Diet in Vrukka Vikar (Kidney Diseases)

The first description of Vrukka Vikar (Kidney Diseases) as an independent Vyadhi (Disease) is found in Bhaishajya Ratnavali. Anatomical description of Vrukka (Kidney) is done by Granthakar (Author) such as Sushrut etc. They have related Vrukka (Kidney), especially with Meda Dhatu (Adipose tissues) कुक्षिगोलपिण्डः मेदोवहानां स्त्रोतसां मूलं च। (चक्रपाणि ) Vrukka (Kidney) are round, compact, ball shaped organs placed in Kukshi (abdomen) region and are Moolasthana (root place/origin) of Medovaha Srotas (channels carrying and regulating fat tissue). Vrukka (kidneys) develop from the Prasad (essence/nutritive part) of Rakta (blood tissue) and Meda Dhatu (fat/adipose tissue).

वृक्कौ पुष्टिकरौ प्रोक्तौ जठरस्य मेदसः । (शा.स.५५/८४)

Vrukka (kidneys) provide nourishment to the Meda (fat/adipose tissue) present in Udar Pradesh (abdominal region). The Renal Fat Pad present in the posterior part of the kidneys supports the kidney as well as helps to protect the kidney from trauma. So, this can be one reason why Vrukka (kidneys) are mentioned as Moolasthan (root place/origin) of Medovaha Srotas (channels carrying and regulating fat tissue). Although Ayurvedic texts do not mention the involvement of Vrukka (kidneys) in Mootra Nirmiti (urine formation), but nowadays by Pratyaksha Praman (direct evidence /observation), the role of Vrukka (kidneys) in Mootra Nirmiti (urine formation) is evident. The function of kidneys is to filter waste products and toxins from the blood and eliminate those through urine.

Mootra Nirmiti (Urine Formation) According To Ayurveda

Mootra (urine) is formed in Pakvashaya (large intestine) during Sara-Kitta Vibhajan (separation of essence and waste). The Jaliya Ansha (watery portion) produced in Pakvashaya (large intestine) during Sara-Kitta Vibhajan (separation of essence and waste) is the substance from which Mootra (urine) is formed in future. This Dravansha (fluid part) is absorbed in Pakvashaya (large intestine), Udakavahi Nadi (water-carrying channel) takes it to the Yakrit (liver) and then to the Hridaya (heart). Vyana Vayu (A subtype of Vata dosha responsible for circulation) present in the Hridaya (heart) does Vikshepan (distribution) of this Drava-Kitta (fluid waste) along with Rasa-Rakta (plasma and blood). This Rasa-Rakta (plasma and blood) reaches the Vrukka (kidneys) through the Adhogami Dhamani (downward-moving arteries). Here, Samana and Vyana Vayu (types of Vata dosha, responsible for digestion and circulation) carry out Vivechan (differentiation). The Vivechit (differentiated) Kledayukta Drava (moisture-containing fluid) is then passed through Gavini (ureters) and gets continuously collected in Basti (urinary bladder) drop by drop. The Udakansha (aqueous portion) which gets collected in Basti (urinary bladder) is termed Mootra (urine).

Pancha Mahabhootik Constitution Of Mootra (Five-Elemental Composition Of Urine)

Mootra (urine) is described as Jala (water element) and Agni Mahabhoota (fire element) Pradhan (predominant).

Function Of Mootra (Urine)

‘बस्ति मूत्राशयः तस्य पूरणं विक्लेदमार्द्रत्वंच मूत्रं करोति इत्यर्थः।’ (डल्हण)

Filling (Pooran) the Mootrashay (urinary bladder) and Kleda Vahan (carrying away excess fluid/moisture) are functions of Mootra (urine). Various waste products are formed when energy is produced in the body. These waste products are removed from the body, as they prove harmful if retained. The waste products such as urea, uric acid, creatinine, etc., produced during protein metabolism, are excreted out through Mootra (urine). The Vrukka (kidneys) also maintain the balance of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium by excreting the necessary amount. Excess calcium is also excreted through Mootra (urine). Most of these waste products are soluble in Jala (water). These waste products, formed in minute quantities during tissue metabolism, are taken to Vrukka (kidneys) through Raktavaha Srotas (blood circulation). They then undergo the process of Shodhana (filtration). These waste products are also excreted through Mootra (urine) along with Kleda (excess fluid/moisture).

