AYURVEDIC FOODS

Milk Benefits (According to Ayurveda)


See My Recommendations.

How Does This Ayurvedic Food Improve Wellness?

CLINICAL AYURVEDIC REVIEW

Recipes with Milk: Almond Milk with Saffron & Cardamom
Recipes with Milk: Almond Milk with Saffron & Cardamom
Rich and creamy, milk is a soothing balm to both body and mind. As a schoolboy, I LOVED coming home to a cool, refreshing glass of milk. Milk's mild sweetness goes down easy. On hot days it refreshed me. On cold days, a warm glass of milk with hot cocoa still transports me back to childhood simplicity.

There's something affectionate about milk - maybe it's because milk is a gift from mother cow to baby. Maybe it's because cows are gentle animals? Either way, it's natural that milk would sweeten a person's heart. Dairy farms themselves are a symbol of wholesomeness. Milk's nurturing qualities make it the food equivalent of a security blankie..

Milk is part of daily life. We put milk in tea and coffee. We give it to babies. We use dairy to make everything from whip cream to ice cream to cheese to pudding.

Milk, however, has been a topic of controversy for many years. Should we actually be drinking milk, or is only for babies? What's the difference between organic and grass fed? Is low fat or full fat the right option?

With so much confusion around milk, this article will guide you through the "need to know" info. It will share the Ayurvedic perspective on the benefits of milk. It will also teach you how to get the most from milk, from what milk to choose right down to how to prepare it.

Nourishing & Strengthening Balm

If you're feeling weak or depleted, milk can nurse you back to strength. One client shared with us that they "felt grounded and strong on the days drinking milk." Milk is anabolic and promotes tissue growth. Ayurveda recommends it for weak or deficient individuals.

Most of us have grown up watching ads about the benefits of milk, "It does a body good!" As children, we were told that the calcium in milk would lead to strong bones and teeth. But milk is so much more than calcium. Milk is a nourishing and strengthening food that contains all the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals to grow a baby!

Although dairy products tend to be high in calcium, the calcium is bonded to fats and may be more difficult to absorb than calcium content of bitter, leafy green vegetables such as turnip greens. Ayurvedically, you can protect your bone tissue by prevention of gas & bloating. Gas & bloating creates acidifies the blood, which has the net effect of leaching minerals from the bones.

According to Ayurveda, dairy products are high in ojas, meaning it nourishes the very essence of high quality tissue. Foods that are high in ojas are used in many tonic formulas and aphrodisiacs. Unfortunately, this means that dairy products can cause weight gain. So those who are trying to slim down should limit their consumption of dairy.
Recipes with Milk: Rice pudding with Raisins & Cinnamon
Recipes with Milk: Rice pudding with Raisins & Cinnamon

Soothe Nerves & Sleep Soundly

A glass of milk conjures calm and content. Its rich, creamy and heavy qualities pacify Vata dosha, helping you stay grounded when you feel scattered. "I found the cow milk to be very satisfying it made me feel grounded and happy. It was very comforting," a client noted. Another said it's "like a balm to my frayed emotions." Another describes it, "Heavy, cold, thick."

Milk provides a sense of stability and hearty nourishment. It helps keep you feeling calm and content, and allows you to relax into a night of deep sleep. Handed down over generations, a warm glass of milk before bed is a traditional home remedy to induce sleep. "My mind was eased and had fewer thoughts before bed. I normally get distracted with thoughts before bed," a client shared.

Ayurveda strengthens this sleepy effect with a pinch of nutmeg or ashwagandha. Both herbs have a mild sedative that induce restful sleep. Another Ayurvedic tradition is to have a warm mug of homemadegarlic milk before you hit the hay. Garlic milk may sound unappetizing, but trust us when we say this creamy bedtime tonic works a charm.

Cooling When Hot & Irritated

Milk's cool qualities soothes burning sensations. The sweet taste, which is abundant in milk, is cooling and anti-inflammatory. That's why a glass of milk is a traditional remedy for a stomach ulcer. Good quality milk also contains high levels of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), a fatty acid known for its anti-inflammatory properties.

The fats and sugars in milk lovingly coat and soothe irritated tissues. They do so by building a layer of mucus that protects the lining of the stomach wall from harsh stomach acids. A client described it as tasting "like a sweet treat, and makes me feel heavy, pleasant, and cool." Its richness has such a comforting quality. Another client said how it reminded them of dessert. "It comforting quality in its creaminess, almost like a pudding," they said.

