Based on various properties, there are several synonyms for water. Jeevanam is a synonym for water, which means life as water is quintessential for life.
JALA MAHABOOTA (WATER) AND HUMAN BODY:
Water is not only an essential nutrient but is one of the five basic elements essential for the creation of this universe (including the humans). It is the Jala Mahabhoota – the water element.
Charaka Samhita mentions that all types of fluids in the body are made up of Jala Mahabhoota. (Water element) Hence the water we use is of life giving principle and a detailed knowledge of the water is very important.
THIRST – AN URGE TO DRINK WATER
Water is so vital for all our body processes that thirst compels us to drink long before we get dehydrated. Among the natural urges explained in Ayurveda, thirst is explained under the category of 13 NON-SUPPRESSIBLE NATURAL URGES. Suppression of thirst gives rise to dryness of throat & mouth, deafness, fatigue, depression & cardiac pain. For which cold and gratifying drinks are recommended.
PURIFICATION OF WATER:
Ayurveda gives a beautiful explanation on the purification of drinking water at various stages.
1. Filtration through thick cloth.
2. Boiling: This is described as there stages:
a. If the water is hard for digestion it should be boiled and reduced to half of original quantity.
b. If moderately hard for digestion it should be boiled and reduced to two-thirds of original quantity.
c. If slightly hard for digestion it should be boiled and reduced to three-fourths of original quantity.
Water boiled in the above standards will become easy for digestion and good for health.
3. Making it clear with the addition of some herbs: The addition of tubers of lotus plant, pearls, seeds of kataka (Strychnos potatorum), gomedhaka (Dolomite stone)
4. Removing its unpleasant odour by adding into it some fragrant flowers like patala (Steriospermum colais), karavira (Nerium indicum),etc.
The combination of herbs used for the above purpose is available at our Center. contact our Vaidya for more information on the practical process of water purification.
IDEAL WATER FOR DRINKING: Boiled and cooled water / Boiled and luke warm water/ water purified the above way / medicated water (any of the medicated water mentioned below) is ideal for drinking and the quantity depends on the individual’s constitution.
CONCEPT OF WARM/COLD WATER DRINKING IN AYURVEDA: Warm water is easy for digestion and maintains the equilibrium of the body. It is generally advised to take luke warm water. Certain conditions related to pitta or rakta disturbance, alcoholism, fatigue, fainting, giddiness, thirst, burning sensation requires cold water (not refrigerated) for drinking.
WATER AND MEAL TIMINGS:
Water taken before meals dilutes all the digestive juices and causes poor digestion, which in turn leads to inadequate nourishment; the same immediately after meals produces increases Kapha, which leads to laziness, excessive sleep and consequent accumulation of more fat in the body. Hence it is advised to avoid drinking of water at these two times and drink moderate quantity of water during meals itself which is ideal for maintenance of health.
MEDICATED WATER:
A few medicated drinking waters commonly in practice are listed below. Contact our Vaidyas for more information. The raw drug combinations are available with us.
PANCHAKOLA JALA
It is a digestive, carminative, appetiser, anti-rheumatic, anti-pyretic.
PANCHAKOLA KULATHA PANEEYA
Recommended in obesity and hypothyroidism. It also has the properties of Panchakola Jala as mentioned above.
JEERAKA JALA
Digestive, carminative, coolant, anti-spasmodic
DHANYAKA JALA
Digestive, carminative, coolant, anti-spasmodic
SHUNTI JALA
Digestive, carminative, appetiser, anti-rheumatic, anti-pyretic, helps in.
KHADHIRA JALA
Blood purifier, improves voice, good in throat ailments.
YAVA JALA
Diuretic, recommended in urinary calculi, obesity.
SHADANGAPANEEYA
Coolant, blood purifier, anti-pyretic.
Follow us on Twitter
