Chapter 7 of Ashtanga Hridayam Sutrasthana — Annaraksha Vidhi Adhyaya — focuses on “Protection of Food,” covering how food can get contaminated, how to detect poisoning, symptoms, and Ayurvedic methods of prevention and treatment. This chapter is especially important for BAMS students because it connects classical Ayurvedic toxicology (Visha Tantra) with practical food safety.
Annaraksha Vidhi Adhyaya (Chapter 7) – Protection of Food in Ashtanga Hridayam
Simple Explanation for Students, Parents, Teachers & BAMS Learners
Keywords: BAMS Course, Ashtanga Hridayam Chapter 7, Annaraksha Vidhi, Food Protection in Ayurveda, Ayurvedic Toxicology
About
Chapter 7 of Ashtanga Hridayam Sutrasthana is called Annaraksha Vidhi Adhyaya, meaning “Methods of Protecting Food.” It explains how food can become unsafe, how to identify contaminated or poisoned food, and how to protect health through Ayurvedic principles.
According to classical descriptions, this chapter includes:
- Features of poisoned foods and drinks
- Signs of poisoned side dishes and materials
- Symptoms in a person who consumes contaminated food
- Ayurvedic methods to test food safety
- Treatment for poisoning and detoxification
- Qualities of a royal physician
- Healthy sleep guidelines
- Rules of celibacy and discipline for health
Why Food Protection Matters (Then & Now)
Even though this text is thousands of years old, its teachings are surprisingly relevant today.
Food contamination is still common
Spoilage, chemicals, adulteration, and unhygienic handling can harm health.
Ayurveda teaches early detection
The chapter explains how to identify unsafe food by:
- Smell
- Color
- Texture
- The behaviour of animals around the food
It connects food safety with overall well‑being
Ayurveda says that pure food = pure mind = strong immunity.
Key points of Chapter 7
How Food Gets Contaminated
Food can become harmful due to:
- Poisonous substances
- Spoiled ingredients
- Insects or animals
- Wrong storage
- Intentional poisoning (important in ancient royal courts)
Signs of Poisoned Food
Ayurvedic texts describe unusual signs such as:
- Strange smell
- Odd colour lines on food
- Frothing or bubbling
- Sudden change in taste
- Animals refusing to eat it
These descriptions come from classical Ayurvedic toxicology (Visha Tantra).
Symptoms in a Person Who Eats Contaminated Food
The chapter lists symptoms like:
- Burning sensation
- Vomiting
- Sweating
- Fainting
- Abdominal pain
- Change in voice or complexion
These symptoms help in early diagnosis.
Ayurvedic Food Testing Methods
Ancient physicians used natural tests such as:
- Observing smoke when food is heated
- Watching how ghee behaves when dropped on fire
- Testing with animals or birds (historical context)
Treatment Principles
Ayurveda suggests:
- Inducing vomiting
- Detoxifying the stomach and intestines
- Using herbal formulations
- Heart detoxification (Hrid Vishodhana)
- Treatment for chronic poisoning (Gara Visha Chikitsa)
Importance
- Basics of Ayurvedic toxicology
- Practical food safety
- Diagnostic skills
- Preventive healthcare
- Classical Ayurvedic reasoning
It also builds a foundation for subjects like:
- Agad Tantra
- Swasthavritta
- Rasa Shastra
- Dravyaguna
Qualities of a Royal Physician (Rajavaidya)
Ayurveda gives the royal physician a position of great responsibility. His role is not only to treat illness but also to protect the king’s life, especially from food poisoning. Chapter 7 describes several qualities that define an ideal physician.
Alertness and Constant Presence
The physician must stay near the king, particularly during meals, to detect any signs of contamination or poisoning.
Mastery of Poisons and Antidotes
He must understand:
- Types of poisons
- Symptoms of poisoning
- Emergency detoxification methods
This knowledge ensures immediate and effective action.
Sharp Observation Skills
A royal physician must be able to detect:
- Unusual smells
- Strange colors or textures
- Froth or bubbles
- Sudden changes in taste
- Animal behavior around food
These subtle clues help identify unsafe food.
Ethical Strength and Integrity
He must be:
- Honest
- Loyal
- Emotionally stable
- Free from greed and fear
A physician with strong ethics protects the king without bias or hesitation.
Personal Discipline
He should maintain:
- Cleanliness
- Self‑control
- Calmness
- Sharp senses
These qualities ensure clarity of judgment and effective treatment.
Healthy Sleep Guidelines (Nidra Vidhi)
Ayurveda considers sleep one of the three pillars of life (along with food and celibacy). Chapter 7 emphasizes that proper sleep is essential for maintaining health and preventing disease.
Sleep at the Natural Time
Night is the ideal time for sleep. Daytime sleep is discouraged unless:
- You are ill
- You are extremely tired
- It is summer, when heat drains energy
Balanced Duration
Ayurveda recommends sleep that refreshes the body—not too much, not too little. Both extremes disturb the doshas.
Benefits of Proper Sleep
Good sleep supports:
- Strong immunity
- Good digestion
- Mental clarity
- Emotional balance
Effects of Poor Sleep
Lack of sleep leads to:
- Weakness
- Anxiety
- Poor concentration
- Aggravation of Vata dosha
This makes sleep essential for students, professionals, and elders alike.
