Mātrāśitīya Adhyāya, the 8th chapter of Ashtanga Hridayam Sutrasthana, is one of the most practical and important chapters for understanding how much food one should eat, how digestion works, and how an improper quantity of food becomes the root cause of disease.
This chapter is essential for BAMS students, Ayurveda practitioners, and anyone who wants to understand the Ayurvedic approach to diet and digestion
Ayurveda teaches that food is the foundation of life, but only when eaten in the right amount, at the right time, and in the right manner.
Meaning of Mātrāśitīya
- Mātrā = proper quantity
- Āśitīya = related to eating
So, Mātrāśitīya Adhyāya teaches the ideal quantity of food, how to judge it, and how it affects health.
Ayurveda emphasizes that even the best food becomes harmful if eaten in the wrong quantity.
Right Amount of Food (Matra)
Ayurveda does not prescribe a fixed quantity for everyone. The correct amount depends on:
- Strength of digestive fire (Agni)
- People with strong digestion can eat more; those with weak digestion should eat less.
- Nature of food (heavy or light)
- Heavy foods (guru ahara) like meat, curd, cheese require smaller quantities.
- Light foods (laghu ahara) like fruits, rice, moong dal can be eaten in larger amounts.
- Age, season, and activity
- Winter: digestion is strong → more food allowed
- Summer: digestion is weak → smaller meals recommended
- Individual constitution (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
- Vata people need moderate, warm, nourishing food.
- Pitta people need cooling, moderate quantity.
- Kapha people need light, small quantities.
Classical stomach‑filling rule
- ½ stomach with solid food
- ¼ stomach with liquids
- ¼ stomach left empty
This empty space allows proper movement of Vata and efficient digestion.
Effects of Eating More or Less Food
Eating Too Much (Atimātra Bhojana)
Overeating weakens Agni and leads to:
- Heaviness
- Ama formation
- Obesity
- Diabetes
- Breathlessness
- Indigestion
- Lethargy
- Skin diseases
- Heartburn
- Joint pain
Ayurveda states: “Overeating is the root cause of disease.”
Eating Too Little (Hīnamātra Bhojana)
Undereating causes:
- Weakness
- Weight loss
- Dryness
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Loss of strength
- Vata aggravation
- Poor immunity
Balanced eating is essential for health.
Alasaka – Stagnation of Food in the Stomach
Alasaka occurs when food remains unmoved and undigested in the stomach due to:
- Weak Agni
- Eating heavy food
- Eating before the previous meal digests
- Suppression of natural urges
Symptoms
- Abdominal heaviness
- No movement of food
- No belching
- Pain
- Vomiting attempts without success
Viśūcikā – Sudden Expulsion of Food
Viśūcikā is a severe form of indigestion where food is forcefully expelled from both ends.
Symptoms
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Cramps
- Thirst
- Dizziness
- Sudden weakness
This resembles modern acute gastroenteritis.
Influence of Doshas in Alasaka & Viśūcikā
Vata-Type
- Severe pain
- Dryness
- Gas
- Constipation
Pitta-Type
- Burning sensation
- Sour belching
- Thirst
- Fever
Kapha-Type
- Heaviness
- Nausea
- Excess salivation
- Lethargy
Understanding dosha involvement guides treatment.
Dandalasaka
A severe form of Alasaka where the abdomen becomes stiff like a stick (danda).
Symptoms
- Rigid abdomen
- Severe pain
- No movement of food
- Difficulty breathing
This is considered a dangerous condition requiring immediate treatment.
Ama Dosha – The Root of Disease
Ama is toxic, undigested residue formed due to weak digestion.
Characteristics
- Sticky
- Heavy
- Cold
- Foul-smelling
- Blocks channels (Srotas)
Symptoms
- Coated tongue
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Joint pain
- Indigestion
- Constipation
Ama is the starting point of many chronic diseases.