Commonly Seen Vyadhi (Diseases) Related To Vrukka (Kidney)

1. Vrukka Vidradhi (Kidney Disease)
2. Vrukka Granthi (Renal cyst) 
3. Renal calculus
4. Renal Failure 
5. Chronic kidney disease 
6. Pyelonephritis (Pooya Vrukka)
7. Viral Nephritis (Vrukka Shotha) etc.

Vrukka Vikar Chikitsa Sootra (Principles Of Treatment Of Kidney Disorders)

आदौ तु भिषजां कार्यं विचार्येवं विधानतः।
रक्तसम्मोक्षणं रोगिरोगयस्तु बलाबलम्।
ततो विरेकः स्वेदश्च तथा मूत्रलमुत्तमम् ।
रक्तसंशोधनः पुष्टिकृदग्निबलवर्धनम्।। (भै.र.९३/१३)

In Shodhan Chikitsa (purificatory therapy), Rakta Mokshan (bloodletting therapy) should be carried out using Sira Mokshan (venesection), Jalaukavacharan (leech therapy), etc., taking into consideration the Bala (strength/immunity) of the patient as well as the Vyadhi (disease condition). Virechan (purgation therapy) and Sweden (sudation/sweating therapy) can be advised as per the disease condition. Medicines which are Mootra Virechak (promoting urine flow) as well as Rakta Prasadak (blood purifiers/that improve blood quality), and which improve the Bala (strength) of Dhatu (body tissues) such as Rasa (plasma/lymph), Rakta (blood), Mamsa (muscle) etc., should be used. Ahara (diet) and medicines which are Pachakagni Vardhak (digestive fire enhancers) should be used in Vrukka Rog (kidney disorders).

Diet In Vrukka Rog (Kidney Disorders)

• Diet should comprise more of Drava (liquids) in diseases such as Mootrashmari (urinary calculi/kidney stones), Mootra Daha (burning micturition), Mootralpata (oliguria/less urine output), Mootrakruchchhra (dysuria/difficulty in urination) etc., in which the acidic nature of urine increases and also it gets concentrated.
• In Pitta Pradhan Mootra Vikar (urinary disorders dominated by Pitta dosha), diet should include Sheeta Gunatmak Dravya (substances with cooling properties).
• Shashtik Shali (a variety of rice), Mudga (green gram), Godhuma (wheat), Nachani (finger millet/ragi), Jowar (sorghum) etc. are Sheeta Veerya Dravya (cold potency substances).
• Kulattha (horse gram) is Katu Rasatmak (pungent in taste) and Ushna Veerya (hot in potency). Being Ashmari Bhedan (stone-breaking in action), Kulattha should be used in Mootrashmari (urinary calculi).
• Methi (fenugreek) and Karela (bitter gourd) are both Tikta Rasatmak (bitter in taste). These are useful in Srotorodhatmak Samprapti (pathogenesis involving obstruction of channels).
• Chichinda (snake gourd), Patol (pointed gourd/trichosanthes dioica) are Agnideepak (digestive fire stimulants), Laghu (light to digest) and Snigdha (unctuous). These are useful in reducing Rakta Vikar (blood disorders).

त्रपुष

त्रपुसैर्वारुकं स्वादु गुरु विष्टम्भि शीतलम्।
मुखप्रियं च रुक्षं च मूत्रलं त्रपुसं त्वति ।। (च.सू.२७/११०)

Pathya Ahar (Wholesome Diet) In Various Vrukka Vikar (Kidney Diseases)

