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{{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'.

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 ==

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).  

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).  

|-

|-

|1

|1

|<nowiki>विस्रता | Peculiar Odor </nowiki>

|<nowiki>Visrata (विस्रता | Peculiar Odor) </nowiki>

|Prthvi (पृथ्वी)

|<nowiki>Prthvi (पृथ्वी | Earth )</nowiki>

|-

|-

|2

|2

|<nowiki>द्रवता | Liquidity</nowiki>

|<nowiki>Dravata (द्रवता | Liquidity)</nowiki>

|Jalam (जलम्)

|<nowiki>Jalam (जलम् | Water)</nowiki>

|-

|-

|3

|3

|<nowiki>रागम् | Red color</nowiki>

|<nowiki>Ragam (रागम् | Red color)</nowiki>

|Teja (तेजः)

|<nowiki>Teja (तेजः | Fire)</nowiki>

|-

|-

|4

|4

|<nowiki>स्पंदनम् | Pulsation</nowiki>

|<nowiki>Spandanam (स्पंदनम् | Pulsation)</nowiki>

|Vayu (वायुः)

|<nowiki>Vayu (वायुः | Air)</nowiki>

|-

|-

|5

|5

|<nowiki>लघुता | lightness</nowiki>

|<nowiki>Laghuta (लघुता | lightness)</nowiki>

|Akasha (आकाश)

|<nowiki>Akasha (आकाश | Ether/space)</nowiki>

|}

|}

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

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.  

<blockquote>तद्विशुद्धं हि रुधिरं बलवर्णसुखायुषा| युनक्ति प्राणिनं प्राणः शोणितं ह्यनुवर्तते ॥ (Char. Samh 24.4)<ref name=":0">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).

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>

<blockquote>दशैवायतनान्याहुः प्राणा येषु प्रतिष्ठिताः | शङ्खौ मर्मत्रयं कण्ठो रक्तं शुक्रौजसी गुदम् ॥ (Char. Samh 29.3)<ref name=":1">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 name=":2">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>

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 ==

During the process of metabolism and formation of rakta dhatu, tendons(kandara) and veins(sira) are formed as the metabolic byproducts(upadhatu).[Cha. Sa.Chikitsa Sthana 15/17]. Sharangadhara opines menstrual blood(artava) as the metabolic by-product. [Sha. Sa. Purva khanda chapter 5]

Rakta dhatu when subjected to the process of micro-transformation (सूक्ष्मपचनम्), it generates 2 more entities which are known as Upadhatus (उपधातु | metabolic by-products which function as body tissues) of Rakta dhatu. Sira ( Veins) and Kandara ( tendons) are known to be 2 upadhatus of Rakta dhatu. <ref>Charaka Samhita (Chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 17)</ref>

 

Various pigments and acidic secretions are formed as waste during this process. These are termed as malarupa pitta.[Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/5]

== Associated Dosha ==

== धातोः मलम् ॥ Mala of Rakta dhatu ==

Pitta dosha is formed as a waste by-product of Rakta dhatu metabolism. Also, Rakta has been known to be the site of pitta dosha. Thus, Pitta dosha is closely associated with rakta dhatu.

During the micro-transformation of Raka dhatu inside body and formation of [[Upadhatus (उपधातवः)|upadhatus]], some fluid secretion is generated as a [[Malas (मलाः)|mala]] i.e waste byproduct and it is called as ‘pitta’ (). However, this is waste or unwanted pitta which resembles Pitta [[Doshas (दोषाः)|dosha]]. Thus, pitta dosha is closely associated with rakta dhatu. The clinical features of increase in rakta levels of body are similar to those of pitta dosha increase.<ref>Charaka Samhita (chikitsasthanam Adhyaya 15 Sutra 18-20)</ref> Rakta has been known to be the site of pitta dosha.<ref>Ashtang Hrudayam (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 12 Sutra 2)</ref> Thus, Pitta dosha is closely associated with rakta dhatu.

