Changes

The word ‘Mala’ literally means dust, dirt, filth, secretion or impurity.   In Ayurveda, the term is applied to the biological products formed after digestion and metabolism (SAT-B.457). These metabolic waste products are collected at respective sites and excreted from body openings. If accumulated beyond normal physiological limits, they can vitiate the body constituents. This article describes general aspects about mala in Ayurveda.  

The word ‘Mala’ literally means dust, dirt, filth, secretion or impurity.In Ayurveda, the term is applied to the biological products formed after digestion and metabolism (SAT-B.457).

 

These metabolic waste products are collected at respective sites and excreted from body openings. If accumulated beyond normal physiological limits, they can vitiate the body constituents. This article describes general aspects about mala in Ayurveda.  

 

== Etymology and derivation: ==

== Etymology and derivation: ==

The word mala is derived from the Sanskrit root “Mruj” meaning “that which is to be cleaned or eliminated”.  The word means excretions of the body, dirt, sin, natural impurity etc.  

The word mala is derived from the Sanskrit root “Mruj” meaning “that which is to be cleaned or eliminated”.  The word means excretions of the body, dirt, sin, natural impurity etc.  

==Synonyms==

==Synonyms==

The synonyms of mala are:

 

Vit, Vishtha: Both terms denote mainly the fecal matter  

The synonyms of mala are:

Kittam: It denotes both metallic byproducts as well as waste products of human body which are to be eliminated, byproducts of metals like iron(manduram)

Puyam: It denotes the pus from a wound.

*Vit, Vishtha: Both terms denote mainly the fecal matter  

Papam: it denotes the sinful deeds  

 

*Kittam: It denotes both metallic byproducts as well as waste products of human body which are to be eliminated, byproducts of metals like iron(manduram)

 

*Puyam: It denotes the pus from a wound.

 

*Papam: it denotes the sinful deeds  

 

==Meaning in different contexts ==

==Meaning in different contexts ==

The terms mala is applied in various contexts as below:

The terms mala is applied in various contexts as below:

• Fundamental constituent of human body with [[dosha]] and [[dhatu]] [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/3]

 

• Vitiated or excessively aggravated state of dosha [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/117]

*Fundamental constituent of human body with [[dosha]] and [[dhatu]] [Su. Sa. Sutra Sthana 15/3]

• Excretory elements [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 28/5]

 

• Only the fecal matter [A. Hr. Nidan Sthana 8/4]

*Vitiated or excessively aggravated state of [[dosha]] [Cha.Sa. Sutra Sthana 17/117]

• Any kind of dirty material, impurity at physical and mental level [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 6/93]

 

• The constituents formed after digestion and metabolism other than essence (prasad) [Cha. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6/16].

*Excretory elements [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 28/5]

 

*Only the fecal matter [A. Hr. Nidan Sthana 8/4]

 

*Any kind of dirty material, impurity at physical and mental level [Cha. Sa. Sutra Sthana 6/93]

 

*The constituents formed after digestion and metabolism other than essence (prasad) [Cha. Sa. Sharira Sthana 6/16].

 

== List of metabolic wastes ==  

== List of metabolic wastes ==  

The different waste products (mala) mentioned in Ayurveda are as below:  

The different waste products (mala) mentioned in Ayurveda are as below: