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{{ToBeEdited}}{{NeedCitation}}The word 'Rakta' refers to red color. Thus Rakta dhatu literally means the body tissue that is red in color. Rakta dhatu is thus similar to blood tissue which is red in color. It is second in order of 7 dhatus forming building blocks of physical body. In Ayurveda, in the context of feminine health, the word 'Rakta' is also used to denote 'menstrual blood' or even 'ovum'.

{{ToBeEdited}}{{NeedCitation}}The word 'Rakta' (रक्तम्) refers to the color 'Red'. Thus Rakta dhatu literally means the body tissue which is red in color. Therefore, rakta dhatu in Ayurveda is to some extent similar to blood tissue described in western medicine. It is second in order of 7 [[Dhatus (धातवः)|dhatus]] (धातु) forming building blocks of physical body. In Ayurveda, in the context of feminine health, the word 'Rakta' is also used to denote 'menstrual blood'.

== Synonyms ==

== Synonyms ==

Shonita, rudhira, asrik, astra,lohita,kshataja

In Ayurveda Rakta dhatu has been referred by using various other terms like Shonita (शोणितम्), rudhira (रुधिरम्), asrik (असृक्), astra (अस्र), lohita (लोहितम्), kshataja (क्षतजम्).

== Formation of Rakta dhatu ==

== Formation of Rakta dhatu ==

The second portion called ‘poshaka rasa’ is carried forward to nourish the next dhatu i.e.rakta. [Cha.Sa. Chikitsa Sthana 15/16]

Rakta dhatu is formed from '[[Rasa Dhatu (रस धातु)|Rasa]] dhatu'(रस धातु). When Rasa dhatu is subjected to the process of micro-transformation (सूक्ष्मपचनम्), one processed part of it is specifically utilized to provide nourishment to the next dhatu in order i.e. Rakta Dhatu (रक्त धातु). This part is responsible for development and nourishment of rakta dhatu in body.<ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 16)</ref> Transformation of this part of rasa into rakta happens by the action of ranjaka pitta (रंजक पित्तम् | one of the 5 types of Pitta dosha) at sites yakrut (यकृत्) and pliha (प्लीहा). <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 14 Sutra 4)</ref>

 

During the metabolic process, this rasa is transformed into rakta dhatu by action of ranjaka pitta. It acquires a red colour during this process. This metabolism takes place at yakrit (liver) and pliha(spleen). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/4]

== Location of Rakta dhatu ==

== Location of Rakta dhatu ==

Yakrut and pliha are the chief sites of raktavaha srotas. Rakta is metabolized at these sites mainly. Also it flows through siras and reaches to every part of the body.  

Rakta dhatu is present everywhere in the [[Sharira (शरीरम्)|shariram]] (शरीरम्). However, the channel through which it is predominantly circulated and transformed is called as Raktavaha srotas (रक्तवह स्रोतसम्). Yakrut (यकृत्) and pliha (प्लीहा) are the chief sites of raktavaha srotas. Rakta is metabolized at these sites mainly. Also it flows through siras (सिरा) and reaches to every part of the body.  

== Panchabhoutik constitution ==

== Panchabhoutik constitution ==

The Rakta dhatu is constituted with the dominance of agni mahabhuta and all other mahabhuta. It possesses properties like peculiar smell (vistrata), liquidity(dravata), red color(raga), pulsation(spandanam) and lightness to get circulated (laghuta) due to Prithvi,jala,teja, vayu and akasha mahabhuta are spectively. [Su.Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/9]

The Rakta dhatu which is red in color and serves as the seat of pitta dosha naturally shows dominance of agni mahabhuta. But Ayurveda acharyas have opined, after keenly observing its functions and nature that it shows signs of presence of every mahabhuta equally at the same time. To explain this, qualities of Rakta dhatu and their asssociation with each of the 5 elements has been narrated. See table 1. <ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 14 Sutra 9)</ref>

Rakta dhatu is neither too hot nor too cold(anushna-sheeta), sweet (madhura), unctuous (snigdha), red(rakta), heavy(guru), with peculiar smell (vistra).It can get affected by the same substances that provoke pitta dosha.[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 21/17]

|+<blockquote>Qualities of Rakta and their association with Panchamahabhutas</blockquote>

|-

|Prthvi (पृथ्वी)

|Jalam (जलम्)

|Teja (तेजः)

|Vayu (वायुः)

|Akasha (आकाश)

== Function ==

== Function ==

Giving life and sustaining vitality (Jeevana), enhancing complexion(varna prasadana), nourishing successor muscle tissue and other components (mamsa dhatu poshana) are the main functions of rakta dhatu. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5] The vitality depends on blood. [Cha. Sa.Sutra Sthana 24/4]

The most important function of Rakta dhatu has been believed to be as Jeevana (जीवनम्) i.e. giving life and sustaining vitality. <ref>Ashtanga Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 11 Sutra 4)</ref>

 

It is said that the life of an individual is sustained because of rakta. While explaining this Acharya Charaka says,

 

<blockquote>तद्विशुद्धं हि रुधिरं बलवर्णसुखायुषा| युनक्ति प्राणिनं प्राणः शोणितं ह्यनुवर्तते ॥ (Char. Samh 24.4)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 4)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''tadviśuddhaṁ hi rudhiraṁ balavarṇasukhāyuṣā| yunakti prāṇinaṁ prāṇaḥ śoṇitaṁ hyanuvartate ॥ (Char. Samh 24.4)''</blockquote>Meaning: That pure blood provides the individual with strength, complexion, happiness, and life. Because vitality of life depends on blood.

 

Therefore Rakta dhatu is also called as one of the seats of 'Prana' (life or soul) of a human being and it is called as one of the 10 "pranayatanas' ( दश प्राणायतनानि).

 

<blockquote>दशैवायतनान्याहुः प्राणा येषु प्रतिष्ठिताः | शङ्खौ मर्मत्रयं कण्ठो रक्तं शुक्रौजसी गुदम् ॥ (Char. Samh 29.3)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 29 Sutra 3)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''daśaivāyatanānyāhuḥ prāṇā yeṣu pratiṣṭhitāḥ | śaṅkhau marmatrayaṁ kaṇṭho raktaṁ śukraujasī gudam ॥ (Char. Samh 29.3)''</blockquote>Meaning: There are surely ten principal seats in which the life forces are established. The two temples, the three vital organs, the throat, rakta dhatu (blood), shukra dhatu (reproductive fluid), oja (the vital fluid) and the guda (anus).<ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Dashapranayataneeya_Adhyaya#Ten_principal_seats_of_the_life_forces Charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref>

 

Along with this, various other functions performed by Rakta dhatu are as below,<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 5)</ref>

== Upadhatu of Rakta dhatu and their function ==

== Upadhatu of Rakta dhatu and their function ==

The person with pure blood has glowing complexion, well-functioning sense organs, and a cheerful state of mind. His digestion and natural urges are normal. He is endowed with happiness, satiety, and strength. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 24/24].

The person with pure blood has glowing complexion, well-functioning sense organs, and a cheerful state of mind. His digestion and natural urges are normal. He is endowed with happiness, satiety, and strength. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 24/24].

== Rakta sara ==

== Rakta sara ==

It is the fundamental source of vitality and life. [Su. Sam. Sutra Sthana 14/44]

It is the fundamental source of vitality and life. [Su. Sam. Sutra Sthana 14/44]