🧘 Rules of Celibacy and Discipline (Brahmacharya & Sadvritta)
Ayurveda teaches that self‑discipline is the foundation of long life and strong immunity. Chapter 7 includes guidelines for celibacy and moral conduct that support physical and mental well‑being.
Moderation in Sexual Activity
Excessive sexual activity weakens:
- Ojas (vital energy)
- Strength
- Immunity
Celibacy or controlled behaviour is recommended for:
- Students
- Spiritual seekers
- Those recovering from illness
Mental Discipline
A healthy mind supports a healthy body. Ayurveda encourages:
- Avoiding anger, jealousy, and greed
- Practising calmness and patience
- Speaking truthfully
- Respecting others
Lifestyle Discipline
Daily habits should include:
- Cleanliness
- Regular routines
- Balanced diet
- Avoiding harmful substances
- Respecting elders and teachers
Social Conduct
Ayurveda promotes:
- Kindness
- Non‑violence
- Helping others
- Avoiding harmful speech
These behaviours protect mental health and strengthen community harmony.
Although Chapter 7 focuses on food protection, these additional teachings show that true health is protected through disciplined living, not just safe food. A responsible physician, proper sleep, and moral conduct together create a strong foundation for:
- Immunity
- Longevity
- Mental clarity
- Emotional stability
- Disease prevention
This makes Annaraksha Vidhi Adhyaya a powerful chapter for BAMS students, Ayurveda learners, and anyone seeking a balanced lifestyle.
Shaloka from the textbook
The 7th chapter of the Sutrasthana of Asthanga Hridayam textbook is called as Anna Raksha Vidhi Adhyaya. Anna raksha refers to the protection of food. This chapter deals with the royal physician, features of poisoned foods and drinks, incompatible food combinations, effects and treatment, healthy sleep rules and celibacy.
Pranacharya (Royal physician) :-
राजा राज-गृहासन्ने प्राणाचार्यं निवेशयेत् ।
सर्व-दा स भवत्य् एवं सर्व-त्र प्रतिजागृविः ॥ 1 ॥
The king should arrange for the residence of the royal physician near the palace so that the physician can be vigilant about all things at all times. – 1
अन्न-पानं विषाद् रक्षेद् विशेषेण मही-पतेः ।
योग-क्षेमौ तद्-आयत्तौ धर्माद्या यन्-निबन्धनाः ॥ 2 ॥
The foods and drinks of the king should be protected from poison, because the King’s health and welfare depend on his food and drink, and the health and welfare of the country depend on the King. – 2
Features of poisoned foods and drinks –
ओदनो विष-वान् सान्द्रो यात्य् अ-विस्राव्य-ताम् इव ।
चिरेण पच्यते पक्वो भवेत् पर्युषितोपमः ॥ 3 ॥
मयूर-कण्ठ-तुल्योष्मा मोह-मूर्छा-प्रसेक-कृत् ।
हीयते वर्ण-गन्धाद्यैः क्लिद्यते चन्द्रिका-चितः ॥ 4 ॥
Boiled rice mixed with poison
- Sandra – becomes thick,
- Even when it is boiling, the contents do not overflow from the vessel
- Chirena Pachyate – takes a long time to cook,
- Pakvo bhavati paryushitopama – after cooking, it becomes moist and stale, very soon
- Mayura Kantha Tulyoshma – emits steam with the colour of the peacock’s neck (blue),
- Moha moorcha prasekakrut – the steam and fumes from the container cause delusion, fainting and excessive salivation.
- Heeyate varna gandhadyaihi – quickly loses its original colour, odour, taste, texture.
- Klidyate chandrikachitaha – becomes watery and full of glistening particles. 3-4
व्यञ्जनान्य् आशु शुष्यन्ति ध्याम-क्वाथानि तत्र च ।
हीनातिरिक्ता विकृता छाया दृश्येत नैव वा ॥ 5 ॥
फेनोर्ध्व-राजि-सीमन्त-तन्तु-बुद्बुद-संभवः ।
विच्छिन्न-वि-रसाः रागाः खाण्डवाः शाकम् आमिषम् ॥ 6 ॥
The side dishes dry up quickly and become dirty reflective images seen in them appear deficient, malformed, abnormal or not seen at all; froth and lines appear on their surface and edges, and threads and bubbles are likely to appear. Raga (sweet syrups), Khandava (sweet puddings), vegetables and meat become broken (liquid and solid portions get separate) and acquire a bad taste. 5-6.