Treatment Principles (Chikitsa Siddhanta)
Ama & Indigestion
- Light food (laghu ahara)
- Warm water
- Fasting (Langhana)
- Digestive herbs (Deepana)
- Carminatives (Pachana)
- Mild purgation or emesis depending on dosha
- Avoid heavy, oily, cold foods
Alasaka
- Fomentation
- Vata-reducing therapies
- Digestive stimulants
Viśūcikā
- Rehydration
- Light gruels
- Pitta-pacifying herbs
- Avoid solid food initially
Different Types of Indigestion (Ajīrna)
1. Vistabdha Ajirna (Vata)
- Gas
- Pain
- Distention
2. Vidagdha Ajirna (Pitta)
- Burning
- Sour belching
- Thirst
3. Ama Ajirna (Kapha)
- Heaviness
- Nausea
- Excess saliva
4. Rasashesha Ajirna
- Eating before the previous meal digests
5. Adhyashana
- Eating over the undigested food
Bad Food Habits (Ahara Dosha)
- Eating too fast
- Eating too slow
- Eating while angry or sad
- Eating without hunger
- Eating incompatible foods
- Eating late at night
- Eating cold food regularly
- Drinking too much water with meals
These habits weaken Agni and create Ama.
Ahara Vidhi – Rules of Eating
Ayurveda prescribes clear rules:
- Eat warm, fresh food
- Eat in a calm environment
- Eat with concentration
- Avoid talking while eating
- Eat only when hungry
- Maintain regular meal timings
- Avoid overeating
- Avoid eating immediately after exercise or bath.
These rules protect digestion.
Foods to Be Consumed Habitually (Nitya Sevaniya)
- Warm water
- Old rice
- Moong dal
- Ghee
- Honey (not heated)
- Rock salt
- Seasonal fruits
- Buttermilk
- Light soups
These foods support digestion and immunity.
Foods Not to Be Consumed Habitually (Nitya Aseviya)
- Curd at night
- Heavy meats
- Deep-fried foods
- Excess sweets
- Excess sour foods
- Cold drinks
- Leftover food
- Fermented foods in excess
These weaken Agni and create Ama.
Beginning and End of Food (Rasa Krama)
Start of Meal
- Sweet taste (Madhura Rasa)
- Nourishes tissues
- Calms Vata and Pitta
Middle of Meal
- Sour and salty tastes
- Stimulate digestion
End of Meal
- Astringent and bitter tastes
- Cleanse the palate
- Lighten the stomach
This sequence supports balanced digestion.
Rules of Drinking Water Before, During, and After Meals
Before Meals
- Reduces Agni
- Leads to weight loss
- Not recommended for weak digestion
During Meals
- Small sips aid digestion
- Helps mix food
- Prevents dryness
After Meals
- Increases Kapha
- Leads to weight gain
- Causes heaviness
Warm water is always preferred.
Proper Time of Meals
- Eat only when hungry
- Maintain regular timings
- Lunch should be the heaviest meal (Agni is strongest at noon)
- Dinner should be light and early
- Avoid eating late at night
- Avoid eating immediately after the previous meal
Proper timing protects Agni and prevents disease.
Food Combinations (Viruddha Ahara)
This chapter also hints at avoiding incompatible foods, such as:
- Milk with sour fruits
- Fish with milk
- Curd at night
- Heating honey
- Eating fruits immediately after meals
Wrong combinations disturb Agni.
NOTES FROM BOOK
Right Amount of Food – Aharamatra Apeksha:
मात्राशी सर्व-कालं स्यान् मात्रा ह्य् अग्नेः प्रवर्तिका ।
मात्रां द्रव्याण्य् अपेक्षन्ते गुरूण्य् अपि लघून्य् अपि ॥ 1 ॥
गुरूणाम् अर्ध-सौहित्यं लघूनां नाति-तृप्त-ता ।|
मात्रा-प्रमाणं निर्दिष्टं सुखं यावद् विजीर्यति ॥ 2 ॥
One should always consume a proper quantity of food. The right amount of food activates Agni –digestion power (which is compared to fire, in Ayurveda). Foods that are light to digest (laghu) and those that are hard to digest (Guru) both require a specified quantity for proper digestion. As a general rule, if the food is heavy to digest (such as oily food, non-veg, sweets, etc.), it should be consumed till half of the satiation level is achieved. (Ardha Sauhitya). If the food is light to digest, it should be consumed till one is not overly satiated. (Na Ati Truptata). The right amount of food is that which undergoes digestion easily.
Effect of taking more or less of the quantity of food –
भोजनं हीन-मात्रं तु न बलोपचयौजसे ।
सर्वेषां वात-रोगाणां हेतु-तां च प्रपद्यते ॥ 3 ॥
अति-मात्रं पुनः सर्वान् आशु दोषान् प्रकोपयेत् ।
Consuming less quantity of food does not increase strength, ojus (immunity). The body will not be nourished properly. Over a period of time, it leads to Vata imbalance disorders. An excess quantity of food is again not desirable. It causes a quick increase in Doshas. 3 – 3½.