Milk can also increase inflammation in some clients, especially in those who have a yeast infection, or are allergic or intolerant to dairy products. Unless needed for strength, do not drink sweet or mucus forming foods when there are yeast or other parasites in the GI tract.
Recipes with Milk: Milk with Almonds, Rose Petal & Saffron (Thandai)
Recipes with Milk: Milk with Almonds, Rose Petal & Saffron (Thandai)

Soothing for Lungs, But Can Increase Congestion

Milk is a soothing tonic for the lungs, particularly if the respiratory tract is dry or inflamed. The sweet, cold, heavy and gooey qualities of milk are mucus promoting. This can either soothe dry lungs, or aggravate congestion, depending on whether your blood is deficient (Vata) or excessively rich (Kapha).

One client noted an adverse reaction to milk. They said it increased congestion with thick mucus filling their sinuses and throat. Another shared, "I felt tired [after drinking milk]. I also noticed I had a lot of mucus in my throat and my sinuses felt stuffy."

How to find a happy medium? Ayurveda has a few tricks up its sleeve! Adding certain herbs and spices that support the lungs and combat mucus production will help you enjoy milk without the unwanted flow of mucus!

Aromatic cardamom is Ayurveda's top mucus destroying spice. It's also an antispasmodic and bronchodilator, allowing you to breathe easy. A warming lung tonic, pungent pippali helps easy the digestion of heavy milk. It also tonifies the lungs. If you want to use something you already have in the cupboard, add some heating honey and hot ginger. The lungs thrive when warm!

Lactose Intolerance vs Dairy Allergy

A lactose intolerance is the inability to break down a type of natural sugar found in milk called lactose. A person becomes lactose intolerant when they stop small making enough of the enzyme required to break down the lactose. This enzyme is called lactase. Babies produce a lot of lactase but then production wanes if a person stops drinking milk as they get older.

Approximately 65% of the world's population is unable to efficiently digest lactose, the main sugar found in milk, after infancy. This generally causes gas, bloating and digestive discomfort. A number of studies have been conducted into whether humans should continue drinking milk after infancy. Some object philosophically, "Milk is for babies. Is it natural for an adult to eat foods intended for babies?"

A number of clients in the Joyful Belly clinic come to us with signs of lactose intolerance. They report feeling "gassy and bloated" after drinking milk. Some even report getting painful cramps. One client shared that their "intestines were gurgling more than usual" and that they felt a "mild discomfort in that area" until they had a bowel movement.

A milk allergy is quite different to a lactose intolerance. This allergy occurs when the body perceives milk as a harmful invader and initiates an immune response. Symptoms may include a rash or hives. In some individuals, the reaction can be severe, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the lips and face. If you have any of these symptoms, an intolerance or allergy test can help confirm your suspicions.

Milk, like most sweet foods, can provoke candida in your intestines and other places in your body, which can mimic signs of an allergy.
Recipes with Milk: Tahini Milk and Honey
Recipes with Milk: Tahini Milk and Honey

Effect on Digestion

As milk is heavy, cool and rich, it tends to slow down digestion(agni). One client said they experienced "cold in my body and sluggishness" and felt like it took "more time to digest the cow milk than nut milk." Another said their "stomach felt heavier" and "bowels seemed to move slower." If a person can't digest milk, it causes an explosion of bacteria and yeast that can irritate the colon. This leads to food stagnation, fermentation and gas.

Milk's heavy quality can affect the mind as well as the body. One client described feeling "very heavy and tired" after drinking milk. They continued to share how it made them feel dull and that their "thinking and creativity were slower than usual."

The optimal way to enjoy milk is to have it warmed up with some digestive spices. As mentioned already, cardamom is particularly helpful to reduce the mucus forming qualities of milk. Invigorating turmeric and warming cinnamon together with cardamom and honey are the perfect combination to combat the heaviness of milk.

Ayurveda recommends cooking milk for those who have trouble digesting it. Cooking milk turns the sugars into beta-lactose which is far more soluble and easier to absorb. Most milk purchased in the United States is pasteurized which means it's already pre-cooked.

Effect on Elimination

Raw milk is a gentle laxative and can help promote smoothe elimination. Cooked milk, on the other hand, can cause constipation. Adding a teaspoon of ghee to warm milk helps reduce the likelihood of constipation.