नीला राजी रसे ताम्रा क्षीरे दधनि दृश्यते ।
श्यावा-पीतासिता तक्रे घृते पानीय-संनिभा ॥ 7 ॥
मस्तुनि स्यात् कपोताभा राजी कृष्णा तुषोदके ।
काली मद्याम्भसोः क्षौद्रे हरित् तैले ऽरुणोपमा ॥ 8 ॥
पाकः फलानाम् आमानां पक्वानां परिकोथनम् ।
द्रव्याणाम् आर्द्र-शुष्काणां स्यातां म्लानि-विवर्ण-ते ॥ 9 ॥
मृदूनां कठिनानां च भवेत् स्पर्श-विपर्ययः ।
माल्यस्य स्फुटिताग्र-त्वं म्लानिर् गन्धान्तरोद्भवः ॥ 10 ॥
ध्याम-मण्डल-ता वस्त्रे शदनं तन्तु-पक्ष्मणाम् ।
धातु-मौक्तिक-काष्ठाश्म-रत्नादिषु मलाक्त-ता ॥ 11 ॥
स्नेह-स्पर्श-प्रभा-हानिः स-प्रभ-त्वं तु मृन्-मये ।
- Neela Raji Rase – Blue lines appear in meat soup,
- Tamra ksheere – coppery red lines in milk and
- Shyava dadhani – black ones in curds
- Peeta Sita takre – yellowish white lines in buttermilk,
- Ghrute paaneeya sannibha – watery lines on ghee,
- Mastuni syat kapotabha – pegion-like streaks appear on Mastu – Supernatant liquid of curds. (whey),
- Raji Krishna Tushodake – blue black lines on Tusodaka (sour drink prepared from barley husk),
- Kaali madya ambhasoho – black lines on wines and water,
- Harit taile arunopama – green lines in honey and crimson lines on oils.
- Unripe fruits ripen (fast), and ripe ones become overripe and decompose.
- Substances that are green and dry become dull in appearance and discoloured.
- Soft food substances become hard and vice versa.
- The flowers of the garland become split at their edges, fade and assume an unnatural smell. Dirty patches appear on cloth (dress and other apparel), its threads and hems fall out. Vessels prepared from metals, pearls, wood, stone, precious stones, etc., become dirty and lose their smooth touch and lustre.
- Mud vessels gain a smooth touch and lustre. 5-11.
Vishada Laksana (features of the person who puts poison) :-
विष-दः श्याव-शुष्कास्यो वि-लक्षो वीक्षते दिशः ॥ 12 ॥
स्वेद-वेपथु-मांस् त्रस्तो भीतः स्खलति जृम्भते ।
The person who is about to poison someone will have
- Shyava shushka Asya – dry and discoloured ace
- Vilaksho Veekshate dishaha – eccentrically looks in all directions
- Sveda vepathuman – sweating and tremors
- Trasta – tired,
- Bheeta – frightened
- Skhalati – slips while talking and walking
- Jrumbhate – yawns frequently. 12
Testing of poisoned foods – Vishanna Pareeksha
प्राप्यान्नं स-विषं त्व् अग्निर् एकावर्तः स्फुटत्य् अति ॥ 13 ॥
शिखि-कण्ठाभ-धूमार्चिर् अन्-अर्चिर् वोग्र-गन्ध-वान् ।
Upon throwing the poisoned food on fire, it emits a crackling sound, the flame emits as a single pile, without whirls, the colour of the smoke resembles that of a peacock’s neck (glistening blue), sometimes the flame may not come up at all. It will cause the emission of foul and strong smells.
म्रियन्ते मक्षिकाः प्राश्य काकः क्षाम-स्वरो भवेत् ॥ 14 ॥
उत्क्रोशन्ति च दृष्ट्वैतच् छुक-दात्यूह-सारिकाः ।
हंसः प्रस्खलति ग्लानिर् जीवञ्जीवस्य जायते ॥ 15 ॥
चकोरस्याक्षि-वैराग्यं क्रौञ्चस्य स्यान् मदोदयः ।
कपोत-परभृद्-दक्ष-चक्रवाका जहत्य् असून् ॥ 16 ॥
उद्वेगं याति मार्जारः शकृन् मुञ्चति वानरः ।
हृष्येन् मयूरस् तद्-दृष्ट्या मन्द-तेजो भवेद् विषम् ॥ 17 ॥
इत्य् अन्नं विष-वज् ज्ञात्वा त्यजेद् एवं प्रयत्नतः ।
यथा तेन विपद्येरन्न् अपि न क्षुद्र-जन्तवः ॥ 18 ॥
Kaakaha kshaamasvaro bhavet – Crow’s voice becomes depleted
Parot, Dathyuha (gallinule bird) and Sarika (Mynah) start hooting at the poisoned food just by seeing it.
Hamsaha praskhalati – Swan changes its gait
Glaanih: jeevenjeevasya jaayate – Chukar gets exhausted
Chakorasya akshivairaagyam – Greeh pheasant’s eyes turn red
Kraunchasya madodaya: – Pond heron becomes intoxicated
Pigeon, Parabhrit (Cuckoo) and Chaktravaaka lose their life
UdvegaM yaati maarjaara: – cat becomes irritated, excited
Shakrun munchati vanara: – monkey defecates
After confirming the poisoned food by the above methods, it should be disposed of carefully, 14-18
Diseases caused by poisoned food – (Visha annaja Vikara) –
स्पृष्टे तु कण्डू-दाहोषा-ज्वरार्ति-स्फोट-सुप्तयः ।
नख-रोम-च्युतिः शोफः सेकाद्या विष-नाशनाः ॥ 19 ॥
शस्तास् तत्र प्रलेपाश् च सेव्य-चन्दन-पद्मकैः ।
स-सोमवल्क-तालीश-पत्त्र-कुष्ठामृता-नतैः ॥ 20 ॥
External effects: The touch of poisoned foods produces itching and irritation, burning sensation all over the body, burning sensation at the site of touch, fever, pain, eruptions, loss of tactile sensation, falling of the nails and hairs and swelling.
