and processing the butter. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        taste – sweet
–        potency – cold
–        action – mild
–        mitigates vata and pitta
–        increases kapha

Benefits of ghee –

–        it does not increase moisture in the tissues
–        is lubricating
–        kindles digestive fire
–        enhances memory, wisdom and intelligence
–        enhances complexion, coice, beauty
–        bestows softness of the body, vitality, vigour, strength and longevity
–        good aphrodisiac
–        good for eyes and vision
–        wards off sins and inauspiciousness
–        destroys poisons and demons

Relieves –

–        upward movement of vata in the gut
–        insanity
–        epilepsy
–        colic
–        fever
–        distension of abdomen

Go Ghrita: Cow’s ghee

विपाकेमधुरंशितंवातपित्तविषापहम्॥
चक्षुष्यमग्र्यंबल्यंचगव्यंसर्पिगुणोत्तरम्॥९७॥

Gavya Sarpi is the ghee obtained from cow’s butter. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        very good in properties
–        taste after digestion – sweet
–        potency – cold
–        mitigates vata and pitta
–        benefits – mitigates poison, best for eyes and vision, bestows strength

Aja ghrita: Goat’s ghee

आजंघृतंदीपनीयंचक्षुष्यंबलवर्धनम्॥
कासेश्वासेक्षयेचापिपथ्यंपाकेचतल्लघु॥९८॥

 Aja ghrita is the ghee obtained from goat’s butter. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        taste after digestion – light / pungent
–        benefits – kindles digestive fire, good for eyes and vision, enhances strength
–        best suited in the treatment of – cough, dyspnoea, consumption

Mahisha Ghrita: Buffalo’s ghee

मधुरंरक्तपित्तघ्नंगुरुपाकेकफावहम्॥
वातपित्तप्रशमनंसुशीतंमाहिषंघृतम्॥९९॥

Mahisa Ghrta is buffalo’s ghee. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        taste – sweet
–        potency – cold
–        taste after digestion – heavy, sweet
–        mitigates – vata and pitta
–        increases – kapha
–        cures – bleeding diseases

Austra Ghrita: Camel’s ghee

औष्ट्रंकटुघृतंपाकेशोफक्रिमिविषापहम्॥
दीपनंकफवातघ्नंकुष्ठगुल्मोदरापहम्॥१००॥

Ustra or Austra Ghrta is camel’s ghee. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        taste after digestion – pungent
–        mitigates kapha and vata
–        benefits – kindles digestive fire,
–        cures – dropsy, worms, poisons, skin diseases, abdominal tumors and abdominal enlargement

Avika ghrita: Sheep’s ghee

पाकेलघ्वाविकंसर्पिनचपित्तप्रकोपणम्॥
कफेऽनिलेयोनिदोषेशोषेकम्पेचतद्धितम्॥१०१॥

Avika Ghrta is sheep’s ghee. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        taste after digestion – pungent, light
–        does not aggravate pitta
–        beneficial – in those suffering from kapha and vata diseases, vaginal disorders, consumption and shaking of body parts – tremors

Ekashepha prani Ghrita: Ghee of single hoofed animals

पाकेलघूष्णवीर्यंचकषायंकफनाशानम्॥
दीपनंबद्धमूत्रंचविद्यादैकशफंघृतम्॥१०२॥

Eka Sapha Ghrta is the ghee obtained from the animals with a single hoof like donkey, horse etc. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        taste – astringent
–        potency – hot
–        qualities – light for digestion
–        mitigates – kapha
–        benefits – kindles digestive fire, causes obstruction of urine

Stri ghrita : Ghee of woman

चक्षुष्यमग्र्यंस्रीणांतुसर्पिःस्यादमृतोपमम्॥
विद्धिंकरोतिदेहाग्र्योर्लघुपाकंविषापहम्॥१०३॥

Stree Sarpi is the ghee prepared from woman’s milk i.e. breast milk. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        best for eyes and vision, like nectar
–        enhances the digestive fire
–        easily gets digested
–        destroys / nullifies poison

Hastini Ghrita : Ghee of elephant

कषायंबद्धविण्मूत्रंतिक्तमग्रिकरंलघु॥
हन्तिकारेणवंसर्पिःकफकुष्ठविक्रिमीन॥१०४॥

Hastini Sarpi is she-elephant’s ghee. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        taste – astringent, bitter
–        qualities – light i.e. easy for digestion
–        benefits – kindles digestive fire, relieves obstruction of faeces and urine
–        cures – kapha diseases, skin diseases, poisons and worms

Kshira ghrita

क्षीरघृतंपुनःसंग्राहिरक्तपित्तभ्रममूर्च्छाप्रशमनंनेत्ररोगहितंच॥१०५॥

Ksira ghrta is the ghee prepared by cooking the butter obtained from churning the milk. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        beneficial for those suffering from eye diseases
–        constipating
–        relieves bleeding
–        relieves dizziness and fainting

Sarpi manda

सर्पिर्मण्डस्तुमधुरःसरोयोनिश्रोत्राक्षिशिरसांशूलघ्नोबस्तिनस्याक्षिपूरणेषूपदिश्यते॥१०६॥

Sarpi manda is the supernatant layer / scum of the ghee. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        taste – sweet
–        is a good laxative
–        useful in – therapies like enema, errhine / nasal drops, eye drops etc.
–        relieves – pains related to and occurring in vagina, eyes, ears and head

Purana Sarpi: Ten-year-old ghee

सर्पिःपुराणंसरंकटुविपाकंत्रिदोषापहंमूर्च्छामदोन्मादोदरज्वरगरशोषापस्मारयोनिश्रोत्राक्षिशिरशूलघ्नंदीपनंबस्तिनस्यपूरणेषूपदिश्यते॥१०७॥

Purana Sarpi is ten years old ghee. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        taste after digestion – pungent
–        mitigates – all the three doshas
–        is a good laxative
–        kindles – digestive fire
–        relieves – pain
–        useful in therapies like enema, errhine / nasal medication, pooling or filling the eyes / eye drops
–        cures – fainting, insanity, intoxication, abdominal enlargement, fevers, homicidal poisoning, consumption, epilepsy, diseases of vagina, ears, eyes and head

Purana, Kumbha and Maha Ghrita

पुराणंतिमिरश्वासपीनसज्वरकासनुत्॥
मूर्च्छाकुष्ठविषोन्मादग्रहापस्मारनाशनम्॥१०८॥
(एकादशशतंचैववत्सरानुषितंघृतम्॥
रक्षोघ्नंकुम्भसर्पिःस्यात्परतस्तुमहाघृतम्॥१०९॥
पेयंमहाघृतंभूतैःकफघ्नंपवनाधिकैः॥
बल्यंपवित्रंमेध्यंचविशेषात्तिमिरापहम्॥११०॥
सर्वभूतहरंचैवघृतमेततत्प्रशस्यते॥१११॥)

Purana Sarpi is old ghee. It cures –

–        blindness
–        dyspnoea
–        rhinitis
–        fever
–        cough
–        fainting
–        skin diseases
–        insanity
–        seizure by evil spirits
–        epilepsy

Kumbha Sarpi is the ghee which is one-hundred and eleven years old. It is considered to be Rakshoghna – destroys demons and spirits and is protective.

Maha Ghrta is that ghee which is older than Kumbha Sarpi. Below mentioned are the properties of Maha Ghrta –

–        mitigates kapha and vata
–        benefits – bestows – strength, auspiciousness, enhances intelligence, destroys all demons and spirits, and is highly beneficial
–        cures – blindness

इतिघृतवर्गः।  

With this, we end the description of Ghrta Varga – group of ghee.