Some clients described how milk left them feeling constipation. One said, "My elimination was harder, solid and I felt a little backed up." Another shared, " Warm golden milk constipated me the next morning." Some experienced uncomfortable cramping. Occasionally, clients share that cow's milk gave them looser stools, but this is less common than constipation.

How to Enjoy Milk & When to Avoid

Many people routinely drink cold milk with meals. Ayurveda recommends avoiding cold milk, drinking too much at once, or eating with other foods. Milk curdles almost instantly after reaching the stomach. If it mixes with other food the curdled milk coats and insulates the food from gastric juices. Keep food combinations simple and enjoy milk as rejuvenating drink away from other foods. Milk may be cooked with grains or ghee.

Buying & Preparation

The milk people drank over 100 years ago usually came directly from the animal. Its qualities are quite different to the milk swilled by the gallon in today's culture. Modern milk in supermarket fridges is highly processed. A once nourishing food is becoming increasingly difficult to digest. It's not just whole cream or skim to choose from anymore either. With a greater variety than ever to choose from, how do you know where to start?

Organic or Not?

Organic milk means the cows may eat a mixture of both grass and grain. Their food must be entirely organic. This means no antibiotics, hormones, synthetic pesticides, herbicides or genetically modified ingredients. Non organic cows may be treated with growth hormones and antibiotics in the US, though this is illegal in many other countries.

In the U.S., cows are given bovine growth hormone to help them mature faster so they produce more milk. Concern around the consumption of these animal products is mounting. The FDA, however, approves the use of bovine growth hormone and does not see it as a threat to human health.

Antibiotics are given to animals to kill bacterial infections. The overuse of antibiotics is being blamed for an increase in "superbugs." These "superbugs" are bacteria that have become resistant to the medication. As research into this area continues, claims are being made that these "superbugs" pose a serious threat to human health. On the other side, it's believed that the consumption of animal products treated with antibiotics poses little risk.

To avoid hormones, antibiotics, and other contaminants, we recommend drinking organic milk only. Dairy products like cheese & butter are concentrated, so it is even more important to choose organic.

Grass Fed or Not?

Grass fed milk means that the cows eat a diet of grass only, not processed grains such as corn and soy. Grass is what nature intended for a cow to eat. Studies have shown that milk from grass fed cows is nutritionally superior and has a more desirable fat profile. It tends to be lower in overall fat but higher in healthy fats.

Grass fed milk has a higher content of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). This is a naturally occurring fatty acid found in meat and dairy products. It is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune boosting properties.

Grass fed milk also has the optimal balance of omega fatty acids. Both omega 3 and omega 6 are essential fatty acids. This means your body can't produce them on its own - you need to take them in through dietary sources. Both are necessary, but the typical modern diet has a surplus of omega 6. Grass fed milk has the preferred omega ratio, which is anti-inflammatory and improves heart health.

Raw or Pasteurized?

Commercial pasteurization began in the US around 1900s. Pasteurization increases milk safety by destroying harmful microorganisms and reducing spoilage. It's claimed this process also destroys many of the essential nutrients like proteins, vitamins and "good bacteria" in the milk. This belief has led to a modern movement to consume raw, live culture milk, which is illegal to sell in most states.

Low Fat or Not?

For years, fat was touted as a "bad food" and many people began to favor skim milk. Recent research is proving there is no need to fear saturated fat from healthy sources like avocado, ghee and milk when part of a balanced diet. This does not include saturated and trans fats from processed sources such as baked goods or fried foods.

Studies have found that saturated fat from dairy doesn't seem to affect heart disease risks like other saturated fats. It also actually lowered the risk of central obesity while low fat dairy products increased the risk of central obesity. In fact, the higher calories in full fat milk is said to increase satiation and improve the absorption of fat soluble vitamins in the milk such as D, A and E.

Low fat milk, like many processed low fat foods, cause a spike in blood sugar levels and should be avoided. This is because low fat milk contains higher amounts of carbohydrates and has a higher glycemic index in comparison to whole, full fat milk. While it may not raise blood sugar levels to the same extent as a soda or ice cream, it still contributes to weight gain over time, despite it being promoted as a healthier alternative.

Children who drink low fat milk are three times more likely to be overweight than children who drink whole milk. Low fat milk is not as satisfying as whole milk because it lacks fat, so children are left hungrier even after drinking large amounts of skim milk. The fat content in whole milk makes it more filling and satisfying, and therefore you can be more quickly satisfied consuming less of it.

