Rakta Dhatu (रक्त धातु)

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'.

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]

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]