Shuka Dhanya (Cereal grains)	Shimbi Dhanya (Pulses/legumes)	Shaka Varga (Vegetables group)	Phala Varga (Fruits group)	Dugdha Varga (Milk and dairy group)	Others
Shali Rice ( a type of rice)	Green gram (Mudga)	Methi (fenugreek)	Amalaki (Amla)	Godugdha (cow milk)	Ushnodak  (warm water)
Wheat	Horse Gram (Kulattha)	Bitter gourd	Banana	Dadhi (curd)	Cardamom (Ela)
Sattu  (roasted pulse flour, usually from Bengal gram/black gram)		Patol pointed gourd/Trichosanthes dioica)	Tender Coconut	Takra (buttermilk)	Ikshu (sugarcane)
Pearl Millet (Jowar)		Cucumber	Pomegranate
				Kushmanda (Ash gourd)

Cucumbers are Madhura Rasātmaka (sweet in taste) and Sheetal (cooling in nature). It is Guru (heavy to digest), Ruksha (dry in quality) and Sheeta (cold in potency). It is described as Atimootral (strong diuretic/promotes excessive urination).

When the water content in the body depletes due to excessive sweating caused by exposure to the heat of the Sun, it leads to decreased urine formation. There is also a burning sensation during urination. As cucumber has high water content and it is Sheetal (cooling), it replenishes the water content in the body and also helps in urine production as it is Mootral (diuretic). It is beneficial in Alpa Mootrapravrutti (less urine output/oliguria) and Sadaha Mootrapravrutti (painful urination with burning sensation/dysuria).

Narikelodak (Coconut Water)

स्निग्धं स्वादु हिमं हृद्यं दीपनं बस्तिशोधनम्।
वृष्यं पित्तपिपासाघ्नं नालिकेरोदकं गुरु ।। (सू.सू.४५/४३)

नारिकेलोदकमीषापक्वार्द्रनारिकेलफलान्तर्वर्ति सलिलमित्यर्थः।  (टीका)

Tender coconut water is Pittashamak (Balanves vitiated Pitta Dosha), Trushna Nashak (relieves excessive thirst) and Basti Shodhak (cleanses/purifies the urinary bladder). Hence, it proves useful in Vikar (Diseases) such as Alpa Mootrapravrutti (less urine output/oliguria), Mootradaha (burning micturition), Mootrakruchchhra (dysuria/difficulty in urination), Mootrashmari (urinary calculi/kidney stones) etc.

Ushnodak (Warm Water)

कफमेदोऽनिलामघ्नं दीपनं बस्तिशोधनम्। (सु.सू.४५/३९)

उष्णोदकमर्धावशिष्टमूदकम्।
टीका बस्तिशब्देन तात्स्थ्यान्मूत्रं गृह्यते।
तेन मूत्रशोधनमित्यत्रार्थो बोध्यः। (अ.हृ.सू.५/१६ टीका)

Water which is boiled to half is known as Ushnodak (Warm Water). It is Mootrashodhak (diuretic that promotes cleansing of urinary tract) i.e. it increases Mootrapravrutti (urine output/urination). Hence in conditions such as Mootraghat (urinary retention/difficulty in passing urine) in which there is restriction on consumption of water, Ushnodak (Warm Water) if consumed in the permitted quantity it will help to enhance Mootra Utapti.

Banana

Banana is Sheeta Veeryatmak (cold in potency). It is Dahashamak (relieves burning sensation), Pittaghna (alleviates aggravated Pitta dosha/heat) and Bruhan (nourishing, body-strengthening).

Draksha

Draksha (Vitis vinifera Linn.) increases the amount of Mootra (urine output – promotes free urination). Draksha (Vitis vinifera Linn.) is beneficial in Mootrakruchchhra (dysuria/difficulty in urination).

Dadim (Pomegranate – Punica granatum)

Dadim (Pomegranate – Punica granatum) – Madhur (Sweet), is Tridoshaghna (balances all three doshas – Vata, Pitta, Kapha), Jwaraghna (reduces fever), and Trushna Shamak (relieves excessive thirst). It is Tarpan and is Hrudya (nourishment and hydration) and is Hrudya (beneficial for the heart). It can be used in Pitta Pradhan Lakshan  (Pitta-dominant conditions) such as Mootradaha  (burning sensation during urination), Mootramarga Sansargajanya Jwar (fever due to urinary tract infections), etc.

