Liquid

Understanding Drava (Fluidity) in Ayurveda 

Drava is the Ayurvedic property of fluidity associated with the Water element. It increases Pitta and Kapha while decreasing Vata dosha. Liquid substances decrease digestive fire but promote salivation, compassion, and cohesiveness. They dissolve and liquefy, nourishing liquid body tissues like plasma, blood, and reproductive fluids. Examples include buttermilk and sugarcane juice. Liquid foods are particularly beneficial for weakness and excessive thirst.

🌟 Definition³ 

Drava is the property responsible for the fluidity of a substance.

💧 Elemental Association³ 

Drava attribute is primarily linked to one element:

• Water (Jal)

When a substance is described as having liquid attribute (drava guna), it is understood to contain high quantities of the water element.

🔄 Relationship with Dosha¹

• Increases: Pitta and Kapha doshas ⬆️
• Decreases: Vata dosha ⬇️

💩 Effect on Malas (Waste Products)³

• Leads to formation of more malas in the body

✨ Key Properties

• Decreases digestive fire (Agni)
• Promotes salivation 💧
• Increases compassion and cohesiveness
• Dissolves and liquifies substances
• Nourishes liquid dhatus (body tissues):
  • Rasa Dhatu (plasma)
  • Rakta (blood)
  • Majja (nervous tissue/bone marrow)
  • Sukra (reproductive fluids)

💊 Pharmacological Properties

• Snehana - Oleating and lubricating in nature
• Swedana - Causes sweating, opens body channels
• Sthambhana - Stops excess movements in the body

🌿 Examples

• Buttermilk
• Sugarcane juice
• Fresh fruit juices
• Herbal decoctions

🏥 Therapeutic Applications² 

Liquid foods should be given to anyone suffering from:

• Weakness and debility
• Excessive thirst (trishna)
• Dehydration
• Dryness-related disorders

👤 Manifestation in Pitta-Kapha Dominant Individuals

• Moist, supple skin
• Good salivation and digestive juices
• Compassionate and caring nature
• Fluid, graceful movements
• Well-hydrated body tissues

References

Primary Source: Acharya Balkrishna's A Practical Approach To The Science of Ayurveda: A Comprehensive Guide for Healthy Living.

1. Ayurveda - The Science of Self-Healing - Dr Vasant D Lad - Pg 50
2. Sushruta Samhita - Pg 403
3. School of Ayurveda and Panchkarma - Lectures and Notes