अथतैलवर्गः

 6. Tailavarga: Group of oils

तैलंत्वाग्रेयमुष्णंतीक्ष्णंमधुरंमधुरविपाकंबृंहणंप्रीणनंव्यवायिसूक्ष्मंविशदंगुरुसरंविकासिवृष्यंत्वक्प्रसादनंमेधामार्दवमांसस्थैर्यवर्णबलकरंचक्षुष्यंबद्धमूत्रंलेखनंतिक्तकषायानुरसंपाचनमनिलबलासक्षयकरंक्रिमिघ्नमशितपित्तजननंयोनिशिरंकर्णशूलप्रशमनंगर्भाशयशोधनंचतथाछिन्नाभिन्नविद्धोत्पिष्टच्युतमथितक्षतपिच्चितभग्रस्फटितक्षराग्रिदग्धविश्लिश्तदारिताभिहतदुर्भग्रमृगव्यालविदष्टप्रभृतिषुचपरिषेकाभ्यङ्गावगाहादिषुतिल्तैलंप्रशस्यते||११२॥

Taila means oil. The word is derived from ‘tila’ which means sesame sedds. By default, if the name of the oil is not mentioned, we have to consider it as sesame oil. Below mentioned are the properties of Taila –

–        it has firelike properties
–        taste – sweet
–        secondary taste – bitter and astringent
–        taste after digestion – sweet
–        potency – hot
–        qualities – penetrating, clear / dry, heavy for digestion,  
–        decreases vata and kapha, causes increase of pitta

Actions –

–        stoutening,
–        nourishing,
–        spreads very quickly throughout the body,
–        enters through minute pores,
–        is laxative,
–        causes looseness of joints

Benefits –

–        is aphrodisiac,
–        skin cleansing,
–        promotes intelligence,
–        bringns about softness, stability of muscles,
–        imparts good complexion / colors and strength to the body, 
–        good for the eyes and vision,
–        obstructs urine
–        scarifying,
–        digestive

Clinical uses –

–        kills worms,
–        causes thinness of structures,
–        subsides pain of the vagina, head and ears and
–        cleanses the uterus of its morbid doshas (and impurities)

Tila Taila is best suited for –

–        bathing the body parts
–        massage / anointing
–        immersion of body or body parts

It can be used in the above said forms in the below mentioned conditions –

–        different kinds of fractures like broken, split, punctured, crushed, dislocated, twisted, bruised, flattened and chipped off bones
–        alkali and fire burns
–        loosening of body parts
–        tearing of the joints,
–        hard hit on the joint,
–        impacted fractures of the joints;
–        bites by wild animals etc.

Other uses of oil

तद्वस्तिषुचपानेषुनस्येकर्णाक्षिपूरणे॥
अन्नपानविधौचापिप्रयोज्यंवातशान्तये॥११३॥

Oil may also be used for below mentioned purposes –

–        for enema therapy
–        for oleation – drinking of medicated oils
–        errhines – nasal medication, drops
–        filling of ears
–        to mitigate aggravated vata, mixed with foods and drinks

Eranda Taila

एरण्डतैलंमधुरमुष्णंतीक्ष्णंदीपनंकटुकषायानुरसंसूक्ष्मंस्त्रोतोविशोधनंत्वच्यंवृष्यंमधुरविपाकंवयःस्थापनंयोनिशुक्रविशोधनमारोग्यमेधाकान्तिस्मृतिबलकरंवातकफहरमधोभगदोषहरंच॥११४॥

Eranda Taila is castor oil. Below mentioned are the properties of castor oil –

–        taste – sweet
–        taste after digestion – sweet
–        secondary taste – bitter, astringent
–        potency – hot
–        qualities – penetrating,
–        mitigates vata and kapha

Action –

–        kindles digestive fire
–        enters into micro-channels and minute pores in the body
–        causes cleansing of channels of the body
–        purifies vagina, menstrual blood and semen
–        produces purgation and removes doshas from downward direction

Benefits –

–        good for skin health
–        aphrodisiac
–        withholds ageing and hence antiageing
–        bestows health
–        bestows intelligence, brilliance and memory
–        bestows strength and complexion

Anya Taila: Other kinds of oil

निम्बातसीकुसुम्भमूलकजीमूतकवृक्षककृतवेधनार्ककम्पिल्लकहस्तिकर्णप्रुथ्वीकापीलुकरञ्जेङ्गुदीशिग्रुसर्षपसुवर्चलाविदङ्गज्योतिष्मतीफलतैलानितीक्ष्णानिलघून्युष्णवीर्याणिकटूनिकटुविपाकानिसराण्यनिलकफकृमिकृष्ठप्रमेहशिरोरोगापहराणिचेति॥११५॥

Below mentioned are the properties of oils obtained from the fruits or seeds of Nimbi, Atasi, Kusumbha, Mulaka, Jimutaka, Vrksaka, Krtavedhana, Arka, Kampillaka, Hastikarna, Prthvika, Pilu, Karanja, Ingudi, Sigru, Sarsapa, Suvarcala, Vidanga and Jyothismati –

–        taste – pungent
–        qualities – light – easily digestible, penetrating
–        potency – hot
–        taste after digestion – pungent
–        is laxative

Cures –

–        diseases caused by aggravated vata and kapha
–        worms
–        leprosy
–        diabetes
–        diseases of the head

Ksauma Taila

वातघ्नंमधुरंतेषुक्षौमंतैलंबलापहम्॥
कटुपाकमचक्षुष्यंस्निग्धोष्णंगुरुपित्तलम्॥११६॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Ksauma (Atasi) Taila –

–        taste – sweet
–        qualities – unctuous, heavy for digestion
–        potency – hot
–        taste after digestion – pungent
–        mitigates vata and increases pitta

Action –

–        destroys strength
–        not good for eyes and vision

Sarshapa Taila

कृमिघंसार्षपंतैलंकण्डुकुष्टापहंलघु॥।
कफामेदोनिलहरंलेखनंकटुदीपनम्॥११७॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Sarsapa Taila – mustard oil –

–        taste – pungent
–        qualities – light and hence easy for digestion
–        mitigates kapha and vata
–        mitigates meda – fat

Action –

–        scarificant
–        kindles digestive fire

Health benefits –

–        destroys worms
–        cures itching and skin diseases

Ingudi Taila

कृमिघ्नमिङ्गुदीतैलमीषन्तिक्तंतथालघु॥
कुष्ठामयकृमिहरंदृष्टिशुक्रबलापहम्॥११८॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Ingudi Taila –

–        taste – slightly bitter
–        qualities – light – easily digestible

Action –

–        decreases vision
–        decreases strength
–        decreases semen

Health benefits –

–        destroys worms

–        cures skin diseases and affliction of worms

Kusumbha Taila

विपाकेकटुकंतैलंकौसुम्भंसर्वदोषकृत्॥
रक्तपित्तकरंतीक्ष्णमचक्षुष्यंविदाहिच॥११९॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Kusumbha Taila –

–        taste after digestion – pungent
–        aggravates all doshas

Action –

–        causes bleeding diseases
–        is penetrating,
–        produces burning sensation in the region of heart,
–        not beneficial for eye health or vision

Oils of Kiratatikta etc.

किराततिक्तकातिमुक्तकविभीतकनालिकेरकोलाक्षोडजीवन्तीप्रियालकर्बुदारसूर्यवल्लीत्रपुसैर्वारुककर्कारुकूष्माण्डप्रभृतीनांतैलानिमधुराणिमधुरविपाकानिवातपित्तप्रशमनातिशीतवीर्याण्यभिष्यन्दीनिसृष्टमूत्राण्यग्रिसादनानिचेति॥१२०॥

Below mentioned are the properties of oils of Kiratatikta, Atimuktaka, Vibhitaka, Nalikera, Kola, Aksoda, Jivanti, Priyala, Karbudara, Suryavalli, Trapusa, Ervaruka, Karkaru, Kusmanda and similar such herbs –

–        taste – sweet
–        taste after digestion – sweet
–        potency – cold
–        mitigates vata and pitta

Action and benefits –

–        diminishes digestive fire
–        eliminates urine
–        produces excess moisture inside the tissues

Oils of Madhuka etc.