Kushmanda (Ash Gourd – Benincasa hispida)

Kushmanda (Ash Gourd – Benincasa hispida) – It is Kshareeya (alkaline in nature) and is useful to reduce the acidic nature of urine. It is Pathyakara (beneficial and suitable) in Vikar (diseases/conditions) such as Sadaha Mootrapravrutti (Urination with burning sensation), Bastidaha (burning sensation in the bladder), etc.

सक्षारं पक्वकुष्माण्डं मधुराम्लं तथा लघु । सृष्टमूत्रपुरीषं च सर्वदोषनिबर्हणम् ।। (च.सू.२७/११३)

Sushrutacharya has described Kushmanda (Ash Gourd – Benincasa hispida) as Bastishodhak  (Bladder-cleansing), i.e Mootral (promotes urination). Kushmanda (Ash Gourd – Benincasa hispida) is especially useful in Pitta and Rakta Dushtijanya Vikar (conditions caused by Pitta imbalance and vitiated blood).

Godugdha (Cow Milk)

अथ गव्यं तु जीवनीय रसायनम् । जीर्णज्वर मूत्रकृच्छ्र रक्तपित्तं च नाशयेत् ।। (अ.स.६/५२)

It is Jeevaneeya ( attributed to tissue nourishment and rejuvenation) and Rasayan (rejuvenating). It provides strength to the tissues. Being  (cooling) and Pittashamak (Balances vitiated Pitta dosha), it is beneficial in Sadaha Mootrapravrutti (Burning Micturition) and Mootrakruchchhra (difficulty in urination).

Dadhi (Curd)

अरुचौ च मूत्रकृच्छ्रे च काश्रेय च दघि शस्यते (च.सू. २७/२२६)

It is Ushna Veerya (Hot Potency). It is Vataghna (Balances Vata dosha) and Balavardhak (strength-promoting). In Vataja Mootrakruchchhra (urinary difficulty caused by Vata imbalance), due to increased Rooksha (dry) and Sheeta Guna (cold qualities) of Vata, there is pain during urination, and frequent but very little urination. In such a condition, Dadhi (curd/yogurt) pacifies Vata and increases Kleda (body fluids/moisture), thus increasing the amount of Mootra (urine) and providing relief from the symptoms.

Takra (Buttermilk)

शोफा र्शोग्रहणीदोषमूत्रग्रहोदरारुचौ । (च.सू.२७/२२९)

Takra (buttermilk) is also useful in Vikar (conditions/diseases) such as Mootrakruchchhra (difficulty in urination).

Ela (Cardamom – Elettaria cardamomum)

It is Katu (pungent) and Tikta (bitter) Rasatmak (in taste) and Sheeta Gunatmak (having cooling properties). It is beneficial in Vyadhi (diseases/conditions) such as Mootrakruchchhra (difficulty in urination).

Ikshu (Sugarcane – Saccharum officinarum)

Sugarcane is Madhur (sweet), Snigdha (unctuous), Guru (heavy), Mootrakarak (promotes urination), and Sheeta Veerya (cooling in potency). Charakacharya has described Ikshu (Sugarcane – Saccharum officinarum) as supreme among Mootrajanan Dravya (urine-promoting substances). Hence, it is useful in Vikar (conditions/diseases) such as Alpa Mootra Pravrutti (reduced urine output), Mootrakruchchhra (difficulty in urination), etc.

Apathya Ahar (Unwholesome / Avoidable Foods)

Shuka Dhanya (Cereal grains)	Shimbi Dhanya (Pulses/legumes)	Shaka Varga (Vegetables group)	Phala Varga (Fruits)	Others
Bajri (Pearl millet)	Masha (Black gram)	Sarshap Shaka (Mustard greens)	Dates	Oil
			Kapittha (Wood-apple / Limonia acidissima or Aegle marmelos var.)	Madya (alcohol)
			Jamun (Indian blackberry / Syzygium cumini)	Tambul (Betel leaf/ Piper betle)
			Kareer (Capparis decidua)	Lavana (Salt)
				Hingu (Asafoetida / Ferula assa-foetida)

