AYURVEDIC PERSPECTIVE ON LIQUEFIED
Substances that thin fluids (lower viscosity of blood plasma). These may include blood thinners or mucolytic herbs.
Liquefied substances thin fluids (reduce viscosity). These may thin fluids by 1) direct pharmacological effect such as blood thinners, 2) heating fluids, or 3) increasing secretions in the tissues, breaking up dense masses there. In general, sour and salty foods cause increased secretions. Sweet and oily foods, by contrast, thicken fluids and are classified under 'Gooey' on Joyful Belly.
"Liquid" is a literal translation of the sanskrit drava, but this translation does not capture the intended meaning, which is "liquefying", "watery", or "thinning" of fluids (opposite of thickens fluids / dense / viscous). The translation issue causes great confusion when practitioners lump, under the term liquid, both 1) thinning fluids and 2) accumulation of fluids. Actually, only the 1st sense is valid, and this is the sense used on the Joyful Belly website.
Here's why: Accumulation of liquid is frequently correlated to high viscosity fluids (the opposite of thin), a kapha condition. Low viscosity fluids are associated with deficiency (Vata and dryness). This means that, astonishingly, "liquid guna" is associated with dryness, not wetness. You can see how word choice is creating confusion here.
Functions:Thins fluids / reduces viscosity (opposite of dense/thick). Prevents stagnation. Allows easy flow, flushes (especially lymphatic system, urinary tract, & gallbladder). Thin fluids helps breaks down / dissolve masses (liquid is related to soft). As it improves circulation, it improves oxygen delivery to tissues and improves metabolism. Therefore, thinning fluids energizes agni and agitates release of ama. Pathologically the thinning of plasma is frequently due to deficiency in the blood.
Symptoms:Thin saliva, thin watery mucus, exposed membranes due to minimal mucus, thin skin, underweight.
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