Effects of overeating:
पीड्यमाना हि वाताद्या युग-पत् तेन कोपिताः ॥ 4 ॥
आमेनान्नेन दुष्टेन तद् एवाविश्य कुर्वते ।
विष्टम्भयन्तो ऽलसकं च्यावयन्तो विषूचिकाम् ॥ 5 ॥
अधरोत्तर-मार्गाभ्यां सहसैवा-जितात्मनः ।
Due to eating excess quantity of food, Vata and other Doshas suddenly increase together and, associated with the undigested and vitiated food (Ama), produce diseases. It causes Alasaka disease by blocking the movement of food inside the alimentary tract and Visuchika (gastroenteritis) by expelling out the undigested food in both downward and upward directions (diarrhoea and vomiting) simultaneously. This is seen in persons who are not self-controlled and who can not control their craving to eat. 4-5.
Alasaka – indigestion + constipation:
प्रयाति नोर्ध्वं नाधस्-ताद् आहारो न च पच्यते ॥ 6 ॥
आमाशये ऽलसी-भूतस् तेन सो ऽलसकः स्मृतः ।
Food neither comes out in the upper route by vomiting nor from the downward route by purgation. Nor does it undergo digestion in the stomach. It stays in the stomach lazily (=Alasya). Such a disease condition is called as Alasaka. 6.
Visuchika ~ Gastroenteritis
विविधैर् वेदनोद्भेदैर् वाय्व्-आदि-भृश-कोपतः ॥ 7 ॥
सूचीभिर् इव गात्राणि विध्यतीति विषूचिका ।
Due to sudden and profound aggravation of Vata, along with other Doshas, the person experiences pain in the entire body, as though being pricked by needles, hence this disease is called Visuchika. (Suchi means needle).
Influence of different Doshas in Alasaka and Visuchika –
तत्र शूल-भ्रमानाह-कम्प-स्तम्भादयो ऽनिलात् ॥ 8 ॥
पित्ताज् ज्वरातिसारान्तर्-दाह-तृट्-प्रलयादयः ।
कफाच् छर्द्य्-अङ्ग-गुरु-ता-वाक्-सङ्ग-ष्ठीवनादयः ॥ 9 ॥
In Alasaka and Visuchika, if Vata is aggravated, it causes
- Shoola – abdominal pain
- Bhrama – Delusion
- Anaha – bloating, fullness
- Kampa – tremors
- Stambha – stiffness, etc., symptoms.
If Pitta is aggravated, it causes
- Jvara – fever
- Atisara – diarrhoea, dysentery
- Antardaha – internal burning sensation
- Trut – excessive thirst
- Pralaya – panic, unconsciousness
If Kapha is aggravated, it causes
- Chardi – Vomiting
- Angaguruta – heaviness of the body
- Vak Sangha – Difficulty speaking
- Shteevana – excessive salivation, expectoration and spitting
Manifestation of Alasaka symptoms:
विशेषाद् दुर्-बलस्याल्प-वह्नेर् वेग-विधारिणः ।
पीडितं मारुतेनान्नं श्लेष्मणा रुद्धम् अन्तरा ॥ 10 ॥
अलसं क्षोभितं दोषैः शल्य-त्वेनैव संस्थितम् ।
शूलादीन् कुरुते तीव्रांश् छर्द्य्-अतीसार-वर्जितान् ॥ 11 ॥
सो ऽलसो
Alasaka occurs especially in those who are weak, who have low digestive strength and who suppress urges of the body, habitually. In them, Vata gets increased, gets associated with Kapha to obstruct the movement of undigested food in the digestive tract. It causes the food to stay inside the stomach as a foreign body. It leads to abdominal colic and such other symptoms, but without vomiting and diarrhoea. 10 – 11.
Dandalasaka –
ऽत्य्-अर्थ-दुष्टास् तु दोषा दुष्टाम-बद्ध-खाः ।
यान्तस् तिर्यक् तनुं सर्वां दण्ड-वत् स्तम्भयन्ति चेत् ॥ 12 ॥
दण्डकालसकं नाम तं त्यजेद् आशु-कारिणम् ।
Highly vitiated Doshas move into vitiated and obstructed channels by the accumulation of undigested food. Thus, Doshas get obstructed in the GI tract and begin to move in other unnatural channels. Thus, Doshas spread throughout the body and make it stiff like a log of wood. This disease is called Dandakalasaka, which should be rejected for treatment as it is quick to cause death. 12.