मधुककाश्मर्यपलाशतैलानिमधुरकषायाणिकफपित्तप्रशमनानि॥१२१॥

Below mentioned are the properties of oils of Madhuka, Kasmarya and Palasa –

–        taste – sweet and astringent
–        mitigates – kapha and pitta

Oils of Tuvaraka and Bhallataka

तुवरकभल्लातकतैलेउष्णेमधुरकषायेतिक्तानुरसेवातकफकुष्ठमेदोमेहकुमिप्रस्]हमनेउभयतोभागदोषहरेच॥१२॥

Below mentioned are the properties of oils of Tuvaraka and Bhallataka –

–        taste – sweet, astringent
–        secondary taste – bitter
–        potency – hot

Action –

–        eliminates doshas through both the routes i.e. upper and lower routes – i.e. through vomiting and purgation

Cures –

–        vata and kapha diseases
–        skin diseases
–        diseases of fat
–        diabetes
–        worms

Oils of Sarala etc.

सरलदेवदारुशिंशपागुरुगण्डीरसारस्नेहास्तिक्तकटुकषयादुष्टव्रणशोधनाःकृमिकफकुष्ठानिलहराश्च॥१२३॥
Below mentioned are the properties of oils of pith of Sarala, Devadaru, Simsipa, Agura and Gandira –

–        tastes – bitter, pungent, astringent
–        cleanses – bad ulcers

Cures –

–        diseases caused by worms
–        kapha and vata diseases
–        skin diseases

Oils of Tumbi etc.

तुम्बीकोशाम्रदन्तीद्रवन्तीश्यामासप्तलानीलिकाम्पिल्लकश~ड्खिनीस्नेहास्तिक्तकटुकषायाअधोभागदोषहराःकृमिकफकुष्ठानिलहरादुष्टव्रणशोधनाश्च॥१२४॥

Below mentioned are the properties of oils of Tumbi, Kosamra, Danti, Dravanti, Syama, Saptala, Nilika, Kamilaka and Sankhini –

–        tastes – bitter, pungent and astringent

Actions –

–        causes purgation and eliminates the doshas from below
–        cleanses bad ulcers

Cures –

–        diseases caused by worms
–        kapha diseases
–        vata diseases
–        skin diseases

Yavatikta oil

यवतिक्तातैलंसर्वदोषप्रशमनमीषत्तिक्तमग्रिदीपनंलेखनंमेध्यंपथ्यंच॥१२५॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Yavatikta oil –

–        taste – slightly bitter
–        mitigates all the doshas

Action –

–        kindles digestive fire
–        scarifying
–        improves intelligence
–        good for health

Ekaisika oil

एकैषिकातैलंमधुरमतिशीतंपित्तहरमनिलप्रकोपणंश्लेष्माभिवर्धनंच॥१२६॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Ekaisika oil –

–        taste – sweet
–        potency – cold
–        mitigates pitta, aggravates vata, increases kapha

Sahakara oil

सहकारतैलमीषत्तिक्तमतिसुगान्धिवातकफहरंरूक्षंमधुरकषायंरसवन्नातिपित्तकरंच॥१२७॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Sahakara / Amra oil –

–        taste – sweet and astringent, slightly bitter
–        mitigates vata and kapha
–        does not increase pitta greatly i.e. slightly increases pitta

Qualities –

–        dry
–        pleasant smelling

फलोद्भवातितैलानियान्युक्तानीहकानिचित॥
गुणान्कर्मचविज्ञायफलानीवविनिर्दिशेत्॥१२८॥

Until now, the properties and actions of some oils of some fruits have been described. The properties of the oils which have not been explainend should be understood as being similar in porperties to those fruits from which they are extracted.

यावन्तःस्थावराःस्नेहाःसमासात्परिकीर्तिताः॥
सर्वेतैलगुणाज्ञेयाःसर्वेचानिलनाशनाः॥१२९॥

The properties and actions of oils of the vegetable kingdom have been described in brief so far. All these possess the properties of taila. All of them would mitigate aggravated vata.

Why is tila taila special?

सर्वेभ्यस्त्विहतैलेभ्यस्तिलतैलंविशिष्यते॥
निष्पत्तेस्तद्रुणत्वाच्चतैलत्वमितरेष्वपि॥१२३०॥

Tila Taila – sesame oil is considered to be a special one among all kinds of oils described here. This is because it has been named after its source i.e. tila and also the oil possesses qualities similar to that of tila. Therefore, the other oils obtained from different sources are also generally called taila.

Jangama Sneha : Animal oil

-ग्राम्यानूपौदकनांचवसामेदोमज्जानोगुरुष्णमधुरावातघ्नाः, जाङ्गलैकशफक्रव्यादादीनांलघुशीतकषायारक्तपित्तघ्नाः,  प्रतुदविष्फिराणंश्लेष्मघ्नाः।तत्रघृततैलवसामेदोमज्जानोयथोत्तरंगुरुविपाकावातहराश्च॥१३१॥

Below mentioned are the properties of muscle fat, fat and bone marrow (all of which are fats) of animals and birds living in houses (domesticated), marshy lands and water –

–        taste – sweet
–        potency – hot
–        qualities – heavy i.e. hard for digestion
–        mitigate – vata

Below mentioned are the properties of muscle fat, fat and bone marrow of animals living in desert like regions, single hooved and carnivorous etc. animals –

–        taste – astringent
–        qualities – light i.e. easy to digest
–        potency – cold
–        mitigates pitta
–        mitigates rakta – aggravation of blood

The muscle fat, fat and bone marrow of the birds belonging to pratuda and viskira kinds would mitigate kapha.

Below mentioned fats are of guru vipaka i.e. obtain sweet taste after digestion and mitigate vata in successive order (one more than the previous one) –

–        Ghrita – ghee
–        Taila – oil
–        Vasa – muscle fat and
–        Meda – fat and
–        Majja – bone marrow

इतितैलवर्गः|

With this, the description of taila – group of oils ends.

7.  Madhu Varga: Group of Honey

मधुतुमधुरंकषायानुरसंसूक्षंशीतमग्रिदीपनंवर्ण्यंस्वर्यंलघुसुकुमारंलेखनंहृद्यंवाजीकरणंसन्धानंरोपणं(संग्राहि)  चक्षुष्यंप्रसादनंसूक्ष्ममार्गानुसारिपित्तश्लेष्ममेदोमेहहिक्काश्वासकासतिसारच्छर्दितृष्णाकृमिविषप्रशमनंह्लादित्रोदोषप्रशमनंच ; तत्तुलघुत्वात्कफघ्नं, पैच्छिल्यान्माधुर्यात्कषायभावाच्चवातपित्तघ्नम्॥१३२॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Madhu – honey –

–        Taste – sweet
–        Secondary taste – astringent
–        Qualities – light – easily digestible,
–        Potency – cold
–        Mitigates pitta and kapha
–        Mitigates medas – fat

Madhu mitigates all the three doshas. Due to its lightness, madhu mitigates kapha. Due to its sliminess, sweetness and astringent taste, it mitigates vata and pitta.

Action and benefits –

–        Kindles digestion
–        Good for voice and color
–        Bestows softness to the body parts
–        Scarifying
–        Good for heart
–        Aphrodisiac
–        Unites fractures
–        Cleans and heals wounds
–        Constipating
–        Good for vision and eyes, cleanses the eyes
–        Enters into minute pores and channels
–        Bestows happiness

Cures –

–        Diabetes
–        Hiccup
–        Dyspnoea
–        Cough
–        Diarrhoea
–        Vomiting
–        Thirst
–        Worms
–        Poisons

Madhu Bheda: Kinds of honey

पैत्तिकंभ्रामरंक्षौद्रंमाक्षिकंछात्रमेवच॥
आर्घ्यमौद्दालकंदालमित्यष्टौमधुजातयः॥१३३॥