Homogenized or Not?

Do you remember when milk used to have a layer of cream at the top? These days, processed milk is generally homogenized. Buy cream top instead! Homogenization prevents separation of the cream from the milk because it breaks up all the heavy cream fat molecules. To homogenize milk it is pressed through a fine sieve at 4,000 pounds per square inch. The pressure reduces the size of fat globules in the milk by a factor of ten or more.

Homogenized milk fats are so tiny they bypass the digestive process and directly inject hormones in the milk to the bloodstream. Homogenized milk also causes deterioration of arterial walls. Proteins in homogenized milk pass into the bloodstream directly causing a histamine response and mucous, inflaming your GI tract and other tissues.

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Is Milk Good for My Ayurvedic Diet?

Find out by taking this free, easy quiz. You'll learn your body type, and whether 'Milk' is a good fit. Complete the basic quiz in 1 minute, or go deeper with additional quizzes at your own leisure to learn more about your body.

Take the Quiz

AYURVEDA'S GUIDE TO VITALITY & WHOLESOME NOURISHMENT

Your Ayurvedic diet is tailored to your individual body and your specific imbalances. With an Ayurvedic diet you feel joy and satisfaction because what you are eating truly nourishes and balances you. Disease results from diets and lifestyles that are incompatible with your nature. By eating a personalized diet matched to your body, you experience optimal health. See How it Works.
SERVING SIZE: 1 c

MEAL: DRINK
FOR OCCASION: BED-TIME, BUSY-DAY, MOVIE-NIGHT

Metabolic Nature of Milk

See a complete list of all biocharacteristics.
INCREASES
Guna Help

Increases These Biocharacteristics (Gunas)

Functional Ayurveda helps you assess imbalances through 20 main biocharacteristics (gunas). Aggravating these characteristics weakens your body and causes imbalance. By knowing which characteristics are habitually imbalanced in your body, you will be able to identify and correct imbalances before you get sick. Every characteristic has an opposite which balances it (i.e. hot balances cold). You restore balance by favoring diet and lifestyle choices that increase the opposite characteristic.

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COLD

ABOUT COLD BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Cold refers to anything that reduces body temperature, metabolism, and blood flow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT COLD

GOOEY

ABOUT GOOEY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Gooey is identified by anything gelatinous (such as oatmeal), or by mucus congestion.

LEARN MORE ABOUT GOOEY

HEAVY

ABOUT HEAVY BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Heavy is identified by sedation, sluggishness, or increased weight.

LEARN MORE ABOUT HEAVY

DIFFICULT

ABOUT DIFFICULT BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Difficult refers to anything that is difficult to digest, or takes a long time to digest.

LEARN MORE ABOUT DIFFICULT

TASTES
Taste Help

The 6 Tastes

Taste is used to sense the most basic properties and effects of food. Each taste has a specific medicinal effect on your body. Cravings for food with certain tastes indicate your body is craving specific medicinal results from food. Taste is experienced on the tongue and represents your body's reaction to foods. Sweet taste causes physical satisfaction and attraction whereas bitter taste causes discomfort and aversion. Kapha should use less sweet taste while Vata and Pitta would benefit from using more sweet taste. One of the first signs of illness is that your taste and appetite for food changes. The six tastes are sweet, sour, salty, pungent, bitter, and astringent. Do you crave foods with any of the tastes below?

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SWEET

ABOUT SWEET BIOCHARACTERISTIC

Sweet refers to anything builds tissue, including macronutrients such as carbohydrates, proteins and fats.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SWEET

DOSHAS
Dosha Help

The Three Doshas / Body Types

According to the biocharacteristic theory of medicine, people tend to get sick, over and over again, due to habitual causes and imbalances that are unique to the person. Your body type summarizes this tendency, showing you the 'type' of conditions and imbalances that frequently challenge your health & wellness. Using body type, you can also identify remedies likely to improve your strength and resiliency. Your body type identifies physical and mental characteristics as well as your personal strengths and weaknesses. The calculation of your body type is based on your medical history.

The 3 functional body types (doshas), are Catabolic (Vata), Metabolic (Pitta), and Anabolic (Kapha). Catabolic individuals tend to break down body mass into energy. They are easily stimulated, hyperactive, underweight and dry. Metabolic individuals tend to burn or use energy. They tend to be rosy-cheeked, easily irritated, focused, driven, and easily inflamed. Anabolic individuals tend to store energy as body mass. If they store too much energy, they could gain weight easily and have congestion. Anabolic people tend to be stable and grounded.

