Changes

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.''

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.<ref> Monier Williams (1899), “रस्”, in A Sanskrit–English Dictionary, new edition, Oxford: At the Clarendon Press, OCLC 458052227, page 0869 </ref>

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]

''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. [[Nidana Sthana]] 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.''

In context of body components, the terms like ahararasa, rasa dhatu and sharirarasa/garbharasa are described.

In context of body components, the terms like ahararasa, rasa dhatu and sharirarasa/garbharasa 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 possesses ''drava'' (liquidity), ''sara'' (fluidity), ''manda''(opaque), ''snigdha''(viscous) and ''pichchila''(unctuous) properties.

The rasa dhatu has [[jala mahabhuta]] predominance in its constitution. It possesses ''drava'' (liquidity), ''sara'' (fluidity), ''manda''(opaque), ''snigdha''(viscous) and ''pichchila''(unctuous) properties.<ref name=Dwarakanath>Dwarkanath C. Introduction to Kayachikitsa. Chaukhambha Orientalia. Varanasi; 1996. Third edition.pg.320</ref>

==Formation and metabolism of rasa dhatu==

==Formation and metabolism of rasa dhatu==