Below mentioned are the eight kinds of madhu – honey –

1. Pauttika,
2. Bhramara,
3. Ksaudra,
4. Maksika,
5. Chatra,
6. Aghrya,
7. Auddalaka and
8. Dala

Madhu Gun: Properties of honey

विशेषात्पौत्तिकंतेषुरूक्षोष्णंसविषान्वयात्॥
वातसुक्पित्तकृच्छेदिविदाहिमदकृन्मधु॥१३४॥
पैच्छिल्यात्स्वादुभूयस्त्वाद्भ्रामरंगुरुसंज्ञितम्॥
क्षौद्रंविशेषतोज्ञेयंशितलंलघुलेखनम्॥१३५॥
तस्माल्लघुतरंरूक्षंमाक्षिकंप्रवरंस्मृतम्।\
श्वासादिषुचरोगेषुप्रशस्तंतद्विशेषतः॥१३६॥
तस्माल्लघुतरंरूक्षंमाक्षिकंप्रवरंस्मृतम्।।
श्वासादिषुचरोगेषुप्रशस्तंतद्विशेषतः॥१३६॥
स्वादुपाकंगुरुहिमंपिच्छिलंरक्तपित्तजित॥
श्वित्रमेहकृमिघ्नंचविद्याच्छात्रंगुणोत्तरम्॥१३७॥
आर्घ्यंमध्वतिचक्षुष्यंकफपित्तहरंपरम्॥
कषायंकटुपाकेचबल्यंतिक्तमवातकृत॥१३८॥
औद्दालकंरुचिकरंस्वर्यंकुष्ठविषापहम्॥
कषायमम्लमुष्णंचपित्तकृतकटुपाकिच॥१३९॥
छर्दिमेहप्रशमनंमधुरूक्षंदलोद्भवम्॥

Nava and Purana Madhu: Fresh and old honey

बृंहणीयंमधुनवंनातिश्लेष्महरंसमन्॥१४०॥
मेदःस्थौल्यापहंग्राहिपुराणमतिलेखनम्॥
दोषत्रयहरंपक्वमाममम्लंत्रिदोषकृत॥१४१॥

Fresh honey –

–        Causes stoutening of the body
–        Does not cause very much mitigation of kapha
–        Moderate in qualities

Old honey –

–        Reduces fat
–        Reduces obesity
–        Causes constipation
–        Is highly scarificant

Pakva type of honey that is preserved for many years –

–        Mitigates all the three doshas

Ama honey i.e. honey which is fresh and raw –

–        Aggravates all the three doshas

Honey as Yogavahi

तद्युक्तंविविधैर्योगैर्निहन्यासामयान्बहून्॥
नानाद्रव्यात्मकत्वाच्च, योगवाहिपरंमधु॥१४२॥

Yogavahi is a substance which when combined with other substances, enhances their properties and actions. Honey is known to be the best Yogavahi. When it is used with different medicines or formulations, it cures many diseases and also because of it being formed from many substances.

Honey and Heat

तत्तुनानाद्रव्यरसगुणवीर्यविपाकविरुद्धानांपुष्परसानांमक्षिकासंभवत्वाच्चानुष्णोपचारम्॥१४३॥
उष्णैर्विरुध्यतेसर्वंविषान्वयतयामधु॥
उष्णार्तमुष्णैरुष्णेवातन्निहन्तियथाविषम्॥१४४॥
तत्सौकुमार्याच्चतथैवशैत्यान्नानौषधीनांरससंभवाच्च॥
उष्णैर्विरुध्येत्विशेषतश्चतथाऽन्तरीक्षेणजलेनचापि॥१४५॥

There are different kinds of flowers which differ from each other in terms of their material, tastes, qualities, potency and taste after digestion. Honey is produced (extracted) by the bees from these many flowers. Therefore, it should not be exposed to heat i.e. it should not be cooked or heated on fire.

Honey, especially, is incompatible with heat, being associated with poison.

Honey kills the person just like poison if –

–        it is used by persons suffering from diseases caused due to heat
–        if it is used by mixing in hot things like hot foods or drugs or formulations of hot potency or hot drinks
–        if used in hot seasons

Honey, especially incompatible with hot things and also with rain water which is cold, because of softness, coldness and also because of the juice produced by many plants.

उष्णेनमधुसंयुक्तंवमनेष्ववचारितम्॥
अपाकादनवस्थानान्नविरुध्येतपुर्ववत्॥१४६॥
मध्वामात्परतस्त्वन्यदामंकष्टंनविद्यते॥
विरुद्धोपक्रमत्वात्तत्सर्वंहन्तियथाविषम्॥१४७॥

Honey is administered in emesis therapy. It is administered by combining with drugs of hot potency so as to induce vomiting. In this case, honey does not get digested and does not stay for long time inside the body (stomach or gut). Therefore, it does not become incompatible.

It is said that no other kinds of indigestion are more difficult to treat in comparison to the indigestion caused by honey. Indigestion caused by honey kills all just like poison because of the need of opposite kinds of treatments in managing it.

इतिमधुवर्गः।

With this, the description of Madhu-Varga i.e. group of honeys ends.

अथेक्षुवर्गः।

8. Ikshu varga: Group of sugarcanes (and their juices)

इक्षवोमधुरामधुरविपकागुरवःशीताःस्निग्धाबल्यावृष्यामूत्रलारक्तपित्तप्रशमनाःकृमिकफकराश्चेति।

Below mentioned are the properties of Iksu – sugarcane –

–        taste – sweet
–        taste after digestion – sweet
–        qualities – heavy and therefore not easily digestible, unctuous,
–        potency – cold
–        increases – kapha

Action and benefits –

–        is strengthening
–        aphrodisiac
–        diuretic
–        gives rise to worms
–        mitigates – bleeding
–        Iksu (sugarcane) is sweet 

तेचानेकविधाः।तद्यथा-॥१४८॥
पौण्ड्रकोभीरूकश्चैववंशकःश्वेतपोरकः॥
कान्तारस्तापसेक्षुश्चकाष्ठेक्षुःसुचिपत्रकः॥१४९॥
नैपालोदिर्घपत्रश्चनीलपोरोऽथकोशकृत्।
इत्येताजातयःस्थौल्याद्

Ikshu – sugarcane is of many kinds. They are –

–        Paundraka,
–        Bhiruka,
–        Vamsaka,
–        Svetaporaka (sataporaka),
–        Kantara,
–        Tapaseksu,
–        Kastheksu (Kandeksu),
–        Sucipatraka,
–        Naipala,
–        Dirghapaaatra,
–        Nilapora,
–        Kosakrt (Kosakara)

गुणान्वक्ष्याम्यत्ःपरम्॥१५०॥
सुशीतोमधुरःस्निग्धोबृंहणःश्लेष्मलःसरः॥
अविदाहीगुरुर्वुष्यःपौण्ड्रकोभीरुकस्तथा॥१५१॥
आभ्यांतुल्यगुणःकिंचित्सक्षारोवंशकोमतः॥
वंशवच्छवेतपोरस्तुकिंचिदुष्णःसवातहा॥१५२॥
कान्तारतापसाविक्षूवंशकानुगतौमतौ॥
एवंगुणस्तुकाष्ठेक्षुःसतुवातप्रकोपणः॥१५३॥
सूचीपत्रोनिलपोरौनैपालोदिर्घपत्रकः।
वातलाःकफपित्तघ्नाःसकषायाविदाहिनः॥१५४॥
कोशकारोगुरुःशीतोरक्तपित्तक्षयापहः।

After this, the properties of these different kinds of Ikshu will be described –

Ikshu Rasa Guna: Properties of sugarcane juice

अतीवमधुरोमूलेमधुरएवतु॥१५५॥
अगेष्वक्षिषुविज्ञेयइक्षूणांलवणोरसः॥१५६॥
अविदाहीकफकरोवातपित्तनिवारणः॥
वक्त्रप्रह्लादनोवृष्योदन्तनिष्पीडितोरसः॥१५७॥
Below mentioned are the properties of sugarcane juice –

–        Taste – very sweet at its root, moderately sweet in the middle portion and salty in taste at its tip i.e. upper portion and joints between its segments
–        Mitigates vata and pitta, increases kapha (when chewed)

Action and benefits of juice obtained by chewing sugarcane –

–        Aphrodisiac
–        Cleanses the mouth
–        Does not cause heartburn

गुरुर्विदाहीविष्टम्भीयान्त्रीकस्तुप्रकीर्तित्ः॥
पक्वोगुरुःरसःस्निग्धःसतीक्ष्णःकफवातनुत्॥१५८॥