The treatment shall be bathing (washing), pouring with water processed with anti-poisonous drugs, application of paste of Sevya (Ushira), Candana (sandalwood), Padmaka – Wild Himalayan Cherry (heartwood) – Prunus puddum / cerasoides, Somavalka, Talisa Patra – Cinnamomum tamala, Kushta (Saussurea lappa), Amrita (Tinospora) and Nata – Valeriana wallichi. 19-20.
लाला जिह्वौष्ठयोर् जाड्यम् ऊषा चिमिचिमायनम् ।
दन्त-हर्षो रसा-ज्ञ-त्वं हनु-स्तम्भश् च वक्त्र-गे ॥ 21 ॥
सेव्याद्यैस् तत्र गण्डूषाः सर्वं च विष-जिद् धितम् ।
Local effect in the oral cavity: Poisoned food inside the mouth causes excess salivation, inactivity of the tongue and lips, burning sensation, tingling of the teeth, inability to perceive taste and stiffness of the lower jaw.
The treatment shall be mouth gargling with water processed with Sevya – Khus Khus – Vetiveria zizanioides and other drugs mentioned earlier, and all other therapies for the mouth which are anti-poisonous. 21-21½.
आमाशय-गते स्वेद-मूर्छाध्मान-मद-भ्रमाः ॥ 22 ॥
रोम-हर्षो वमिर् दाहश् चक्षुर्-हृदय-रोधनम् ।
बिन्दुभिश् चाचयो ऽङ्गानां पक्वाशय-गते पुनः ॥ 23 ॥
अनेक-वर्णं वमति मूत्रयत्य् अतिसार्यते ।
तन्द्रा कृश-त्वं पाण्डु-त्वम् उदरं बल-संक्षयः ॥ 24 ॥
तयोर् वान्त-विरिक्तस्य हरिद्रे कटभीं गुडम् ।
सिन्धुवारित-निष्पाव-बाष्पिका-शतपर्विकाः ॥ 25 ॥
तण्डुलीयक-मूलानि कुक्कुटाण्डम् अवल्गुजम् ।
नावनाञ्जन-पानेषु योजयेद् विष-शान्तये ॥ 26 ॥
Reaching the stomach, it produces sweating, fainting, flatulence, toxicity, giddiness, horripilation, vomiting, burning sensation, loss of movement of the eyes and heart, and appearance of black dots all over the body.
Reaching of the intestines, it produces vomiting of many colours, excess of urination, purgation, drowsiness, emaciation, pallor, enlargement of the abdomen and loss of strength. For both these conditions, the patient should be administered Vamana (emesis) and Virechana (purgation therapies), followed by Nasya (nasal medication), Anjana (collyriums) and drinking of decoction prepared from Haridra – Turmeric Rhizome – Curcuma Longa, and Daruharidra (Berberis aristata), Katabhi – Celastrus paniculata, Guda- jaggery, Sinduvarita, Nispava, Baspika, Sataparvika, roots of Tanduliyaka, Kukkutanda – hen’s egg and Avalguja – Psoralea corylifolia to relieve the effect of poison. 22-26.
Hrid Vishodhana – Gara Visha Chikitsa – Treatment to detoxify heart and to treat chronic poisoning:
विष-भुक्ताय दद्याच् च शुद्धायोर्ध्वम् अधस् तथा ।
सूक्ष्मं ताम्र-रजः काले स-क्षौद्रं हृद्-विशोधनम् ॥ 27 ॥
शुद्धे हृदि ततः शाणं हेम-चूर्णस्य दापयेत् ।
न सज्जते हेम-पाङ्गे पद्म-पत्त्रे ऽम्बु-वद् विषम् ॥ 28 ॥
जायते विपुलं चायुर् गरे ऽप्य् एष विधिः स्मृतः ।
When there is poisoning, first vomiting and purgation therapy are conducted to remove the remnants of the poison in the gut. Then, to cleanse and detoxify the heart, Tamra bhasma is administered to the patient. After that, Swarna bhasma is administered for a long period of time. By such Swarna administration for a long time, the body becomes as pure as Gold. The term used for this is ‘Hemapanga’.
Na Sajjate Hemapange padmapatre ambuvat visham ||
In a person who has been given Gold bhasma for a long time, the poison can not do any harm, similar to a water drop that can not touch the leaf of the lotus. The person gains a long life. The same treatment is followed in Gara Visha (chronic poisoning) also.
Incompatible foods (Viruddha Ahara):-
विरुद्धम् अपि चाहारं विद्याद् विष-गरोपमम् ॥ 29 ॥
On many occasions, consuming two food items together or a particular type of food processing may render the food toxic. It is called an incompatible food. Even incompatible foods should be considered similar to poison / artificial poisoning. 29.