Ama Dosha
विरुद्धाध्यशना-जीर्ण-शीलिनो विष-लक्षणम् ॥ 13 ॥
आम-दोषं महा-घोरं वर्जयेद् विष-संज्ञकम् ।
विष-रूपाशु-कारि-त्वाद् विरुद्धोपक्रम-त्वतः ॥ 14 ॥
Persons who indulge in
- Viruddha Ashana – taking incompatible foods,
- Adhyashana – taking excess food
- Ajeerna Ashana – Eating over-undigested food,
develops the dreaded Amadosa, which is similar to poison. Hence, it is also called as Amavisha (undigested food poison).
Such a person should be refused for treatment because of its similarity with poison, quickness in causing death and requiring treatments of opposite nature to one another, Doshas and qualities. 13 – 14.
Treatment of Alasak
अथामम् अलसी-भूतं साध्यं त्वरितम् उल्लिखेत् ।
पीत्वा सोग्रा-पटु-फलं वार्य् उष्णं योजयेत् ततः ॥ 15 ॥
स्वेदनं फल-वर्तिं च मल-वातानुलोमनीम् ।
नाम्यमानानि चाङ्गानि भृशं स्विन्नानि वेष्टयेत् ॥ 16 ॥
Ama – undigested food stagnating inside the gastrointestinal tract should be removed quickly after deciding on the conditions of easy management. The person is made to drink warm water mixed with powder of Ugra (Vacha – Acorus calamus), Patu (Saindhava – Black Salt) and Phala (Madanaphala); This will cause vomiting; This therapy is followed up with Swedana (sudation therapy) Next, Phalavarti (rectal suppositories) prepared from fruits which help downward movement of feaces and flatus should be administered, The parts of the body which are rigid should be well fomented and then wrapped with cloth. 15 – 16.
Treatment of Vishucika
विषूच्याम् अति-वृद्धायां पार्ष्ण्योर् दाहः प्रशस्यते ।
तद्-अहश् चोपवास्यैनं विरिक्त-वद् उपाचरेत् ॥ 17 ॥
In the advanced stage of Visucika, branding by fire over the heel is recommended. The patient should be made to fast on that day and taken care of as the one who has undergone purgation therapy. All the post-Virechana procedure and treatment should be given to the patient. 17.
Aama Dosha Chikitsa
तीव्रार्तिर् अपि ना-जीर्णी पिबेच् छूल-घ्नम् औषधम् ।
आम-सन्नो ऽनलो नालं पक्तुं दोषौषधाशनम् ॥ 18 ॥
निहन्याद् अपि चैतेषां विभ्रमः सहसातुरम् ।
The patient with indigestion, though having severe abdominal pain, should not take pain-killing drugs; the Agni – digestive fire, which is associated with Ama – improperly processed metabolites, will not be able to digest the Doshas, drugs and food; the severe troubles arising from these three will soon kill the patient. 18.
जीर्णाशने तु भैषज्यं युञ्ज्यात् स्तब्ध-गुरूदरे ॥ 19 ॥
दोष-शेषस्य पाकार्थम् अग्नेः संधुक्षणाय च ।
After the food is found to be digested, if stiffness and heaviness of the abdomen persist, then the medicines should be given to digest the residue Doshas and to stimulate the Agni – digestive power. 19.
शान्तिर् आम-विकाराणां भवति त्व् अपतर्पणात् ॥ 20 ॥
त्रि-विधं त्रि-विधे दोषे तत् समीक्ष्य प्रयोजयेत् ।
Diseases produced by Ama – undigested food- become relieved by Apatarpana (non-nourishment); Three kinds of Apatarpana, appropriate to the three Doshas, should be adopted after careful consideration of all aspects. 20.
तत्राल्पे लङ्घनं पथ्यं मध्ये लङ्घन-पाचनम् ॥ 21 ॥
प्रभूते शोधनं तद् धि मूलाद् उन्मूलयेन् मलान् ।
If Ama is little, only Langhana (fasting) will be suitable. If it is moderate, Langhana (fasting) and Pachana – digestive drugs are needed; if it is severe, then Shodhana (purification Panchakarma therapy) is necessary; for these will expel out the Dosha and Ama from the very root. 21.