Below mentioned are the properties of sugarcane juice obtained by crushing the cane in the machine –

–        Heavy
–        Produces burning sensation inside
–        Causes constipation

Below mentioned are the properties of the juice of sugarcane which is boiled –

–        Heavy – not easily digestible
–        Mitigates kapha and vata
–        Unctuous and penetrating
–        Laxative

Phanita: Molasses

फाणितंगुरुमधुरमभिष्यन्दिबृंहणमवृष्यंत्रिदोषकृच्च॥१५९॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Phanita – half cooked jaggery –

–        Taste – sweet
–        Qualities – heavy and hence difficult for digestion
–        Aggravates all the three doshas

Action –

–        Stoutening
–        Non-aphrodisiac
–        Increases moisture inside the tissues

Guda: Jaggery /treacle

गूडःसक्षारमधुरोनातिशीतःस्निग्धोमूत्ररक्तशोघनोनातिपित्तजिद्वातघ्नोमेद:- कृमिकफकरोबल्योवृष्यश्च॥१६०॥
पित्तघ्नोमधुरःशुद्धोवातघ्नोऽसृक्प्रसादनः।
सपुराणोऽधिकगुणोगुडःपथ्यतमःस्मृतः॥१६१॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Guda – jaggery or treacle

–        Taste – sweet, slightly alkaline
–        Qualities – unctuous
–        Potency – not very cold
–        Mitigating vata, does not effectively mitigate pitta, increases kapha

Action –

–        Aphrodisiac
–        Cleanses urine and blood
–        Gives rise to fat and worms

Properties of Shuddha Guda i.e. purified jaggery –

–        White in colour
–        Sweet in taste
–        Mitigates pitta and vata
–        Purifies blood

Purana Guda is old jaggery. It is superior in qualities. It is also said to be very suitable for health.

Matsyandika, Khanda and Sharkara

मत्स्यण्डिकाखण्डशर्कराविमलजाताउत्तरोत्तरंशीताःस्निगधाःगुरुतरामधुरतरावृष्यारक्तपित्तप्रशमनास्तुष्णाप्रशमनाश्च॥१६२॥

Matsyandika – un-crystallized sugar, Khanda – hard, solid sugar, white or red in colour and Sarkara – crystal sugar – are by-products of sugarcane juice and are prepared from purified sugarcane juice. Their properties are –

–        Potency – cold
–        Taste and qualities – unctuous, more sweet, heavier in successive order
–        Benefits – aphrodisiac
–        Mitigates – bleeding disease and thirst

यथायथैषांवैमल्यंमधुरत्वंतथातथा॥
स्नेहगौरवशैत्यानिसरत्वंचतथातथा॥१६३॥

Their sweetness, unctuousness, heaviness, coldness and laxative property is in accordance with their purity.  

योयोमत्स्यण्डिकाखण्डशर्कराणांस्वकोगुणः॥
तेनतेनैवनिर्देश्यस्तेषांविस्रावणोगुणः॥१६४॥
Visravana is the liquid part coming out of the dissolved Matsyandika, Khanda and Sarkara or when these are dissolved in liquids to form syrup etc. The qualities of the Visravana are in accordance with Matsyandika, Khanda and Sharkara from which they are derived respectively.

सारस्थितासुविमलानिःक्षाराचयथायथा॥
तथागुणवतीसर्वाविज्ञेयाशर्कराबुधैः॥१६५॥

According to the wise persons, the sugars are superior in qualities as and how these sugars are full of essence, clean and devoid of alkaline taste.  

Madhu sharkara: Sugar of honey

मधुशर्करापुनश्छर्द्यतीसारहरीरूक्षाछेदनीप्रसादनीकषायमधुरामधुरविपाकाच॥१६६॥

Madhusarkara is solidified honey forming crystals. Properties of Madhusarkara are –

–        Taste – astringent, sweet
–        Taste after digestion – sweet
–        Qualities – dry,
–        Action – cleanses the tissues, tears the tissues
–        Cures – vomiting and diarrhea

Yavasa sharkara: Sugar from yavasa plant

यवासशर्करामधुरकषायातिक्तानुरसाश्ल्ष्महरीसराचेति॥१६७॥

Yavasa sarkara is prepared from boiling the decoction of Yavasa plant until it becomes solid. Its properties are –

–        Taste – sweet and astringent
–        Secondary taste – bitter
–        Mitigates – kapha
–        Action – laxative

यावत्यःशर्कराःप्रोक्ताःसर्वादाहप्रणाशनाः॥
रक्तपित्तप्रशमनाश्छर्दिमूर्च्छातृषापहाः॥१६८॥

Properties of all kinds of sugars described until now –

–        Mitigates burning sensation and bleeding diseases
–        Cures vomiting, fainting and thirst

Madhukapuspa Phanita

रूक्षंमधूकपुष्पोत्थंफाणितंवातपित्तकृत्॥
कफघ्नंमधुरंपाकेकषायंबस्तिदूषणम्।१६८॥

Phanita means molasses or jelly. It is prepared from the flowers of the Madhuka tree. Its properties are –

–        Taste – sweet
–        Taste after digestion – astringent
–        Qualities – dry
–        Mitigates – kapha
–        Increases – vata and pitta
–        Action – vitiates the urinary bladder and causes aggravation of doshas therein

इतीक्षुवर्गः

Thus ends Iksu- Varga- group of sugarcane.

9. Madya varga: Group of wines

सर्वंपित्तकरंमद्यमम्लंरोचनदिपनम्॥
भेदनंकफवातघ्नंहृद्यंबस्तिविशोधनम्॥१७०॥
पाकेलघुविदाह्युष्णंतीक्ष्णमिन्द्रियबोधनम्॥

विकासिसृष्टविण्मूत्रं

Properties of all kinds of wines –

–        Taste – sour
–        Potency – hot
–        Qualities – penetrating into tissues
–        Taste after digestion – pungent
–        Mitigates – kapha and vata
–        Increases – pitta

Action and benefits –

–        kindles digestive fire,
–        improves taste,
–        good for heart,
–        cleanses the urinary bladder,
–        laxative
–        stimulates sense organs
–        eliminates faeces and urine
–        causes loosening of joint
–        cause heartburn

Mardvika: Wine from grapes

श्रृणुतस्यविशेषणम्॥१७१॥
मार्द्विकमविदाहित्वान्मधुरान्वयस्तथा॥
रक्तपित्तेऽपिसततंबुधैर्नप्रतिषिध्यते॥१७२॥
मधुरंतद्धिरूक्षंचकषायानुरसंलघु॥
लघुपाकिसरंशोषविषमज्वरनाशनम्॥१७३॥

Now we will describe the different kinds, and listen to the same.  

Madhvika is a kind of wine prepared from fruits. It does not produce heartburn. It is produced from substances which taste sweet. Therefore, the wise physicians advise it to be used always, without any prohibition and say that it can also be used even when one is suffering from bleeding disease. Its properties are as below mentioned –

–        taste – sweet
–        secondary taste – astringent
–        qualities – dry, light
–        taste after digestion – pungent
–        action – laxative
–        cures – consumption, intermittent fevers

Kharjura: Wine from dates

मार्द्धीकाल्पान्तरंकिंचित्खार्जूरंखार्जुरंवातकोपनम्।
तदेवविशदंरुच्यंकफघ्नंकर्शनंलघु॥१७४॥
कषायमधुरंहृद्यंसुगन्धिन्द्रियबोधनम्।

Kharjura is a wine prepared from dates. In quality, it is inferior to Mardvika. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        taste – astringent, sweet
–        qualities – non-slimy, light and hence easily digestible
–        mitigates – kapha
–        aggravates – vata

Actions and benefits –

–        improves taste
–        good for heart and mind
–        stimulates sense organs
–        has pleasant smell
–        makes the body thin

Sura: Red beer

कासार्शोग्रहणिदोषमूत्राघातानिलापहा॥१७५॥।
स्तन्यरक्तक्षयहितासुराबृंहणदीपनी।

Properties of Sura – red beer –

Action –

–        kindles digestive fire
–        stoutening
–        increases breast milk
–        increases blood

Cures –

–        cough
–        piles
–        duodenal diseases
–        suppression of urine
–        vata aggravation

Shvetasura: White beer

कासार्शेग्रहणीश्वासप्रतिश्यायविनाशनी॥१७६॥
श्वेतामूत्रकफस्तन्यरक्तमांसकरीसुरा॥

Sveta sura is white coloured beer.

