THERAPEUTIC AND NUTRITIONAL SIGNIFICANCE OF DUGDHA (MILK) WITH REFERENCE TO COW’S MILK

Abstract

Godugdha (Cow’s milk) is also elixir of life. Dugdha (milk) is a general term for the milk of any of the animals. In Ayurveda, Cow’s milk is much appreciated for the therapeutic purposes as well as nutrition, so that it is included in Anukta (the description word dugdha (milk) in Ayurvedic text is an indication of use of only Cow’s milk). Cow’s milk was used in various types of uses as therapeutics and nutritional in various form of dietary contains. As the milk is having identical properties of Ojas (Immunological power), it promotes Ojas (Immunological power). The Cow’s milk acts as Rasayana (medication for increase the immunity), Tarpaka, Jivaniya (life supporting), Hridya (beneficial for heart), Ahladakara (delighting), Buddhi prabodhaka (supporting the mental growth) and uses in many drugs preparations and as anupana (supportive content). Milk is only dietary form which is used in all stage of life so that it is called as “Jivan (life).” Milk was used from ancient Vedic era. Cow’s milk is an opaque fluid in which fat is present as an emulsion; protein and some minerals in colloidal suspension and lactose together with some mineral and soluble protein in true solution. Godugdha (Cow’s milk) is a liquid food which is used from the infant life to all stages of life. Every mammal’s first diet is milk. The cow’s milk is one of them. If mother’s milk is not available, Cow’s milk can be preferred. In Ayurveda, Cow’s milk is used in various manners such as, various preparations in Kalpas (Drugs compounds). It is used as an Anupana (supportive content) for many Kalpas (Drugs compounds). Sometimes it is Pathya (beneficial) in some diseases and also it is Pathya (beneficial) during the medication. The Cow’s milk is not exception for Apathya (contraindication/unbeneficial), it is Apathya (contraindicated/unbeneficial) in many diseases and during some specific medication.