Anupāna and the Doṣa-Effects of Foods, Waters, Dairy, Oils, and Preparations
अक्षजं कफपित्तघ्नं केश्यं त्वक्श्रोत्रतर्पणम् / त्रिदोषघ्नं मधु प्रोक्तं वातलञ्च प्रकीर्तितम्
akṣajaṃ kaphapittaghnaṃ keśyaṃ tvakśrotratarpaṇam / tridoṣaghnaṃ madhu proktaṃ vātalañca prakīrtitam
Zat yang berasal dari kambing (akṣaja) menenangkan kapha dan pitta, menyuburkan rambut, serta menutrisi kulit dan telinga. Madu dinyatakan menyeimbangkan tiga doṣa, namun juga disebut dapat meningkatkan vāta.
Lord Vishnu (in dialogue to Garuda/Vinata-putra)
Concept: Complexity of guṇa-karma: a substance can be broadly balancing yet contextually aggravating (honey and vāta).
Vedantic Theme: Yathārtha-jñāna (accurate knowledge) over simplistic labels; discernment in action.
Application: Use goat-derived nourishment for hair/skin/ear support and kapha-pitta reduction; use honey judiciously—beneficial in many contexts but may increase vāta depending on use (e.g., dryness, excess, improper combination).
Primary Rasa: shanta
Secondary Rasa: adbhuta
Related Themes: Garuda Purana 1.169 (madhu and animal-derived dravya notes)
This verse calls honey tridoṣa-pacifying, while also noting it can increase vāta—indicating conditional use depending on constitution, season, and preparation.
The verse preserves a nuanced Ayurvedic idea: a substance may generally balance doṣas but still aggravate one doṣa under certain contexts (dose, dryness, timing, combinations).
Use honey thoughtfully—especially in vāta-prone dryness—favoring appropriate combinations and moderation as advised in traditional dietetics.