It causes increase of –

–        urine
–        kapha
–        breastmilk
–        blood and
–        muscles

It cures –

–        cough
–        piles
–        duodenal / intestinal disease
–        dyspnoea
–        nasal catarrh  

Prasanna: Scum of beer

छर्द्यरोचकहृत्कुक्षितोदशूलप्रमर्दनी॥१७७॥
प्रसन्नाकफवातार्शेविबन्धानाहनाशनी।

Prasanna is a supernatant layer of beer.

It mitigates kapha and vata. It also cures the below mentioned diseases –

–        vomiting
–        loss of taste
–        pain in the region of heart
–        pain in the abdomen
–        piles
–        constipation
–        abdominal distension

Yava Sura: Beer made from barley

पित्तलाऽल्पकफारूक्षायवैर्वातप्रकोपणी॥१७८॥
विष्टम्भिनीसुरागुर्वी

Yava sura is a beer made from barley. Below mentioned are its actions and properties –

–        slightly causes increase of pitta and kapha
–        aggravates vata
–        dry in quality
–        causes constipation

Madhulaka and Akshika: Beer from wheat and Aksa

श्लेष्मलंतुमधुलक्॥
रूक्षानातिकफावृष्यापाचनीचाक्षिकीस्मृता॥१७९॥
त्रिदोषोभेद्यवृष्यश्चकोहलोवदनप्रियः॥

Jagala and Bakkasa: Precipitate of wine

ग्राह्मुष्णोजगलःपक्तारूक्षस्तृटकफशोफकृत॥१८०॥
हृद्यःप्रवाहिकाटोपदुर्नामानिलशोषहृत्॥
बक्कसोहृतसारत्वाद्विष्टम्भीवातकोपनः॥१८१॥
दीपनःसृष्टविण्मूत्रोविशदोऽल्पमदोगुरुः॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Jagala –

–        potency – hot
–        increases – kapha
–        qualities – dry, hence produces dryness

Actions –

–        constipating
–        digestive
–        thirst producing
–        causes swelling

Benefits – good for heart

Cures –

–        dysentery
–        gurgling noises in abdomen
–        piles
–        vata disorders
–        consumption

Below mentioned are the properties of Bakkasa –

Bakkasa is the solid precipitate. Since it is devoid of essence, it causes prolonged stasis of food or stays for a long time in the stomach and intestines without getting digested.

Actions and qualities –

–        kindles digestive fire
–        helps in elimination of urine and faeces
–        slightly intoxicating
–        heavy and thus hard for digestion
–        non-slimy
–        aggravates vata

Sidhu: Fermented liquors

कषायोमधुरःशीघुर्गौडःपाचनदीपनः॥१८२॥
शार्करोमधुरोरुच्योदीपनोबस्तिशोधनः॥
वातघ्नोमधुरःपाकेहृद्य्इन्द्रियबोधनः॥१८३॥

Pakvarasa Sidhu

तद्वत्पक्वरसःशीधुर्बलवर्णकरःसरः॥
शोफघ्नोदीपनोहृद्योरुच्यःश्लेष्मार्शसांहितः॥१८४॥

Pakvarasa sidhu is prepared by boiling sugarcane juice. It is similar to the Sidhu prepared with sugar. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        bestows strength, color and complexion to the skin
–        is a good laxative
–        kindles digestive fire
–        good for heart and mind
–        helps enhance taste
–        cures swelling and piles produced by increased kapha

Sitarasika

कर्शनःशीतरसिकःश्वयथूदरनाशनः।
वर्णकृज्जरणःस्वर्योविबन्धघ्नोऽर्शसांहितः॥१८५॥

Sitarasika is prepared from unboiled sugarcane juice. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        bestows color and complexion to the skin
–        good digestive
–        good for voice
–        produces emaciation
–        cures dropsy, enlargement of abdomen, constipation and piles

Aksika Sidhu

आक्षिकःपाण्डुरोगघ्नोव्रण्यःसंग्राहकोलघुः॥।
कषायमधुरःशीधुःपित्तघ्नोऽसृक्प्रासादनः॥१८६॥

Aksika Sidhu is the beer prepared from Vibhitaka – Terminalia bellirica. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        taste – astringent, sweet
–        mitigates – pitta

Actions and benefits –

–        purifies blood
–        easily light and hence easily digestible
–        is constipating

Cures –

–        anaemia
–        ulcers (heals the ulcers)

Jambava

जाम्बवोबद्धनिस्यन्दस्तुवरोवातकोपनः॥

Jambava Sidhu is the beer prepared from fruits of Jambu.

Properties –

–        taste – astringent
–        aggravates vata
–        causes obstruction to urination

Surasava

तीक्ष्णःसुरासवोहृद्योःमुत्रलःकफवातनुत॥१८७।
मुखप्रियःस्थिरमदोविज्ञयोऽनिलनाशनः॥

Surasava is the wine prepared by fermenting the beer.

Properties –

–        mitigates kapha and vata
–        destroys aggravated vata
–        tasty
–        penetrating
–        good for heart and mind
–        good diuretic
–        causes deep intoxication

Madhvasava

लघुर्मध्वासवश्छेदीमेहकुष्ठविषापहः॥१८८॥
तिक्तःकषायःशोफघ्नस्तीक्ष्णःस्वादुरवातकृत॥

Madhvasava is winen prepared from honey. Its properties are as below mentioned –

–        taste – bitter, astringent,
–        qualities – light and hence easily digestible, penetrating
–        tasty, sweet
–        aggravates – vata slightly
–        tears – the tissues
–        cures – diabetes, skin diseases including leprosy, poison, dropsy

Maireya

तीक्ष्णःकषायोमदकृद्दर्नामकफगुल्महृत्॥१७९॥
कृमियेदोनिलहरोमैरेयोमधुरोगुरुः

Maireya is a product which is prepared by fermenting a mixture of sura and asava. Its properties are as below mentioned –

–        taste – astringent, sweet
–        qualities – penetrating, heavy for digestion
–        intoxicating
–        cures – piles, abdominal tumors caused by aggravated kapha, worms, obesity, vata aggravation

Ikshurasa Asava

बल्यःपित्तहरोवर्ण्योहृद्यश्चेक्षुरसासवः॥१९०॥

Iksurasa Asava – is prepared from sugarcane juice.

Properties –

–        strengthening
–        mitigates pitta
–        bestows good color and complexion
–        good for heart and mind

Madhuka Puspa Sidhu

शीधुर्मधूकपुष्पोत्थोविहाद्यग्रिबलप्रदः॥
रूक्षःकषायःकफहद्वातपित्तप्रकोपणः॥१९१॥

Madhuka puspa sidhu is the beer prepared from the flowers of Madhuka tree.

Properties –

–        taste – astringent
–        qualities – dry
–        mitigates – kapha
–        aggravates – vata and pitta
–        actions – produces heartburn, strengthens digestive fire

निर्दिशेद्रसतश्चान्यन्कन्दमूलफलासवान्।

The properties of other types of Asava which have been prepared from tubers, fruits, rhizomes etc. should be understood on the basis of their tastes.

Nava Purana Madya Guna: Properties of fresh and old wine

नवंमद्यमभिष्यन्दिगुरुवातादिकोपनम्॥१९२॥
अनिष्टगन्धिविरसमहृद्यंचविदाहिच॥

Nava Madya is freshly prepared wine.

Properties –

–        taste – unpleasant
–        odour – unpleasant
–        qualities – heavy and hence hard for digestion
–        aggravates – vata and other doshas
–        action – increases moisture in tissues, not good for heart and mind, causes heartburn

सुगन्धिदीपनंहृद्यंरोचिष्णुकृमिनाशनम्॥१९३॥
स्फुटस्रोतस्करंकीर्णंलघुवातकफापहम्॥

Jirna or Purana Madya is many years old wine.