नाम्बु पेयमशक्त्या वा स्वल्पमल्पाग्नि गुल्मिभिः । पाण्डूदरातिसारार्थो ग्रहणीशोषशोथिभिः । (अ.हृ.सू.५/१३)

In Vikar (diseases/conditions) such as Mootraghat (urinary obstruction/retention) in which there is impaired renal function and Vrukka (kidneys) are unable to perform proper urine formation, modern science advises to limit ingestion of water and other liquid foodstuffs. Although the ancient texts do not advise stopping the intake of water in diseases such as Mootraghat (urinary obstruction/retention) and other Vrukka Vikar (kidney disorders), even then, Ashtanga Hruday advises to have a scanty amount of water in conditions such as Shotha (edema/swelling), Alpagni (low digestive fire/weak digestion), and Udar (abdominal disorders/ascites). Shotha (edema) presents as a symptom when the function of Vrukka (kidneys) is impaired. Hence water should be consumed judiciously according to the condition of the disease. Mootra (urine) is Jala (water) and Agni Mahabhoota Pradhan Dravya (a substance dominated by the water and fire elements). Increase in the acidic nature of Mootra (urine) causes Daha (burning sensation) in Mootramarga (urinary tract). Hence Dravya (substances) which are acidic in nature are not recommended in Mootra Vikar (urinary disorders). Ushna (hot), Teekshna Gunatmak Dravya (sharp/pungent substances), Katu Rasa Vipaki Dravya (pungent post-digestive effect substances) such as Adrak (ginger), black pepper, green chilies, etc. should not be included in the diet.

व्यायामसंधारण शुष्करुक्षपिष्टान्नवातार्ककरव्यवायान्।
खर्जुरशालुककपित्थ जम्बूबिसं कषायं न रसं भजेत्। (च.चि.२६/७६)

Excessive exercise, suppression of natural urges (Vega Dharan), eating food which is dry, carbohydrate-rich, excessive exposure to heat and wind, and excessive Maithun (sexual intercourse) are contraindicated in Mootrashmari (urinary stones). Kharjur (dates), Kamalkanda (lotus rhizome), Kapittha (wood-apple), Jambuphala (Jamun / Indian blackberry) and Ahar (food) which is Kashaya Rasatmak (astringent in taste) are also Ahitakar (harmful/unsuitable).

Madhur Rasa (sweet taste) is not developed in unripe fruits of Kharjur (dates), Kapittha (wood-apple), etc. Moreover, these fruits are Kashaya Rasa Pradhan (dominant in astringent taste) in Apakwa Aveshtha (unripe stage). Jamun (Indian blackberry) is also Kashaya Rasatmak (astringent in taste). It is Mootraasangrahaneeya (causes urinary retention) and causes Vata Prakop (aggravation of Vata dosha). Due to these reasons, all these Dravya (substances/foods) are said to be Apathyakar (unwholesome/avoidables) in Mootrakruchchhra Vyadhi (urinary disorders/dysuria).

According to modern science, food stuff which have high amount of oxalate content such as spinach, peanuts should be avoided and those with high protein content such as fish, eggs, chicken, meat should be taken in less amount. Food with high calcium content should also be used in very less quantity.

मद्यं श्रमं निधुवनं गजवाजियानं सर्व विरुद्धमशनं विषमाशनं च।
ताम्बुल मत्स्यलवणार्द्रकतैलभृष्टं पिण्याक हिंगुतिल सर्षपमूत्रवेगान्।
माषान्करीरमतितीक्ष्णविदाहिरुक्षमम्लं प्रमञ्चतु जनःसति मूत्रकृच्छ्र ।। (यो.र. मूत्रकृच्छ्र)

Alcohol, excessively tiring work, indulgence in sex, riding a horse or an elephant is Ahitakar (harmful/unsuitable) in Mootrakruchchhra Vyadhi (urinary disorders/dysuria). Eating Viruddha Ahar (incompatible foods) and Visham Ahar (irregular/unwholesome foods) is also contraindicated. One should not suppress Mootra Vega (the natural urge of urination). Eating Tambul (betel leaf), fish, salty food, Adrak (ginger), foodstuffs roasted in oil, Pinyak (Tilkut – a sweet made from sesame seeds), Hingu (asafoetida), Til (sesame seeds), and Sarshap (mustard seeds) should not be consumed.