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PACIFIES
Pitta pacifying Vata pacifying
AGGRAVATES
Kapha aggravating
HAS THE FOLLOWING
Subtaste:
Bland

BLAND

Bland means doesn't have much taste. In Chinese medicine, bland taste refers to afood without little macronutrients, such as cabbage, radish or bok choy.

SEE ALL 'BLAND' FOODS / HERBS


Moves Energy:
Downward

DOWNWARD

Downward-moving (Adho Gati Marga) substances move food downward in the GI tract, settle the nervous system, and relax muscles.

SEE ALL 'DOWNWARD' FOODS / HERBS

,
Inward

INWARD

Inward moving substances promote introspection, self reflection, stillness, or slow the system down.

SEE ALL 'INWARD' FOODS / HERBS


Tissue (dhatu):
Blood Plasma Lymph

BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH

Plasma (Rasa Dhatu) includes plasma, white blood cells, and lymph.

SEE ALL 'BLOOD-PLASMA-LYMPH' FOODS / HERBS

,
Bone

BONE

Bone tissue (Asthi Dhatu) includes the bones, hair, and nails.

SEE ALL 'BONE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Fat

FAT

Fat tissue (Meda Dhatu) includes adipose tissue and sebum (skin oil).

SEE ALL 'FAT' FOODS / HERBS

,
Reproductive

REPRODUCTIVE

Reproductive tissue (Shukra/Artava Dhatu) includes male and female reproductive organs.

SEE ALL 'REPRODUCTIVE' FOODS / HERBS


Affinity: Bone Joint,
Energy Vitality

ENERGY-VITALITY

Includes vitality improving foods, herbs, and exercises by dosha.

SEE ALL 'ENERGY-VITALITY' FOODS / HERBS

, Mind Stress Sleep, Muscle Health
Family: Bovidae
HERBAL ACTIONS
(see all)

Medicinal Benefits, Uses & Herbal Actions of Milk
Help
Experiences are Personal
Experiences vary according to the person and constitution. Individual results may vary. The list of herbal-actions below has not be approved by the FDA and should not be used to treat a medical condition.

Quenches Thirst

QUENCHES-THIRST

An herb or substance that relieves thirst.

SEE ALL 'QUENCHES-THIRST' FOODS / HERBS

,
Antacid

ANTACID

Herbs that neutralize acidity in the gastrointestinal tract, the stomach in particular.

SEE ALL 'ANTACID' FOODS / HERBS

General Laxative

GENERAL-LAXATIVE

Promotes a bowel movement. General laxative is an umbrella term that refers to several different types of laxatives.

SEE ALL 'GENERAL-LAXATIVE' FOODS / HERBS

Nerve Relaxant Grounding

NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING

Encourages feelings of stability and heaviness. Makes you feel settled, mentally relaxed. Mildly sedates the nervous system to ease stress. Can bring a spacey or anxious person back to earth. Reduces agitation, irritation, stress and racing thoughts.

SEE ALL 'NERVE-RELAXANT-GROUNDING' FOODS / HERBS

Satisfies Stomach

SATISFIES-STOMACH

Provides a sense of gratification and fullness in the stomach.

SEE ALL 'SATISFIES-STOMACH' FOODS / HERBS

,
Nutritive

NUTRITIVE

An herb that is strengthening and nourishing.

SEE ALL 'NUTRITIVE' FOODS / HERBS

,
Tonic

TONIC

A tonic herb restores function through strengthening tissue. This can happen through a combination of nourishing the tissue, and invigorating tissue metabolism. The tonic should not be withering, as in caffeine.

SEE ALL 'TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Soothing

SOOTHING

Calms and alleviates irritation, discomfort or pain in a particular region.

SEE ALL 'SOOTHING' FOODS / HERBS

,
Demulcent

DEMULCENT

Herbs that coat or form a soothing film over a mucous membrane, relieving minor pain and inflammation of the membrane.

SEE ALL 'DEMULCENT' FOODS / HERBS

Soothes Throat

SOOTHES-THROAT

Soothes throat discomfort, including from a sore or ticklish throat.

SEE ALL 'SOOTHES-THROAT' FOODS / HERBS

Bone Tonic

BONE-TONIC

An herb that strengthens the bones and joints.