Treatment principle for diseases
एवम् अन्यान् अपि व्याधीन् स्व-निदान-विपर्ययात् ॥ 22 ॥
चिकित्सेद् अनुबन्धे तु सति हेतु-विपर्ययम् ।
त्यक्त्वा यथा-यथं वैद्यो युञ्ज्याद् व्याधि-विपर्ययम् ॥ 23 ॥
Even the other diseases should be treated by adopting treatments that are opposite to their causative factors. It is called as Hetu Viparyaya Chikitsa. Hetu means causative factors. If, however, the diseases recur or persist for a long time, then the Hetu Viparyaya should be given up, and disease-specific treatment should be adopted. It is called as Vyadhi Viparyaya Chikitsa.
तद्-अर्थ-कारि वा पक्वे दोषे त्व् इद्धे च पावके ।
हितम् अभ्यञ्जन-स्नेह-पान-वस्त्य्-आदि युक्तितः ॥ 24 ॥
Or Tadarthakari Chikitsa (therapies which, though not actually opposite of either the cause or the diseases still produce the desired result) should be adopted; When the Doshas have returned to normal, when the Ama is completely relieved, when digestion activity is completely restored to normalcy, then oil-bath, drinking of oil (oleation therapies) and enema therapy, etc. should be administered appropriately. To regain the patient’s lost strength. 22-24.
Ajirna Bheda – different kinds of indigestion –
अ-जीर्णं च कफाद् आमं तत्र शोफो ऽक्षि-गण्डयोः ।
सद्यो-भुक्त इवोद्गारः प्रसेकोत्क्लेश-गौरवम् ॥ 25 ॥
Vitiation of Kapha causes ”Ama Ajeerna”. It is characterised by swelling of the eye sockets and cheeks, belching similar to those which come up immediately after meals, excess salivation, nausea and heaviness of the body. 25
विष्टब्धम् अनिलाच् छूल-विबन्धाध्मान-साद-कृत् ।
Vishthabdha ajirna – this type of indigestion is caused due to vitiated Vata and is characterised by pain in the abdomen, constipation, flatulence and debility.
पित्ताद् विदग्धं तृण्-मोह-भ्रमाम्लोद्गार-दाह-वत् ॥ 26 ॥
Vidagdha ajirna – this type of indigestion is due to vitiated Pitta and has thirst, fainting, dizziness, giddiness, sour belching and burning sensation as its symptoms. 26
Ajirna Chikitsa – Treatment of Indigestion
लङ्घनं कार्यम् आमे तु विष्टब्धे स्वेदनं भृशम् ।
विदग्धे वमनं यद् वा यथावस्थं हितं भवेत् ॥ 27 ॥
- For Ama ajirna, Langhana – fasting should be done;
- For Vishtabdha Ajirna, Swedana (sudation therapy) should be done.
- For Vidagdha ajirna, Vamana (emesis therapy) should be done, or any therapy appropriate to the stage of the disease can be done. 27
Vilambika disease:
गरीयसो भवेल् लीनाद् आमाद् एव विलम्बिका ।
कफ-वातानुबद्धाम-लिङ्गा तत्-सम-साधना ॥ 28 ॥
Vilambika – another kind of indigestion occurs due to profound accumulation of Ama inside the channels. It is caused due to vitiation of Kapha and Vata, and has all the symptoms of Ama; its treatment also is similar to that of Ama. 28
Rasashesha Ajeerna -another type of indigestion
अ-श्रद्धा हृद्-व्यथा शुद्धे ऽप्य् उद्गारे रस-शेषतः ।
शयीत किञ्-चिद् एवात्र सर्वश् चान्-आशितो दिवा ॥ 29 ॥
स्वप्याद् अ-जीर्णी संजात-बुभुक्षो ऽद्यान् मितं लघु ।