Properties –

–        has pleasant odour
–        qualities = light and hence easily digestible
–        mitigates vata and kapha
–        action and benefits – food for heart and mind, helps in enhancing the taste, dilates the channels, destroys worms

Arista: Fermented decoction

अरिष्टोद्रव्यसंयोगसंस्करादधिकोगुणैः॥१९४॥
बहुदोषहरश्चैवदोषाणांशमनश्चसः॥
दीपनःकफवातघ्नःसरःपित्ताविरोधनः॥१९५॥
शूलाघ्मानोदरप्लीहज्वराजीर्णार्शसांहितः॥

Arista is superior in properties in comparison to Asava etc. This is because arsita is prepared from a combination of many substances and involves many kinds of processings like boiling, fermentation etc.

Properties –

–        mitigates doshas – mitigates kapha and vata, is not against pitta

Actions and benefits –

–        kindles digestive fire
–        cures many diseases
–        is laxative

Therapeutic benefits – it is beneficial in curing –

–        abdominal pain (colic)
–        flatulence or distension of abdomen
–        spleen disorders
–        indigestion
–        fever
–        piles

पिप्पल्यादिकृतोगुल्मकफोगहरःस्मृतः॥१९६॥
चिकित्सितेषुवक्ष्यन्तेऽरिष्टारोगहराःपृथक्॥

Below mentioned are the benefits of arista prepared from Pippalyadi Gana group of herbs

–        cures abdominal tumors
–        kaphaja diseases

The Aristas which are meant to cure the diseases will be described in the related contexts in Cikitsa Sthana section of this Samhita.

अरिष्टासवशीधूनींगुणान्कर्माणिचादिशेत्॥१९७॥
बुद्ध्चायथास्वंसंस्कारमवेक्ष्यकुशलोभिषक्॥

After having properly understood their properties and actions and also having considered the mode of their preparation, a wise physician should administer Aristas, Asavas and Sidhus.

Madya Doshas: Demerits of wines etc

सान्द्रंविदाहिदुर्गन्धंविरन्धंविरसंकृमिलंगुरु॥१९८॥
अहृद्यंतरुणंतीक्ष्णमुष्णंदुर्भाजनस्थितम्॥
अल्पौषधंपर्युषितमत्यच्छंपिच्छिलंचयत्॥१९९॥
तद्वर्ज्यंसर्वथामद्यःकिंचिच्छेषंचयद्भवेत्॥
तत्रयत्स्तोकसम्भारंतरुणंपिच्छिलंगुरु॥२००॥
कफप्रकोपितन्मद्यंदुर्जरंचविशेषतः॥
पित्तप्रकोपिबहलंतीक्ष्णमुष्णंविदाहिच॥२०१॥
अहृद्यंपेलवंपूतिकृमिलंविरसंचयत्॥
तथापर्युषितंचापिविद्यादनिलकोपनम्॥२०२॥
सर्वदोषैरुपेतंतुसर्वदोषप्रकोपणम्॥

Wine or in fact any alcoholic drink which has the below mentioned properties shall be rejected for all purposes –

–        thick in consistency
–        having bad smell and taste
–        causes burning sensation
–        containing worms,
–        is hard for digestion
–        is unpleasant for heart and mind, penetrating, hot, fresh
–        has been preserved in bad or contaminated container
–        which has been prepared with less of herbs
–        which has become stale or sour
–        is very thin and clear
–        is slimy
–        has residue

Wines which have been prepared with a smaller number of herbs, are fresh, slimy and heavy in nature would cause aggravation of kapha and is also difficult to digest.

Those having below mentioned properties aggravate pitta –

–        thick
–        penetrating
–        hot
–        unpleasant
–        bad smelling, tasting bad
–        pale
–        causing heart-burn
–        containing worms

Similarly, the wines having bad qualities and staleness would aggravate Vata.

Those having all bad qualities and demerits would aggravate all the three doshas.

Madya guna: Merit of wine

चिरस्थितंजातरसंदीपनंकफवातजित्॥२०३॥
रुच्यंप्रसन्नंसुरभिमद्यंसेव्यंमदावहम्॥
तस्यानेकप्रकारस्यमद्यस्यरसवीर्यतः।२०४॥
सौक्ष्म्यादौष्ण्याच्चतैक्ष्ण्याच्चविकासित्वाच्चवह्निना
समेत्यहृदयंप्राप्यधमनिरूर्ध्वमागतम्॥
विचाल्येन्द्रियचेतांसिवीर्यंमदयतेऽचिरात्॥२०५॥
चिरेणश्लैष्मिकेपुंसिपानतोजायतेमदः॥
अचिराद्वातिकेदृष्टःपैत्तिकेशीघ्रमेवच॥२०६॥

Wine with below mentioned properties shall be consumed by those who would desire happiness –

–        that which has been prepared long back i.e. has stayed for long time after preparation,
–        has attained good taste,
–        that which mitigates kapha and vata
–        that which kindles digestive fire,
–        that which bestows good taste
–        that which is clear and having pleasant odour

How do wines produce intoxication?

Wines of different kinds have different properties like tastes, potencies, ability to enter small and minute channels and pores in the body, hot and penetrating qualities, and tendency ro cause loosening of joints.
↓
Due to these properties
↓
The wine combines with digestive fire and
↓
Reaches the heart
↓
Through the dhamanis i.e. blood vessels and
↓
Spread upwards and
↓
Disturbes the senses and mind and interferes with their functions and
↓
Quickly brings about intoxication

Effect of Madya on various temperaments

सात्त्विकेशौचदाक्षिण्यहर्षमण्डनलालसः॥
गीताध्ययनसौभाग्यसुरतोत्साहकृन्मदः
राजतेदुःखशिलत्वमात्मत्यागंससाहसम्॥
कलहंसानुबन्धंतुकरोतिपुरुषेमदः॥२०८॥
अशौचनिद्रामात्सर्यागम्यागमनलोलताः॥
असत्यभाषणंचापिकुर्याद्धितामसेमदः।२०९॥

Shukta: Properties of vinegar

रक्तपित्तकरंशुक्तंछेदनंभुक्तपाचनम्॥
वैस्वर्यंजरणंश्लेष्मपाण्डुक्रिमिहरंलघु॥२१०॥
तीक्ष्णोष्णंमूत्रलंहृद्यंकफघ्नंकटुपाकिच॥
तद्वत्तदासुतंसर्वंरोचनंचविशेषतः॥२११॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Sukta –

–        taste after digestion – pungent
–        qualities – light and hence easy to digest, penetrating,
–        potency – hot
–        mitigates kapha

Actions –

–        tears off the tissues
–        is digestive
–        causes voice disorders
–        produces / expels urine

Destroys –

–        morbid kapha
–        anaemia
–        worms

Benefits – good for heart, digests the foods

All the asavas i.e. fermented liquids which have been prepared from Sukta are –

–        similar to sukta in properties and
–        especially enhances and improves the taste

गौडानिरसशुक्तानिमधुशुक्तानियानिच॥
यथापुर्वगुरुतराण्यभिष्यन्दकराणिच॥२१२॥

Sukta prepared from the below mentioned ingredients are heavy for digestion and increase moisture in the tissues in their preceeding order –

–        guda – jaggery
–        rasa – sugarcane juice or
–        madhu – honey

Tushambu: Sauviraka

तुषाम्बुदीपनंहृद्यंहृत्पाण्डुकृमिरोगनुत्॥
ग्रहण्यर्शोविकारघ्नंभेदिसौवीरकंतथा॥।२१३॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Tusambu and Sauviraka (fermented liquids prepared by using husk of corns like barley etc.) –

–        kindles digestive fire
–        good for heart and mind
–        cures – heart and duodenal diseases, anaemia, worm infestations and piles
–        is a good purgative