SEE ALL 'BONE-TONIC' FOODS / HERBS

Other:
Constituents:
Calcium

CALCIUM

Calcium nourishes bones and muscles. A muscle cell is activated when calcium enters the cell. It relaxes when the calcium is secreted.

SEE ALL 'CALCIUM' FOODS / HERBS

, Fats, Melatonin, Phosphorous

Foods with a Similar Nature to Milk

Buffalo Milk

Buffalo Milk has these Actions in Common

Demulcent, Quenches-thirst, Tonic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Satisfies-stomach, Nutritive, Soothes-throat

LEARN MORE

Jackfruit

Jackfruit has these Actions in Common

Demulcent, Quenches-thirst, Tonic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Satisfies-stomach, Nutritive, Soothing

LEARN MORE

Banana

Banana has these Actions in Common

Demulcent, Quenches-thirst, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Satisfies-stomach, Antacid, Nutritive

LEARN MORE

Sesame Seeds

Sesame Seeds has these Actions in Common

General-laxative, Satisfies-stomach, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Tonic, Bone-tonic, Nutritive

LEARN MORE

Tahini

Tahini has these Actions in Common

General-laxative, Satisfies-stomach, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Tonic, Bone-tonic, Nutritive

LEARN MORE

Almonds

Almonds has these Actions in Common

General-laxative, Satisfies-stomach, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Tonic, Bone-tonic, Nutritive

LEARN MORE

Cassava Root / Yuca

Cassava Root / Yuca has these Actions in Common

Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Soothing, Demulcent, Nutritive, General-laxative, Satisfies-stomach

LEARN MORE

Honey

Honey has these Actions in Common

General-laxative, Tonic, Nutritive, Demulcent, Soothes-throat

LEARN MORE

Popped Amaranth

Popped Amaranth has these Actions in Common

Nutritive, Demulcent, Satisfies-stomach, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Soothing

LEARN MORE

Amaranth

Amaranth has these Actions in Common

Nutritive, Demulcent, Satisfies-stomach, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Soothing

LEARN MORE

Herb Supplements with a Similar Nature to Milk

Shatavari

Shatavari has these Actions in Common

Tonic, Antacid, Demulcent, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Soothes-throat

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Vidari

Vidari has these Actions in Common

Demulcent, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Soothes-throat, Soothing, Tonic

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Solomon's Seal

Solomon's Seal has these Actions in Common

Nutritive, Quenches-thirst, Tonic, Bone-tonic, Demulcent

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Gokshura

Gokshura has these Actions in Common

Demulcent, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Soothing, Tonic

LEARN MORE

Amalaki

Amalaki has these Actions in Common

Nutritive, Quenches-thirst, Tonic, Antacid, General-laxative

LEARN MORE

Bala Taila

Bala Taila has these Actions in Common

Bone-tonic, Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Tonic

LEARN MORE

Comfrey Root

Comfrey Root has these Actions in Common

Bone-tonic, Demulcent, Nutritive, Soothing

LEARN MORE

Vata Shirodhara Oil

Vata Shirodhara Oil has these Actions in Common

Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Tonic, Demulcent

LEARN MORE

Oats, Fresh Milky Seed

Oats, Fresh Milky Seed has these Actions in Common

Nerve-relaxant-grounding, Nutritive, Soothing, Tonic

LEARN MORE

Saw Palmetto

Saw Palmetto has these Actions in Common

Soothing, Tonic, Nutritive, Soothes-throat

LEARN MORE

Licorice Root (Yastimadhu)

Licorice Root (Yastimadhu) has these Actions in Common

Demulcent, Nutritive, Soothes-throat, Antacid

LEARN MORE

Impact of Milk

In each clinical research trial below, students from the Joyful Belly College of Ayurveda ate the selected food for 3 days and reported the pharmacological effects. See other clinical research trials for diet & herbs at Joyful Belly.

TEMPERATURE/CIRCULATION

How did Milk affect your temperature?

0
7
13
6
1
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your ear temperature?

3
21
3
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your sweat quantity?

0
0
21
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the color of your skin?

0
1
3
0
23
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the color of your tongue body?

5
1
1
20
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the swelling of your tongue body?

7
2
18
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your appetite/hunger?

9
14
3
1
0
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your digestion speed?

1
3
7
11
5
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

TOXINS

How did Milk affect the amount of gas & bloating?

0
5
6
11
5
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your stool smell?

0
3
12
12
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

0
0
4
19
4
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the color of your tongue coating?