Rasashesha ajeerna – Lack of enthusiasm, discomfort in the region of the heart despite pure belching, are the features of Rasashesha ajirna – another kind of indigestion. Such a person should sleep for some time during the day without eating anything. A patient with indigestion of any type should sleep during the day without taking any food. Later, when he develops hunger, he should eat little quantity of easily digestible food. 28½ – 29
Ajirna Samanya Laksana – general symptoms of indigestion:-
विबन्धो ऽति-प्रवृत्तिर् वा ग्लानिर् मारुत-मूढ-ता ॥ 30 ॥
अ-जीर्ण-लिङ्गं सामान्यं विष्टम्भो गौरवं भ्रमः ।
Diarrhoea or constipation, exhaustion, inactivity of Vata, distension of the abdomen, feeling of heaviness and dizziness are the general symptoms of Ajirna (indigestion). 30
Ajirna Anyakaranani – other causes of indigestion
न चाति-मात्रम् एवान्नम् आम-दोषाय केवलम् ॥ 31 ॥
द्विष्ट-विष्टम्भि-दग्धाम-गुरु-रूक्ष-हिमा-शुचि ।
विदाहि शुष्कम् अत्य्-अम्बु-प्लुतं चान्नं न जीर्यति ॥ 32 ॥
उपतप्तेन भुक्तं च शोक-क्रोध-क्षुद्-आदिभिः ।
Consuming a large quantity of food is not the only cause for the production of Ama Dosha; foods which are disliked, which cause flatulence, which are over-cooked or uncooked, which are not easily digestible, which are dry, very cold, dirty (contaminated), and cause a burning sensation during digestion, which are dried up or soaked in more water, do not undergo proper digestion; so also the food consumed by persons afflicted with grief, anger, excess hunger, etc. 31- 32½
Dushta Ashana – bad food habits:
मिश्रं पथ्यम् अ-पथ्यं च भुक्तं समशनं मतम् ॥ 33 ॥
विद्याद् अध्यशनं भूयो भुक्तस्योपरि भोजनम् ।
अ-काले बहु चाल्पं वा भुक्तं तु विषमाशनम् ॥ 34 ॥
त्रीण्य् अप्य् एतानि मृत्युं वा घोरान् व्याधीन् सृजन्ति वा ।
Consuming suitable and unsuitable foods mixed is known as Samashana. Consuming a large quantity of food even before the previous meal is digested constitutes Adhyasana, Consuming less or more quantity at the improper time is Vishamashana, – all these three either cause death or dreaded diseases. 33 – 34
Ahara vidhi – regimen of diet –
काले सात्म्यं शुचि हितं स्निग्धोष्णं लघु तन्-मनाः ॥ 35 ॥
षड्-रसं मधुर-प्रायं नाति-द्रुत-विलम्बितम् ।
स्नातः क्षुद्-वान् विविक्त-स्थो धौत-पाद-कराननः ॥ 36 ॥
तर्पयित्वा पितॄन् देवान् अतिथीन् बालकान् गुरून् ।
प्रत्यवेक्ष्य तिरश्चो ऽपि प्रतिपन्न-परिग्रहान् ॥ 37 ॥
समीक्ष्य सम्यग् आत्मानम् अ-निन्दन्न् अ-ब्रुवन् द्रवम् ।
इष्टम् इष्टैः सहाश्नीयाच् छुचि-भक्त-जनाहृतम् ॥ 38 ॥
- Kale Satmyam – Food should be consumed at the proper time,
- Shuchi Hitam – it should be the accustomed, clean, suited to health,
- Snigdha, Ushna, Laghu – unctuous, hot and easily digestible;
- Tanmanaa – consuming food with due attention
- Shadrasa, Madhurapraayam – should contain all the six tastes with predominance of sweet taste,
- Na Atidruta, Vilambitam – partaken neither very quickly nor very slowly;
- Snataha – after taking a bath,
- Kshut vaan – after having a good hunger,
- Viviktastha -sitting in solitude,
- Dhauta Pada kara aananaha – after washing the feet, hands and face,
- Tarpayitva pitrun, Devan, Atitheen, Balakaan,
- Guroon – after satisfying the Pitrus (manes), gods, guests, children and the Guru.