Dhanyamla

धान्याम्लंधान्ययोनित्वाज्जीवनंदाहनाशनम्॥
स्पर्शात्पानात्तुपवनकफतृष्णाहरंलघु॥२१४॥
तैक्ष्ण्याच्चनिर्हरेदाशुकफंगण्डूषधारणात्॥
मुखवैरस्यदौर्गन्ध्यमलशोषक्लमाहम्॥२१५॥
दीपनंजरणंभेदिहितमास्थापनेषुच॥
समुद्रमाश्रितानांचजनानांसात्म्यमुच्यते॥२१६॥

Dhanyamla is prepared with corn such as rice, jowar, millets etc. Below mentioned are its properties –

–        mitigates vata and kapha on oral consumption
–        eliminates kapha due to its penetrating action
–        qualities – light and easy for digestion
–        actions and benefits – kindles digestive fire, digestive, sustain life, mitigates thirst

Therapeutic –

–        mitigates burning sensation when used for anointing, bathing etc.
–        removes bad taste, bad smell, dirt, dryness and exhaustion – by holding dhanyamla in the mouth
–        is purgative
–        ideal for decoction enema
–        suitable for persons like fishermen, navigators, sailors etc. who depend on life on sea, they can use it regularly

इतिमद्यवर्गः।

Thus ends Madya varga – groups of wines.

अथमूत्राणि

10. Mutra varga: Group of urines

मूत्राणिगोमहिष्यजाविगजहयखरोष्टाणांतीक्ष्णान्युष्णानिकटुनितिक्तानिलवणानुरसानिलघूनिशोधनानिकफवातकृमिमेदोविषगुल्मार्शउदरकुष्ठशोफा

Below mentioned are the properties of urine of cow, buffalo, goat, sheep, elephant, horse, donkey and camel –

–        taste – pungent, bitter
–        secondary taste – salty
–        qualities – penetrating, light and hence easily digestible
–        potency – hot

Actions and Benefits –

–        good for heart
–        kindles digestive fire
–        purifies the body by producing vomiting and purgation  

Cures –

–        kapha and vata diseases
–        worms
–        fat
–        poison
–        abdominal tumours
–        piles
–        enlargement of the abdomen
–        skin diseases
–        dropsy
–        loss of taste and loss of appetite
–        anaemia

तत्सर्वंकटुतिक्ष्णोष्णंलवणानुरसंलघु॥
शोधनंकफवातघ्नंकृमिमेदोविषापहम्॥२१८॥
अर्शोजठरगुल्मघ्नंशोफारोचकनाशनम्॥
पाण्डुरोगहरंभेदिहृद्यंदीपनपाचनम्॥२१९॥

Properties of all these urines –

–        taste – pungent
–        secondary taste – astringent
–        qualities – penetrating, light and hence easily digestible
–        potency – hot
–        mitigates kapha and vata

Actions and benefits –

–        kindles digestive fire
–        digestive
–        good for heart
–        purifies the body
–        purgative

Cures –

–        worms
–        accumulation of fat and fat disorders
–        poisons
–        piles
–        abdominal enlargement
–        abdominal tumors
–        distension of abdomen
–        dropsy
–        loss of taste
–        anaemia

Go mutra: Cow urine

गोमूत्रंकटुतीक्ष्णोष्णंसक्षारत्वान्नवातलम्॥
लघ्वग्रिदीपनंमेध्यंपित्तलंकफवातनुत्॥२२०॥
शूलगुल्मोदरानाहविरेकास्थापनादिषु॥
मूत्रप्रयोगसाध्येषुगव्यंमूत्रप्रयोजयेत्॥२२१॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Gomutra i.e. urine of cow –

–        taste – pungent
–        qualities – penetrating, light and hence easily digestible
–        potency – hot
–        mitigates kapha and vata, increases vata, and due to its alkaline property, it does not increase vata

Benefits and actions –

–        kindles digestive fire,
–        improves intellect

Cures –

–        colic
–        abdominal tumor
–        enlargement of abdomen
–        flatulence
–        diseases which are mentioned as curable by urines

Used in / for therapies such as –

–        purgation
–        decoction enema etc.

Mahisha Mutra

दुर्नामोदरशूलेषुकुष्ठमेहाविशुद्धिषु।
आनाहशोफगुल्मेषुपाण्डुरोगेचमाहिषम्॥२२२॥

Below mentioned are the conditions in which the buffalo’s urine should be used –

–        piles
–        enlargement of the abdomen
–        colic
–        skin diseases
–        diabetes
–        abdominal distension
–        dropsy
–        abdominal tumors
–        anaemia
–        in people who have not been administered with purificatory therapies

Chaga Mutra

कसश्वासापहंशोफकालापाण्डुरोगनुत्॥
कटुतिक्तान्वितंछागमीषन्मारुतकोपनम्॥२२३॥

Properties of Chaga Mutra i.e. goat’s urine –

–        taste – pungent and bitter
–        slightly aggravates vata

Cures –

–        cough
–        dyspnoea
–        dropsy
–        jaundice
–        anaemia

Avi Mutra

कासप्लीहोदरश्वासशोषवर्चोग्रहेहितम्॥
सक्षारंतिक्तकटुकमुष्णंवातघ्नमाविकम्॥२२४॥

Properties of Avi Mutra – sheep’s urine –

–        taste – bitter and pungent, slightly alkaline
–        potency – hot
–        mitigates – vata

Cures –

–        cough
–        splenomegaly
–        dyspnoea
–        consumption
–        constipation

Ashva Mutra

दीपनंकटुतीक्ष्णोष्णंवातचेतोविकारनुत्।
आश्वंकफहरंमूत्रंकृमिदद्रुषुशस्यते॥२२५॥

Below mentioned are the properties of Asva Mutra i.e. urine of horse –

–        taste – pungent
–        qualities – penetrating
–        potency – hot
–        mitigates kapha

Therapeutic benefits –

–        cures mental diseases,
–        beneficial in those suffering from worms and skin rashes

Nagam Mutram

सतिक्तंलवणंभेदिवातघ्नंपित्तकोपन॥
तीक्ष्णंक्षारेकिलासेचनागंमूत्रंप्रयोजयेत्॥२२६॥

Below mentioned are the properties of elephant’s urine –

–        taste – slightly bitter and salty
–        qualities – penetrating
–        mitigates vata, aggravates pitta

Benefits and actions –

–        purgative
–        best for doing ksara karma i.e. cauterization through alkali and in
–        treatment of leukoderma

Gardabha Mutram

गरचेतोविकारघ्नंतीक्ष्णंग्रहणिरोगनुत्॥
दीपनंगार्दभंमूत्रंकृमिवातकफापहम्॥२२७॥

Below mentioned are the properties of donkey’s urine –

–        qualities – penetrating
–        action – kindles digestive fire

Therapeutic – donkey’s urine cures the below mentioned conditions –

–        diseases of homicidal poisoning
–        mental diseases
–        duodenal disorders
–        diseases caused by worms
–        diseases caused by morbid vata and kapha

Karabha Mutra / Manusha Mutra

शोफकुष्ठोदरोन्मारुतक्रिमिनाशनम्॥
अर्शोघ्नंकारभंमूत्रंमानुषंचविषापहम्॥२२८॥

Below mentioned are the diseases which can be cured by camel’s urine –

–        dropsy
–        skin diseases
–        enlargement of the abdomen
–        insanity
–        aggravation of vata
–        worms
–        piles
–        poisons and poisoning

Human urine – mitigates poison, effects and diseases caused by poison.

द्रवद्रव्याणिसर्वणिकीर्तितानितु॥
कालदेशविभागज्ञोनृपतेर्दातुमर्हति॥२२९॥

All kinds of liquid substances have been described in brief so far. After having considered the time, habitat and other factors, a wise phyisican may administer these to the king.

इतिश्रीसुश्रुतसंहितायासूत्रस्थानेद्रवद्रव्यविज्ञानीयोनामपञ्चचत्वारिंशोऽध्यायः॥४५॥

Thus ends the Forthy fifth chapter  by name  Dravadravya Vidhi in Sutra sthana of Susruta Samhita.