1
1
2
21
2
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your throat soreness?

0
23
4
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your urine smell?

0
1
20
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

0
1
19
6
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your sweat smell?

0
2
23
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your acne?

2
24
1
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your freckles/moles?

0
27
0
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

0
0
0
0
4
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
23
No Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the color of the lower eye lid?

0
3
23
1
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

HYDRATION

How did Milk affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0
6
18
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the dryness of your skin?

3
8
16
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

6
19
2
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the cracks on your tongue?

0
1
20
6
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

FLUID-THICKNESS

How did Milk affect your ear pressure?

5
22
0
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your congestion?

18
9
0
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

18
8
1
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

NERVOUS-SYSTEM

How did Milk affect your energy levels?

0
10
14
3
0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your muscle tension?

0
11
13
3
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your anxiety?

2
12
10
3
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the stillness of your tongue?

7
19
1
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

DIGESTION

How did Milk affect the amount of gas & bloating?

0
5
6
11
5
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your appetite/hunger?

9
14
3
1
0
Much less hungrySlightly less hungrySameSlightly hungrierMuch hungrier
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect burning sensations in digestive tract (do not include acid reflux)?

3
4
18
1
1
Much reliefSlight reliefSameSlightly more burningMuch more burning
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your digestion speed?

1
3
7
11
5
Much fasterSlightly fasterSameSlightly slowerMuch slower
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

TONGUE

How did Milk affect the stillness of your tongue?

7
19
1
More stillNo ChangeMore Trembling / Jittery
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the thickness & size of your tongue coating?

0
0
4
19
4
Much smallerSlightly lessSameSlightly larger coatingMuch larger
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the cracks on your tongue?

0
1
20
6
0
Larger/longer/more cracksSlightly moreSameSlightly less/smaller/shorterMuch less
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the color of your tongue body?

5
1
1
20
PalerRedderBluerNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the color of your tongue coating?

1
1
2
21
2
YellowerBrownerGrayerWhiterNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the swelling of your tongue body?

7
2
18
More SwellingLess SwellingNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

STOOL

How did Milk affect your stool smell?

0
3
12
12
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your stool consistency?

3
5
10
8
1
Much softerSlightly softerSameSlightly harderMuch harder
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your stool frequency/quantity?

4
6
10
6
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your stool color?

3
0
1
1
22
More yellowMore grayMore greenMore orangeSame
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your stool lightness?

0
4
15
8
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly darkerMuch darker
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

URINE

How did Milk affect your urine smell?

0
1
20
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your urine lightness?

0
4
18
5
0
Much lighterSlightly lighterSameSlightly DarkerMuch Darker
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your urine frequency/quantity?

0
6
18
3
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the amount of bubbles in your urine?

0
1
19
6
1
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMany more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your urine clarity?

6
20
1
More cloudySameMore clear
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

SWEAT

How did Milk affect your sweat smell?

0
2
23
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your sweat quantity?

0
0
21
6
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

SKIN

How did Milk affect the dryness of your skin?

3
8
16
DrierOilierNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the color of your skin?

0
1
3
0
23
Yellower/GreenerPalerRedderGrayerNo Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your freckles/moles?

0
27
0
DarkerNo ChangeLighter
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your acne?

2
24
1
More acneNo ChangeLess acne
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

EYE

How did Milk affect the color of the lower eye lid?

0
3
23
1
More green/dark greenMore purpleNo ChangeLess green/purple
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the puffiness of lower eye lid?

6
19
2
PuffierNo ChangeLess Puffy
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the color of your sclera (white part of eye)?

0
0
0
0
4
Redder/BloodshotYellowerGrayerBrownerWhiter
23
No Change
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

ENT

How did Milk affect your congestion?

18
9
0
More congestionNo ChangeLess congestion
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your ear pressure?

5
22
0
More pressureNo ChangeLess pressure
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your throat soreness?

0
23
4
More soreNo ChangeLess sore
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect the thickness of your mucous congestion?

18
8
1
More thickNo ChangeLess thick
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your ear temperature?

3
21
3
HotterNo ChangeCooler
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

SYSTEMIC

How did Milk affect your anxiety?

2
12
10
3
0
Much less anxietySlightly lessSameSlightly more anxietyMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your temperature?

0
7
13
6
1
Much colderSlightly colderSameSlightly warmerMuch warmer
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your energy levels?

0
10
14
3
0
Much less energySlightly lessSameSlightly more energyMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your muscle tension?