== Characteristics of purity of Rakta dhatu ==

== Characteristics of purity of Rakta dhatu ==

The color of pure blood is like golden red, firefly, red lotus, lac-resinous material(laksha), and fruit of Gunja (Abrusprecatorius Linn.). [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 24/22]

Number of factors from diet, lifestyle, environment affect rakta dhatu. Since Rakta dhatu plays pivotal role in sustaining the life, its purity or quality has also been been given importance and attention. Ayurveda acharyas could find out those supreme qualities of rakta which indicate purest form of Rakta. Acharya Charaka has described characteristics of pure Rakta dhatu with the help of few examples. <blockquote>तपनीयेन्द्रगोपाभं पद्मालक्तकसन्निभम्| गुञ्जाफलसवर्णं च विशुद्धं विद्धि शोणितम्  (Char. Samh. 24.22)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 22)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''tapanīyendragopābhaṁ padmālaktakasannibham| guñjāphalasavarṇaṁ ca viśuddhaṁ viddhi śoṇitam (Char. Samh. 24.22)''</blockquote>Meaning: The color of pure blood is like golden red, firefly, red lotus, lac-resinous material(laksha), and fruit of Gunja (''Abrus precatorius Linn''.).  

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].

Thus these are some properties related to the appearance of the purest form of Rakta or blood which can be assessed with the help of our sensory organ eyes by anyone wishing to check rakta dhatu purity.

=== Characteristics of a person with pure blood ===

=== Characteristics of a person with pure blood ===

प्रसन्नवर्णेन्द्रियमिन्द्रियार्थानिच्छन्तमव्याहतपक्तृवेगम्|

The person who possesses pure form of Rakta dhatu displays few characteristics which indicate the purity of blood. These are the features one can attain if purity of rakta dhatu is maintained for a long time. <blockquote>प्रसन्नवर्णेन्द्रियमिन्द्रियार्थानिच्छन्तमव्याहतपक्तृवेगम्| सुखान्वितं तु(पु)ष्टिबलोपपन्नं विशुद्धरक्तं पुरुषं वदन्ति (Char. Samh. 24.24)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 24 Sutra 24)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''prasannavarṇendriyamindriyārthānicchantamavyāhatapaktr̥vegam| sukhānvitaṁ tu(pu)ṣṭibalopapannaṁ viśuddharaktaṁ puruṣaṁ vadanti (Char. Samh. 24.24)''</blockquote>Meaning: A person should be considered as having pure blood if has glowing complexion, well-functioning sense organs, and is cheerful. A person with unvitiated blood has normal digestion and unobstructed natural urges, is happy and is endowed with saturation and strength. <ref>Available from [https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Vidhishonitiya_Adhyaya#Characteristics_of_a_person_with_pure_blood) charakasamhitaonline.com]</ref>

 

सुखान्वितं तु(पु)ष्टिबलोपपन्नं विशुद्धरक्तं पुरुषं वदन्ति||२४||

 

A person should be considered as having pure blood if he has glowing complexion, well-functioning sense organs, and is cheerful. A person with unvitiated blood has normal digestion and unobstructed natural urges, is happy and is endowed with saturation and strength. (https://www.carakasamhitaonline.com/index.php?title=Vidhishonitiya_Adhyaya#Characteristics_of_a_person_with_pure_blood)

== Rakta sara ==

== Rakta sara ==

The characteristics of the essence of rakta dhatu can be observed on ears, eyes, face, tongue, nose, lips, palms, soles, nails, forehead and genitals. These body parts are unctuous, red, beautiful and shining. The persons are endowed with happiness, sharp intellect, magnanimity, tenderness, moderate strength, lack of endurance, and intolerance to heat.[ Cha. Sa. Vimana Sthana 8/104]