आनूपम् आमिषं माष-क्षौद्र-क्षीर-विरूढकैः ।
विरुध्यते सह बिसैर् मूलकेन गुडेन वा ॥ 30 ॥
विशेषात् पयसा मत्स्या मत्स्येष्व् अपि चिलीचिमः ।
Anupa mamsa with Masha, Kshaudra, Ksheera and Virudaka – Meat of animals of marshy regions is incompatible with black gram, honey, milk and germinated grains. Bisa, Mulaka (Radish – Raphanus sativus) or Guda jaggery is incompatible with fish. Fish with milk, especially the Chilichima variety of fish with milk, is incompatible. 30.
विरुद्धम् अम्लं पयसा सह सर्वं फलं तथा ॥ 31 ॥
तद्-वत् कुलत्थ-चणक-कङ्गु-वल्ल-मकुष्टकाः ।
भक्षयित्वा हरितकं मूलकादि पयस् त्यजेत् ॥ 32 ॥
All sour substances are incompatible with milk. Sour fruits with milk are not recommended.
Horse gram (Kulattha), Varaka, Kangu, Valla and Makustaka. – These are not recommended along with cow milk. 31½. After consuming green leafy vegetables and radish, drinking milk should be avoided. 32.
वाराहं श्वाविधा नाद्याद् दध्ना पृषत-कुक्कुटौ ।
आम-मांसानि पित्तेन माष-सूपेन मूलकम् ॥ 33 ॥
अविं कुसुम्भ-शाकेन बिसैः सह विरूढकम् ।
माष-सूप-गुड-क्षीर-दध्य्-आज्यैर् लाकुचं फलम् ॥ 34 ॥
फलं कदल्यास् तक्रेण दध्ना ताल-फलेन वा ।
कणोषणाभ्यां मधुना काकमाचीं गुडेन वा ॥ 35 ॥
सिद्धां वा मत्स्य-पचने पचने नागरस्य वा ।
सिद्धाम् अन्य-त्र वा पात्रे कामात् ताम् उषितां निशाम् ॥ 36 ॥
- Pork should not be taken along with porcupine meat.
- (Kukkuta) Chicken and spotted deer should not be taken along with curds
- Uncooked meat along with bile
- radish along with black gram
- Sheep meat, along with leaves of the Kusumba herb
- Germinated grains along with Bisa
- Lakucha Phala, along with black gram soup (masha supa)
- Banana, along with buttermilk, is not recommended
- Curds along with Tala phala (Palm date)
- Pippali, Maricha and honey
- Kakamachi, along with jaggery
- Black pepper, along with fish or during the digestion of fish, 33-36.
मत्स्य-निस्तलन-स्नेहे साधिताः पिप्पलीस् त्यजेत् ।
कांस्ये दशाहम् उषितं सर्पिर् उष्णं त्व् अरुष्करे ॥ 37 ॥
Pippali (long pepper) processed with the oil in which fish is fried should be rejected. Ghee kept in a bronze vessel for more than 10 days should not be taken. Hot substances or hot procedures (like sun bath) is not recommended along with Bhallataka. 37.
भासो विरुध्यते शूल्यः कम्पिल्लस् तक्र-साधितः ।
The meat of the Bhasa bird, the white-headed vulture, should not be roasted. Kampilla (a dish) prepared with buttermilk – 37½.
ऐकध्यं पायस-सुरा-कृशराः परिवर्जयेत् ॥ 38 ॥
Mixing of milk, beer and Krishara (rice – green gram dish) – 38
मधु-सर्पिर्-वसा-तैल-पानीयानि द्वि-शश् त्रि-शः ।
एक-त्र वा समांशानि विरुध्यन्ते परस्-परम् ॥ 39 ॥
Mixing of equal quantities of any 2, 3 or all of the following is not recommended – honey, ghee, meat fat, sesame oil and beverages.
भिन्नांशे अपि मध्व्-आज्ये दिव्य-वार्य् अनु-पानतः ।
मधु-पुष्कर-बीजं च मधु-मैरेय-शार्करम् ॥ 40 ॥
मन्थानु-पानः क्षैरेयो हारिद्रः कटु-तैल-वान् ।
- Honey, along with ghee, even in unequal proportions, should not be consumed along with water.
- Honey, along with the seeds of Pushkara,
- Honey, along with wine of dates (Maireya) and sugar
- Milk drinks along with Mantha (solution of corn flour)
- Turmeric with mustard oil is incompatible.
उपोदकातिसाराय तिल-कल्केन साधिता ॥ 41 ॥
Upodika (Indian spinach) processed along with sesame seed paste causes diarrhoea. – 41
बलाका वारुणी-युक्ता कुल्माषैश् च विरुध्यते ।
भृष्टा वराह-वसया सैव सद्यो निहन्त्य् असून् ॥ 42 ॥
Meat of the Balaka bird, along with Varuni (date wine) and Kulmasha (green gram and other pulses cooked together). The meat of the Balaka, along with pork fat, is lethal.