0
11
13
3
0
Much less tensionSlightly lessSameSlightly more tensionMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

HEART

How did Milk affect your heart pain/pressure/cramping?

0
3
22
2
0
Much lessSlightly lessSameSlightly moreMuch more
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your heart rate?

0
11
16
0
0
Much slowerSlightly slowerSameSlightly fasterMuch faster
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)

How did Milk affect your heart rhythm?

0
24
3
More palpitationsSameLess palpitations
Total Responses: 27 Study ID:125 (2022-03-01 - 2023-03-12)


Joyful Belly is a recognized school of biocharacteristics medicine.

TRADITIONALLY INDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Milk may be beneficial for these symptoms. The suitability of any food for a condition is highly dependent on the individual. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

CONTRAINDICATED FOR THESE SYMPTOMS

Milk may be harmful or contraindicated for these symptoms. Please see your doctor before using this food to treat a medical condition.

HOW DOES EATING AYURVEDICALLY MAKE YOU FEEL?

Eating Ayurvedically makes you feel nourished and energized. Food digests with ease when right for your body type (dosha). Healthy digestion is seen as the cornerstone of well-being in Ayurveda. Healthy digestion generally prevents illness. If you do get sick, a strong digestive fire reduces the severity of illness and increases your resilience. It also improves your mood. Once you begin eating Ayurvedically, you will feel refreshed, vital and strong.

Clinical Tools & Resources

Give smart recommendations to your clients and improve efficiency in your clinic with these tools.
About John Joseph Immel

About the Author

John Immel, the founder of Joyful Belly, teaches people how to have a healthy diet and lifestyle with Ayurveda biocharacteristics. His approach to Ayurveda is clinical, yet exudes an ease which many find enjoyable and insightful. John also directs Joyful Belly's School of Ayurveda, offering professional clinical training in Ayurveda for over 15 years.

John's interest in Ayurveda and specialization in digestive tract pathology was inspired by a complex digestive disorder acquired from years of international travel, as well as public service work in South Asia. John's commitment to the detailed study of digestive disorders reflects his zeal to get down to the roots of the problem. His hope and belief in the capacity of each & every client to improve their quality of life is nothing short of a personal passion. John's creativity in the kitchen and delight in cooking for others comes from his family oriented upbringing. In addition to his certification in Ayurveda, John holds a bachelor's degree in mathematics from Harvard University.

John enjoys sharing Ayurveda within the context of his Catholic roots, and finds Ayurveda gives him an opportunity to participate in the healing mission of the Church. Jesus expressed God's love by feeding and healing the sick. That kindness is the fundamental ministry of Ayurveda as well. Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his wife and 7 kids, and pursuing his love of theology, philosophy, and language.

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Comments & Impressions of 'Milk'

Do you like 'milk'? Why or why not? What makes it unique? Is there something else you'd like to know about 'milk'?

full start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start reviewfull start review(5.00 out of 5 stars) 2 ratings, 281 likes
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Great question! Ayurveda avoids labeling food as bad or good; it depends on the individual. Raw milk has different qualities than cooked milk. The same is true for goat's milk vs cow's milk. Cooked milk is easier to digest for many Vata individuals. Raw milk has more enzymes and may be easier for some Kapha individuals. Goat's milk is easier to digest and lighter. Cow's milk may be a more nourishing tonic for someone who is depleted.
Which milk is better for Pittas? My 3 year old is very Pitta. We read about cheese causing angry moods. It seemed that even goat dairy made no difference in his mood and behavior. We took dairy out of his diet and now he is so loving with an enormous decrease in his frustration and outbursts. BUT somehow I feel like he should have some milk or something for protein/calcium ojas. I thought of raw, or giving it to him only at certain times of day. I feel confused about what's best. Is there any way I can make or buy dairy for him that won't aggravate his sensitive Pitta?
- erika bobinger, Poughkeepsie, NY , 04-11-12 (Reply)
What kind of milk is better for pacifying Kapha? I've been using almond milk, but after reading this maybe I shouldn't be? I read where soy milk wasn't good for kapha and just assumed cow's milk wasn't an option.
- Pam, Portsmouth, VA , 10-02-13 (Reply)
Milk is generally considered sattvic. For some people, it can be tamasic because it is heavy and grounding. Great question!
- Natalie Immel, Asheville, NC , 04-29-15 (Reply)

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* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The information and products on this website are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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