| The last article described excellence of the seven dhatus and the qualities attributed to excellence of these dhatus. Dhatus remain in the state of balance and excellence when proper nourishment is provided by maintaining a health regimen and a nourishing diet. The foods which promote excellence in dhatus would be described in this series.
Milk and milk products: Milk is considered as a complete diet providing strength, complexion and nourishment to all seven dhatus as it exhibits properties of Ojas, which is the essence of all the dhatus. Out of all the varieties of milk cow’s milk is considered the best. Milk is usually good for individuals who have powerful digestion, especially who indulge in a lot of sexual activity, physical and mental
layour.
Milk is cold in quality, unctuous, heavy, sweet and dense and when drunk cold compounds the heaviness and coldness. Though cold milk is only good for people suffering from high pitta it is most beneficial when drunk warm with ghee, honey and some spices like cardamom, ginger cinnamon or honey to reduce the effect of kapha and make it easily digestible.
People suffering from symptoms of aggravated vata should avoid milk or add the above mentioned spices and drink it hot or cooked with food grains like dalia (broken wheat), oats or with besan (gram flour). Milk of buffalo is heavier and colder than cow’s milk and is good for people suffering from insomnia and too rapid digestion.
Butter/ghee: The most essential nutrient in a healthy diet, it is a tonic for brain, skin, and bones and in general. It
kindles digestive fire without disturbing the pitta. As a rule anna should never be eaten without ghee or some kind of fat.
Curd: Curd is an appetiser, and extremely beneficial in anorexia. It is very nourishing to people emaciated due to disease. It is unctuous, strong and hot in potency. It is also useful in diarrhea, dysuria and generally harmful during extreme summer, spring, rains and autumn, and diseases caused by vitiation of blood, pitta and kapha.
Immature curd aggravates all three doshas. Cream of curd produces semen in large quantities.
Buttermilk: In western Asia it is a belief that there is not any abdominal disease which cannot be cured by buttermilk given with appropriate condiments and spices.
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