तद्-वत् तित्तिरि-पत्त्राढ्य-गोधा-लाव-कपिञ्जलाः ।
ऐरण्डेनाग्निना सिद्धास् तत्-तैलेन विमूर्छिताः ॥ 43 ॥
Meat of Tittiri, peacock, Godha (Iguana lizard), Lava (common quail), Kapinjala, cooked by the fire of wood of castor and processed with, fried in castor oil, is lethal.
हारीत-मांसं हारिद्र-शूलक-प्रोत-पाचितम् ।
हरिद्रा-वह्निना सद्यो व्यापादयति जीवितम् ॥ 44 ॥
The meat of Haridra (yellow bird), pierced with the wood of Haridra and cooked with the flame of Haridra, is lethal.
भस्म-पांसु-परिध्वस्तं तद् एव च स-माक्षिकम् ।
The meat of Haridra, cooked by smearing ash and sand, consumed along with honey, kills the person quickly.
Definition of Viruddha – incompatible –
यत् किञ्-चिद् दोषम् उत्क्लेश्य न हरेत् तत् समासतः ॥ 45 ॥ विरुद्धं
In brief, whichever food or activity causes an increase in Doshas but does not expel the Dosha out of the body is termed as Viruddha.Note: In Panchakarma treatment, the Dosha is also increased and then expelled from the body. But in Panchakarma, though there is an increase of Dosha, because they are expelled, there is no harm. But in Viruddha Ahara, the food causes only an increase of Dosha, leading to toxic symptoms.
The treatment for incompatible food consumption is
शुद्धिर् अत्रेष्टा शमो वा तद्-विरोधिभिः ।
- Shodhana – purification procedure – Panchakarma
- Shamana – palliative treatment
- Virodha chikitsa – symptom-based treatment.
द्रव्यैस् तैर् एव वा पूर्वं शरीरस्याभिसंस्कृतिः ॥ 46 ॥
Health should be restored quickly by using food that has opposite qualities to those of incompatible foods.
व्यायाम-स्निग्ध-दीप्ताग्नि-वयः-स्थ-बल-शालिनाम् ।
विरोध्य् अपि न पीडायै सात्म्यम् अल्पं च भोजनम् ॥ 47 ॥
In those who exercise regularly, who are habituated to oily fatty food, and who have good digestive power, in young and strong individuals, the incompatible food will not cause any ill effects.
In those who are habituated (sathmya) to incompatible food and in those who take low quantities of incompatible food for a long period of time, the ill effects will not be seen. 47
Satmikarana Krama – (method of accustomization):-
पादेना-पथ्यम् अभ्यस्तं पाद-पादेन वा त्यजेत् ।
निषेवेत हितं तद्-वद् एक-द्वि-त्र्य्-अन्तरी-कृतम् ॥ 48 ॥
Unhealthy things – foods, drinks, activities that have become accustomed to by long use should be discontinued by quarter and quarter. Similarly, healthy things (foods, etc.) should be gradually made use of with intervals of 1, 2 and 3 days. 48.
अ-पथ्यम् अपि हि त्यक्तं शीलितं पथ्यम् एव वा ।
सात्म्या-सात्म्य-विकाराय जायते सहसान्य-था ॥ 49 ॥
Sudden discontinuance of unhealthy things, foods, drinks, etc. and indulgence in healthy things, done suddenly and improperly, give rise to diseases 49
क्रमेणापचिता दोषाः क्रमेणोपचिता गुणाः ।
सन्तो यान्त्य् अ-पुनर्-भावम् अ-प्रकम्प्या भवन्ति च ॥ 50 ॥
The ill effects of incompatible foods are eliminated gradually, and good habits developed gradually lead to robust health.
अत्य्-अन्त-संनिधानानां दोषाणां दूषणात्मनाम् ।
अ-हितैर् दूषणं भूयो न विद्वान् कर्तुम् अर्हति ॥ 51 ॥
Wise men should not help the intimate vitiating factors by indulging in unhealthy things.
Trayopastambha – Three pillars of life –
आहार-शयना-ब्रह्म-चर्यैर् युक्त्या प्रयोजितैः ।
शरीरं धार्यते नित्यम् आगारम् इव धारणैः ॥ 52 ॥
Ahara – food, Shayana – Sleep and Abrahmacharya (non-celibacy) – properly indulged, support the body constantly, just like the house is supported by the pillars.
आहारो वर्णितस् तत्र तत्र तत्र च वक्ष्यते ।
Food has been described earlier and will be described further on, also here and there.
Sleep – Nidra –
निद्रायत्तं सुखं दुःखं पुष्टिः कार्श्यं बला-बलम् ॥ 53 ॥
वृष-ता क्लीब-ता ज्ञानम् अ-ज्ञानं जीवितं न च ।
Happiness and unhappiness, proper nourishment or emaciation, strength and debility, sexual powers and impotence, knowledge and ignorance, life and its absence (death) – all are dependent on sleep. 53.
अ-काले ऽति-प्रसङ्गाच् च न च निद्रा निषेविता ॥ 54 ॥
सुखायुषी पराकुर्यात् काल-रात्रिर् इवापरा ।
- Akaala nidra – sleep at improper time,
- Atiprasanga – excess sleep
- Na nidra – lack of sleep – these three destroys health. 54.
