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The word ‘rasa dhatu’ literally means the component of body with nutrients and essence. There are two forms of rasa related to body physiology. Ahara rasa is the essence of food after the first level of digestion by ja''Italic text''tharagni (factors responsible for digestion and metabolism) in stomach.The second form is rasa dhatu. It is the component formed after the ahara rasa is acted upon by rasa dhatvagni.
The word ‘rasa dhatu’ literally means the component of body with nutrients and essence. There are two forms of rasa related to body physiology. Ahara rasa is the essence of food after the first level of digestion by ''jatharagni'' (factors responsible for digestion and metabolism) in the stomach. The second form is ''rasa dhatu''. It is the component formed after the ''ahara rasa'' gets acted upon by ''rasa dhatvagni.''
==Etymology and derivation:==
==Etymology and derivation:==
The word ‘rasa’ is derived from the Sanskrit root “ras” having the meaning of taste, to relish, to perceive, to feel, to desire.
The word ‘rasa’ is derived from the Sanskrit root “ras” having the meaning of taste, to relish, to perceive, to feel, to desire.
Rasa is derived from the root ‘gatau’ which means moving. As the nutrient fluidis continuously circulated in our body,it is known as rasa.[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/13]
Rasa is derived from the root ‘gatau’ which means moving. As the nutrient fluid is continuously circulated in our body, it is known as rasa.[Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/13]
==Synonyms: ==
==Synonyms: ==
• Adyadhatu(first dhatu) [Ash. Hr. Sutra Sthana 13/25]
• Adyadhatu(first dhatu) [Ash. Hr. Sutra Sthana 13/25]
• Aharaparinama dhatu (transformed from food) [Cha. Sa. NidanaSthana 1/23]
• Aharaparinama dhatu (transformed from food) [Cha. Sa. NidanaSthana 1/23]
• Prasada and sara are the synonyms of rasa in the context of ahararasa.
• Prasada and sara are the synonyms of rasa in the context of ahararasa.
==Meanings in different contexts: ==
==Meanings in different contexts: ==
The word rasa has a wide range of meanings like taste, extract/juice, meat soup, mercury. In context of body components, the terms like ahararasa, rasa dhatu, sharirarasa/garbharasaetc. are described.
The word rasa has a wide range of meanings like taste, extract/juice, meat soup, mercury.
In context of body components, the terms like ahararasa, rasa dhatu, sharirarasa/garbharasaetc. are described.
The word ‘garbharasa’ is applied to denote ojas (essence or vitality) in embryonic life. This is transformed into unctuous body fluids. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/10]. It is known as ‘sharira rasa’ in later life leading to formation of ojas. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/11].
The word ‘garbharasa’ is applied to denote ojas (essence or vitality) in embryonic life. This is transformed into unctuous body fluids. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/10]. It is known as ‘sharira rasa’ in later life leading to formation of ojas. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 30/11].
==Panchabhautika constitution and properties:==
==Panchabhautika constitution and properties:==
The rasa dhatu has jalamahabhuta predominance in its constitution. It possessesdrava (liquidity), sara (fluidity), manda(opaque), snigdha(viscous) and pichchila(unctuous) properties.
The rasa dhatu has jalamahabhuta predominance in its constitution. It possesses ''drava'' (liquidity), ''sara'' (fluidity), ''manda''(opaque), ''snigdha''(viscous) and ''pichchila''(unctuous) properties.
==Formation and metabolism of rasa dhatu==
==Formation and metabolism of rasa dhatu==
Rasa dhatu is formed from ahara rasa (essence of food). The ingested food is disintegrated into two parts: prasada (essence or useful part) and kitta (waste). The prasada is called ahara rasa (essence of food). Thisessence is transformed into nutrient fluid called ‘rasa dhatu’. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 28/4] It is the ultrafine form of ahara rasa. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/3]
The rasa dhatu is further acted upon by rasa dhatvagni. It is divided in two portions. The first portion forms sthayi rasa dhatu(permanent form) for carrying out physiological functions of nourishment and maintenance of body.
Rasa dhatu is formed from ahara rasa (essence of food). The ingested food is disintegrated into two parts: prasada (essence or useful part) and kitta (waste). The prasada is called ahara rasa (essence of food). This essence is transformed into a nutrient fluid called ‘rasa dhatu’. [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 28/4]. It is the ultrafine form of ahara rasa. [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/3]
The second portion called ‘poshaka rasa’ is carried forward to nourish the next dhatu i.e. rakta. [Cha.Sa. ChikitsaSthana 15/16] During the metabolic process, this rasa is transformed into rakta dhatu by action of ranjaka pitta. It acquires red colour during this process. This metabolism takes place at yakrit (liver) and pliha(spleen). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/4]
The rasa dhatu is further acted upon by rasa dhatvagni. It is divided into two portions. The first portion forms ''sthayi rasa dhatu''(permanent form) for carrying out physiological functions of nourishment and maintenance of body.
The second portion called ‘poshaka rasa’ is carried forward to nourish the next dhatu i.e. rakta. [Cha.Sa. ChikitsaSthana 15/16]
During the metabolic process, this rasa is transformed into rakta dhatu by action of ranjaka pitta. It acquires red colour during this process. This metabolism takes place at yakrit (liver) and pliha(spleen). [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 14/4]
Upadhatu and mala (metabolic byproducts and waste products):
Upadhatu and mala (metabolic byproducts and waste products):
Stanya (breast milk) and artava(menstrual blood including ovum) are formed as upadhatu (metabolic byproducts) of rasa dhatu.[Cha. Sa.ChikitsaSthana 15/17]. Sharangadhara considered only stanya(breast milk) is formed as upadhatu. [Sharangadhara Sam. Purvakhanda chapter 5].
Stanya (breast milk) and artava(menstrual blood including ovum) are formed as upadhatu (metabolic byproducts) of rasa dhatu.[Cha. Sa.ChikitsaSthana 15/17]. Sharangadhara considered only stanya(breast milk) is formed as upadhatu. [Sharangadhara Sam. Purvakhanda chapter 5].