After satisfying even the dependents maintained in the house (such as servants, horses and other animals for receiving service, parrots and other pets, etc.), after carefully considering one’s own constitution, likes and dislikes, without scolding/abusing the food, without too much talk; should partake more of liquid food, that which is liked, in the company of the liked persons, and served by those who are clean and faithful to him. 35 – 38
भोजनं तृण-केशादि-जुष्टम् उष्णी-कृतं पुनः ।
शाकावरान्न-भूयिष्ठम् अत्य्-उष्ण-लवणं त्यजेत् ॥ 39 ॥
Food that is contaminated with grass, hairs, etc., re-heated, which consists more of vegetables and undesirable grains, which are very hot and very salty, should be rejected. 39
Food that should not be consumed habitually –
किलाट-दधि-कूचीका-क्षार-शुक्ताम-मूलकम् ।
कृश-शुष्क-वराहावि-गो-मत्स्य-महिषामिषम् ॥ 40 ॥
माष-निष्पाव-शालूक-बिस-पिष्ट-विरूढकम् ।
शुष्क-शाकानि यवकान् फाणितं च न शीलयेत् ॥ 41 ॥
- Kilata (dairy product – sweet in taste),
- Dadhi – Curds,
- Kuchika (solid part of curds),
- Kshara (alkalies),
- Sukta (fermented gruel),
- Ama Mulaka – Uncooked radish,
- Meat of animals that are emaciated,
- dry meat, meat of the boar, sheep, cow, fish and buffalo,
- Masha (black gram), Nishpava; Saluka, Bisa, Pista (powdery, starchy),
- germinated grains, dried vegetables, Yavaka (small barley),
- Phanita (half-cooked molasses) – those should not be consumed habitually. 40 – 41.
Pathya – food that can be consumed habitually (daily, for a long time) –
शीलयेच् छालि-गोधूम-यव-षष्टिक-जाङ्गलम् ।
सुनिषण्णक-जीवन्ती-बाल-मूलक-वास्तुकम् ॥ 42 ॥
पथ्यामलक-मृद्वीका-पटोली-मुद्ग-शर्कराः ।
घृत-दिव्योदक-क्षीर-क्षौद्र-दाडिम-सैन्धवम् ॥ 43 ॥
- Shali (rice),
- Godhuma (wheat),
- Yava – Barley – Hordeum vulgare,
- Shashtika (rice maturing in sixty days),
- Jangala (meat of animals of desert-like lands),
- sunisannaka, Jivanti – Leptadenia reticulata,
- Balamulaka (young radish),
- Pathya (Haritaki)
- Amalaka (Amla – Indian gooseberry),
- Mridwika – dry grapes,
- Mudga – green gram,
- Sarkara (sugar),
- Ghrita (ghee),
- Divyodaka (rain water or pure water),
- Ksheera (milk),
- Kshoudra (honey),
- Dadima – Pomegranate – Punica granatum
- and Saindhava – Rock Salt (salt) can be consumed habitually. 42 – 43.
त्रि-फलां मधु-सर्पिर्भ्यां निशि नेत्र-बलाय च ।
स्वास्थ्यानुवृत्ति-कृद् यच् च रोगोच्छेद-करं च यत् ॥ 44 ॥
Triphala, along with honey and ghee, should be consumed at night daily for strengthening the eyesight. Any other thing that is good for promoting/maintaining health and dispelling diseases can also be consumed habitually. 43½.
Food that should be consumed at the beginning of meal –
बिसेक्षु-मोच-चोचाम्र-मोदकोत्कारिकादिकम् ।
अद्याद् द्रव्यं गुरु स्निग्धं स्वादु मन्दं स्थिरं पुरः ॥ 45 ॥
विपरीतम् अतश् चान्ते मध्ये ऽम्ल-लवणोत्कटम् ।
Foods which are not easily digestible, which are unctuous – fatty, sweet, slow and hard, such as Bisa, Ikshu (sugarcane), Mocha, Coca, Amra (mango), Modaka (sweet meat ball), Utkarika (sweet dish), etc., should be consumed at the commencement of the meal. foods of opposite qualities, at the end of the meal, and those which are predominantly sour and salty, in the middle of the meal. 45 – 45½.
अन्नेन कुक्षेर् द्वाव् अंशौ पानेनैकं प्रपूरयेत् ॥ 46 ॥
आश्रयं पवनादीनां चतुर्थम् अवशेषयेत् ।
Two parts of the stomach (half of its capacity) should be filled with solid foods, one part by liquids and the remaining one part should be kept vacant for accommodating air, etc. 46
Anupana – (after–drink):-
अनु-पानं हिमं वारि यव-गोधूमयोर् हितम् ॥ 47 ॥
दध्नि मद्ये विषे क्षौद्रे कोष्णं पिष्ट-मयेषु तु ।
शाक-मुद्गादि-विकृतौ मस्तु-तक्राम्ल-काञ्जिकम् ॥ 48 ॥
सुरा कृशानां पुष्ट्य्-अर्थं स्थूलानां तु मधूदकम् ।
शोषे मांस-रसो मद्यं मांसे स्व्-अल्पे च पावके ॥ 49 ॥
व्याध्य्-औषधाध्व-भाष्य-स्त्री-लङ्घनातप-कर्मभिः ।
क्षीणे वृद्धे च बाले च पयः पथ्यं यथामृतम् ॥ 50 ॥
Cold water is the ideal after-drink (Anupana) – after meals containing/ prepared from Yava – (Barley) and Godhuma – wheat, after consuming Dadhi – Curds/yoghurt, wine, poison, and Honey.