रात्रौ जागरणं रूक्षं स्निग्धं प्रस्वपनं दिवा ॥ 55 ॥
अ-रूक्षम् अन्-अभिष्यन्दि त्व् आसीन-प्रचलायितम् ।
- Ratri jagarana – Keeping awake at night (avoiding sleep) is dry (causes dryness inside the body),
- Divasvapna – sleeping during daytime is unctuous (causes moistness inside) and
- Taking a nap sitting comfortably (during the day) is neither dry nor unctuous 55.
ग्रीष्मे वायु-चयादान-रौक्ष्य-रात्र्य्-अल्प-भावतः ॥ 56 ॥
दिवा-स्वप्नो हितो ऽन्यस्मिन् कफ-पित्त-करो हि सः ।
मुक्त्वा तु भाष्य-यानाध्व-मद्य-स्त्री-भार-कर्मभिः ॥ 57 ॥
क्रोध-शोक-भयैः क्लान्तान् श्वास-हिध्मातिसारिणः ।
वृद्ध-बाला-बल-क्षीण-क्षत-तृट्-शूल-पीडितान् ॥ 58 ॥
Sleeping during daytime is beneficial during summer, because in that season, Vata undergoes a mild increase, dryness is more, nights are short; Day sleeping during other seasons causes Kapha and Pitta to increase.
अ-जीर्ण्य्-अभिहतोन्मत्तान् दिवा-स्वप्नोचितान् अपि ।
धातु-साम्यं तथा ह्य् एषां श्लेष्मा चाङ्गानि पुष्यति ॥ 59 ॥
It is good for those who are exhausted by ( too much of ) speaking, riding, walking, wine, woman (sexual intercourses), carrying heavy load, physical activities, tired by anger, grief and fear, for those suffering from dyspnoea, hiccup, diarrhoea, for the aged, the children, the debilitated, the emaciated, those having injury (to the fchest); thirst pain (in the abdomen), indigestion; those assaulted, those intoxicated, and those who are habituated to day sleep. In them, it maintains the normalcy of the tissues, and the ilesma (kapha) nourishes the body. 56-59.
Who should not have day sleep?
बहु-मेदः-कफाः स्वप्युः स्नेह-नित्याश् च नाहनि ।
विषार्तः कण्ठ-रोगी च नैव जातु निशास्व् अपि ॥ 60 ॥
Obese individuals, in whom Kapha is aggravated, who take regular oily food, those who are suffering from poisoning and patients with throat disease should not sleep even at night.
अ-काल-शयनान् मोह-ज्वर-स्तैमित्य-पीनसाः ।
शिरो-रुक्-शोफ-हृल्-लास-स्रोतो-रोधाग्नि-मन्द-ताः ॥ 61 ॥
तत्रोपवास-वमन-स्वेद-नावनम् औषधम् ।
Sleeping at the improper time causes delusion, fever, lassitude, nasal catarrh, headache, dropsy, oppression in the chest (nausea), obstruction of the tissue pores and weakness of digestive function; for this, fasting, emesis, sudation and medications are the treatment. 61-61½.
योजयेद् अति-निद्रायां तीक्ष्णं प्रच्छर्दनाञ्जनम् ॥ 62 ॥
नावनं लङ्घनं चिन्तां व्यवायं शोक-भी-क्रुधः ।
एभिर् एव च निद्राया नाशः श्लेष्माति-संक्षयात् ॥ 63 ॥
In case of excess of sleep, strong emetics, collyrium, nasal drops, fasting, worry, sexual intercourse, grief, fear and anger are advocated. By these, the Kapha gets decreased, leading to loss of sleep. 62-63.
निद्रा-नाशाद् अङ्ग-मर्द-शिरो-गौरव-जृम्भिकाः ।
जाड्य-ग्लानि-भ्रमा-पक्ति-तन्द्रा रोगाश् च वात-जाः ॥ 64 ॥
Loss of sleep leads to squeezing pain in the body parts, heaviness of the head, too much of yawning, lassitude, exhaustion (even without strain), giddiness, indigestion, stupor and diseases of Vata origin. 64
यथा-कालम् अतो निद्रां रात्रौ सेवेत सात्म्यतः ।
अ-सात्म्याज् जागराद् अर्धं प्रातः स्वप्याद् अ-भुक्त-वान् ॥ 65 ॥
Hence, the person should sleep at the proper time at nights daily as much as desirable and become habituated to it. If he has kept awake at night due to non-habituation (not accustomed to), he should sleep for half that period, the next morning, without taking any food. 65.
शीलयेन् मन्द-निद्रस् तु क्षीर-मद्य-रसान् दधि ।
अभ्यङ्गोद्वर्तन-स्नान-मूर्ध-कर्णाक्षि-तर्पणम् ॥ 66 ॥
कान्ता-बाहु-लताश्लेषो निर्वृतिः कृत-कृत्य-ता ।
मनो-ऽनुकूला विषयाः कामं निद्रा-सुख-प्रदाः ॥ 67 ॥
ब्रह्म-चर्य-रतेर् ग्राम्य-सुख-निः-स्पृह-चेतसः ।
निद्रा संतोष-तृप्तस्य स्वं कालं नातिवर्तते ॥ 68 ॥
Those suffering from very little sleep (or no sleep at all), should indulge in the use of milk, wine, meat soup and curds (as food), oil massage and mild squeezing (of the body), bath, anointing the head, ears and eyes with nourishing oils, comforting embrace by the arms of the wife, harbouring the feeling of satisfaction of having done good deeds and resorting to things which are comforting to the mind as much as desired; these bring about the pleasure of good sleep. For those who follow the regimen of celibacy, who are not very crazy about sexual intercourse and who are content with happiness, sleep will not be much later than its regular time. 66 – 68.