Those who have supreme quality of rakta dhatu in a body are identified by some characteristic features. These features are called as rakta-sarata features (सारता लक्षणानि). Most of these features are manifested on organs and body parts which have Rakta in abundant quantity. Thus one can identify the quality of rakta dhatu by assessing presence or absence of following signs in body.<blockquote>कर्णाक्षिमुखजिह्वानासौष्ठपाणिपादतलनखललाटमेहनं स्निग्धरक्तवर्णं श्रीमद्भ्राजिष्णु रक्तसाराणाम्|</blockquote><blockquote>सा सारता सुखमुद्धतां मेधां मनस्वित्वं सौकुमार्यमनतिबलमक्लेशसहिष्णुत्वमुष्णासहिष्णुत्वं चाचष्टे|| (Char. Samh 8.104)<ref>Charaka Samhita (Vimanasthanam Adhyaya 8 Sutra 104)</ref></blockquote><blockquote>''karṇākṣimukhajihvānāsauṣṭhapāṇipādatalanakhalalāṭamehanaṁ snigdharaktavarṇaṁ śrīmadbhrājiṣṇu raktasārāṇām|''</blockquote><blockquote>''sā sāratā sukhamuddhatāṁ medhāṁ manasvitvaṁ saukumāryamanatibalamakleśasahiṣṇutvamuṣṇāsahiṣṇutvaṁ cācaṣṭe||''</blockquote>Meaning: The characteristics of the essence of rakta dhatu can be observed on ears, eyes, face, tongue, nose, lips, palms, soles, nails, forehead and genitals. These body parts are unctuous, red, beautiful and shining. The persons are endowed with happiness, sharp intellect, magnanimity, tenderness, moderate strength, lack of endurance, and intolerance to heat.<ref>Available from Charakasamhitaonline.com</ref>

== Vitiating factors ==

== Vitiating factors ==

तथाऽतिलवणक्षारैरम्लैः कटुभिरेव च||५||

# तिलवणक्षारैरम्लैः कटुभिरेव च - too much salty, alkaline substances, sour and pungent food

कुलत्थमाषनिष्पावतिलतैलनिषेवणैः|

# भुक्त्वा दिवा प्रस्वपतां द्रवस्निग्धगुरूणि च| - excessive sleeping during the day especially after taking liquids, unctuous and heavy food

 

 

अत्यादानं तथा क्रोधं भजतां चातपानलौ|

देहस्य रुधिरं मूलं रुधिरेणैव धार्यते | तस्माद्यत्नेन संरक्ष्यं रक्तं जीव इति स्थितिः ॥ (Sush. Samh. 14.44)<ref>Sushruta Samhita (Sutrasthanam Adhyaya 14 Sutra 44)</ref>

छर्दिवेगप्रतीघातात् काले चानवसेचनात्||९||

''dehasya rudhiraṁ mūlaṁ rudhireṇaiva dhāryate | tasmādyatnena saṁrakṣyaṁ raktaṁ jīva iti sthitiḥ ॥ (Sush. Samh. 14.44)''

The blood is vitiated due to the following causes:

<blockquote>दशैवायतनान्याहुः प्राणा येषु प्रतिष्ठिताः | शङ्खौ मर्मत्रयं कण्ठो रक्तं शुक्रौजसी गुदम् ॥ (Char. Samh 29.3)<ref name=":1" /></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 name=":2" />

By habitual intake of spoiled or unsuitable food and/or liquids, overeating, acidic or pungent liquor and other similar drinks, too much salty, alkaline substances, sour and pungent food, ''kulatha'' (Dolichos biflorus Linn.), ''masha'' (Phaseolus mungo Linn.), ''nishpava'' (Dolichos lablab Linn.), ''tila taila'' (Sesamum indicum Linn. oils), ''pindalu'' (Randia uliginosa DC.), radish and all green (leafy) vegetables, meat of aquatic and marshy animals, burrowing animals and those that snatch birds, excessive intake of curd, sour whey (curd-water), vinegars and other sour fermented liquids, consuming decomposed, putrid food with opposite properties excessive sleeping during the day especially after taking liquids, unctuous and heavy food, excessive anger, excessive exposure to the sun and the wind, suppression of the natural urges like vomiting, avoidance of blood-letting in prescribed time (autumn), too much exertion, injury, heat, indigestion, taking meal during indigestion and due to natural pattern in autumn season.[5-10]

The role and importance of Rakta dhatu in health and well being is also understood by its functions as described earlier.  

== Importance of Rakta dhatu in health and well-being ==

<blockquote>तद्विशुद्धं हि रुधिरं बलवर्णसुखायुषा| युनक्ति प्राणिनं प्राणः शोणितं ह्यनुवर्तते ॥ (Char. Samh 24.4)<ref name=":0" /></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.  

The pure blood provides the individual with strength, complexion, happiness, and life. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 28/4].

[[Category:Ayurveda]]

[[Category:Ayurveda]]