Warm water is an ideal after-drink for foods that are starchy,
- Mastu – Supernatant liquid of curds (whey),
- Takra (diluted buttermilk)
- Amla kanjika (fermented gruel);
- dishes prepared from vegetables,
- Mudga (green gram), and other legumes :
- Sura (beer) is the ideal after-drink for a lean person.
- Honey mixed with water is the ideal after-drink for an obese person.
- Meat soup is good after drinking for the emaciated,
- Wines are ideal after a meal of meat, and for those who have poor digestive capacity.
Milk is best suited just as a nourishment for those who are debilitated by diseases, medicines (and therapies), walking long distances, speaking, sexual intercourse, fasting, exposure to the sun and such other tiresome activities; for the emaciated, the aged, and children. 47 – 50.
An ideal Anupana
विपरीतं यद् अन्नस्य गुणैः स्याद् अ-विरोधि च ।
अनु-पानं समासेन सर्व-दा तत् प्रशस्यते ॥ 51 ॥
An ideal Anupana ( after-drink) is that which has properties opposite to those of the foods but not incompatible with them; such an after-drink is always valuable. 51.
Benefits of Anupana:
अनु-पानं करोत्य् ऊर्जां तृप्तिं व्याप्तिं दृढाङ्ग-ताम् ।
अन्न-संघात-शैथिल्य-विक्लित्ति-जरणानि च ॥ 52 ॥
Anupana – after–drink invigorates, gives contentment, helps proper movement of food inside, stability of the body parts; loosening of hard masses of food, their proper liquification (moistening) and digestion. 52.
Contra indication for Anupana –
नोर्ध्व-जत्रु-गद-श्वास-कासोरः-क्षत-पीनसे ।
गीत-भाष्य-प्रसङ्गे च स्वर-भेदे च तद् धितम् ॥ 53 ॥
It is not good for diseases of the organs above the shoulders (ear, nose, throat, eyes and brain-related diseases), dyspnoea (COPD, Asthma), cough, injury to the chest (lungs), rhinitis, for those engaged in singing and speaking and in hoarseness of voice. 53.
प्रक्लिन्न-देह-मेहाक्षि-गल-रोग-व्रणातुराः ।
पानं त्यजेयुः
Drinking liquids should be avoided by those who are over-hydrated, who are suffering from polyuria, diseases of the eyes and throat, and wounds (ulcers). 54.
सर्वश् च भाष्याध्व-शयनं त्यजेत् ॥ 54 ॥
पीत्वा भुक्त्वातपं वह्निं यानं प्लवन-वाहनम् ॥ ॥
All persons – both healthy and sick should avoid speaking, walking long distances and sleeping immediately after consuming liquids; exposure to sun and fire, travel in vehicles, swimming and riding on animals soon after consuming food. 54½.
Ahara kala – proper time of meals:-
प्रसृष्टे विण्-मूत्रे हृदि सु-वि-मले दोषे स्व-पथ-गे ॥ ॥
विशुद्धे चोद्गारे क्षुद्-उपगमने वाते ऽनुसरति ॥ ॥
तथाग्नाव् उद्रिक्ते विशद-करणे देहे च सु-लघौ ॥ ॥
प्रयुञ्जीताहारं विधि-नियमितं कालः स हि मतः ॥ 55 ॥
The ideal time for taking meals is after the elimination of feaces and urine, when the mind is clean (devoid of emotions), when the Doshas are moving in their natural paths (functioning normally), when belching are pure without and foul smell or taste, when hunger is well manifest, when the flatus is moving downward easily, when the digestive activity is keen, when the sense organs are clear functioning, when the body is light. Food should be consumed while observing the rules and procedures of taking food. That is the ideal time. 54 – 55.
Thus ends the chapter called Matrashitiya, the eighth in the Sutrasthana of Astangahrdaya Samhita.