ग्राम्य-धर्मे त्यजेन् नारीम् अन्-उत्तानां रजस्वलाम् ।
अ-प्रियाम् अ-प्रियाचारां दुष्ट-संकीर्ण-मेहनाम् ॥ 69 ॥
अति-स्थूल-कृशाम् सूतां गर्भिणीम् अन्य-योषितम् ।
वर्णिनीम् अन्य-योनिं च गुरु-देव-नृपालयम् ॥ 70 ॥
चैत्य-श्मशानायतन-चत्वराम्बु-चतुष्-पथम् ।
पर्वाण्य् अन्-अङ्गं दिवसं शिरो-हृदय-ताडनम् ॥ 71 ॥
अत्य्-आशितो ऽ-धृतिः क्षुद्-वान् दुः-स्थिताङ्गः पिपासितः ।
बालो वृद्धो ऽन्य-वेगार्तस् त्यजेद् रोगी च मैथुनम् ॥ 72 ॥
Intercourse – the person should avoid the woman who is not lying with her face upward, who is in her menstrual period, who is not liked, whose activities are displeasing, whose private parts are dirty and who is troublesome; who is very obese or very emaciated, who has recently delivered, and who is pregnant; The other woman (other than his wife), and the nun, the other animals like the goat, buffalo etc., should be avoided.
Avoid sex in the abode of the teacher, gods and kings in monasteries, burial grounds, places of torture and of sacrifice and meeting of four roads.
Should avoid days of special significance (new-moon, full-moon, eclipse, festivals, mourning days and others),
Avoid non-sexual organs (oral, etc.) and also the days forbidden for sex, and avoid violence during sex.
Should not indulge in sex after a heavy meal, without keen intention, when hungry, when his body is in uncomfortable postures, when thirsty, with children, with the aged (old women), when troubled by other urges (such as of urine, faeces, etc.) and when he is himself a patient. 69-72.
सेवेत कामतः कामं तृप्तो वाजी-कृताम् हिमे ।
त्र्य्-अहाद् वसन्त-शरदोः पक्षाद् वर्षा-निदाघयोः ॥ 73 ॥
During Hemanta and Shishira (winter), the person can indulge in copulation (daily) as much as he likes after making use of aphrodisiacs (and obtaining strength); Once in three days in Vasanta (spring) and Sarat (autumn), and once a fortnight in Varsha (rainy) and Nidagha (summer). 73.
भ्रम-क्लमोरु-दौर्बल्य-बल-धात्व्-इन्द्रिय-क्षयाः ।
अ-पर्व-मरणं च स्याद् अन्य-था गच्छतः स्त्रियम् ॥ 74 ॥
Giddiness, exhaustion, weakness of the thighs, loss of strength, depletion of tissues, loss of acuity of senses and premature death occur from improper indulgence in the woman (sexual intercourse). 74.
स्मृति-मेधायुर्-आरोग्य-पुष्टीन्द्रिय-यशो-बलैः ।
अधिका मन्द-जरसो भवन्ति स्त्रीषु संयताः ॥ 75 ॥
Good memory, intelligence, long life, health, nourishment, acuity of sense organs, reputation, strength and slow ageing accrue from disciplined (controlled) indulgence in the women. 75.
स्नानानुलेपन-हिमानिल-खण्ड-खाद्य-शीताम्बु-दुग्ध-रस-यूष-सुरा-प्रसन्नाः ।
सेवेत चानु शयनं विरतौ रतस्य तस्यैवम् आशु वपुषः पुनर् एति धाम ॥ 76 ॥
After the act, the man should indulge himself in a bath, applying scented paste, exposure to cool breeze, drinking of syrup prepared from sugar candy, cold water, milk, meat juice, soup, Sura- fermented liquor prepared from grains, Prasanna – clear supernatant fluid of Sura and then go to sleep; by these, the vigour of the body returns quickly to its abode again. 76.
श्रुत-चरित-समृद्धे कर्म-दक्षे दयालौ भिषजि निर्-अनुबन्धं देह-रक्षां निवेश्य ।
भवति विपुल-तेजः-स्वास्थ्य-कीर्ति-प्रभावः स्व-कुशल-फल-भोगी भूमि-पालश् चिरायुः ॥ 77 ॥
The king who has implicitly reposed the protection of his body with his physician, who is well conversant with the scriptures and their practices, efficient in work and kind, attains great valour, health, fame, influence, capacity to enjoy the fruits of all his actions and a long life. 77.
Thus ends the 7th chapter of Ashtanga Hrudaya Sutrasthana.