Black gram, Kareer fruit (Capparis decidua), Teekshna (sharp/pungent) and Vidahi food (causing burning sensation/irritant foods), Rooksha (dry) and Amla Rasatmak (sour-tasting) foodstuffs should be avoided by Mootrakruchchhra (urinary disorder) patients. Kareer (Capparis decidua) is Katu Rasa Vipaki (pungent in post-digestive effect) and Ushna Veerya (hot in potency). It is also Adhmankarak (causes bloating/flatulence).

Apathya (Unwholesome / Avoidable) in Mootraghat (Urinary retention)

रुक्षं विदाही विष्टम्भि व्यवायं वेगधारणाम्। करीरं वमनं चापि मूत्रघाती विवर्जयेत् ।। (यो. र.)

Food which is Rooksha (dry), Vidahi (causing burning/irritation), Vishtambhi (obstructive) in nature is contraindicated in Mootraghat (urinary obstruction/retention). It causes Tridosha Prakop (aggravation of all three doshas – Vata, Pitta, Kapha). Vegadharan (suppression of natural urges) and Maithun (sexual intercourse) are also contraindicated in Mootraghat (urinary obstruction) patients. Vaman (therapeutic emesis) should not be advised in Mootraghat (urinary obstruction). Kareer fruit (Capparis decidua) is Ahitakar (harmful/unsuitable) in Mootraghat (urinary obstruction).

Modern science advises to stop using Lavan (salt) in conditions of impaired renal function. Lavana Rasa (salty taste) has Ushna (hot) and Teekshna (sharp/penetrating) properties and produces Klinnata (excessive moisture/wetness) in the body. When the Kledavahan (fluid-carrying) function of Mootra (urine) is reduced, eating Lavan (salt) will lead to increased Kleda (fluid/moisture accumulation) in the body. Lavana Rasa (salty taste) also leads to accumulation of doshas (Dosha Sanchay), which in turn may increase Lakshan (symptoms) such as Shotha (edema/swelling). Lavana (salt) is included among the Apathaykar Dravya (contraindicated substances) described in Shotha Vyadhi (diseases with swelling/edema).

While describing the Lakshan (symptoms) caused due to excessive intake of Lavana Rasa (salty taste), it is also told that similar effects are observed due to consumption of grains and vegetables which are grown in Lavana Rasa Pradhan (salinity-dominant) land. Hence, wherever Lavana Rasa (salty taste) is contraindicated, food grown in such kind of land should also be avoided. Residing in such places may also prove Ahitakar (harmful/unsuitable).

As mentioned earlier, Vrukkha (kidneys) are formed from the Prasad (essence) part of Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) and Meda Dhatu (fat/adipose tissue). Long-standing diseases of the kidney generally develop in people suffering from Prameha (metabolic disorders, mainly diabetes), hypertension, dyslipidemia, obesity, autoimmune diseases, etc.

People who suffer from Vyadhi (diseases) such as Prameha (diabetes/metabolic syndrome) should modify their diet so that they can prevent any ill effects of these diseases on important organs such as the kidney. Dushti Hetus (causative/aggravating factors) of Raktavaha Srotas (channels carrying blood) and Medovaha Srotas (channels carrying fat/lipid metabolism) should be avoided.

विदाहिनी अन्नपानानि स्निग्धोष्णानि द्रवाणि च। रक्तवाहीनि दुष्यन्ति भजतां चातपानलौ ।। (च.वि.५/१४)

अव्यायामात् दिवास्वप्नात् मेद्दानां चातिभक्षणात्। मेदोवाहीनि दुष्यन्ति वारुण्याश्चाति सेवनात्। (च.वि.५/१६)

It is advised to avoid excessive intake of Vidahi (foods causing burning sensation/irritation), Snigdha (unctuous/greasy foods), Ushna (hot in potency), and Drava (liquid/heavy watery foods). Food with Teekshna Guna (sharp/pungent property) should be avoided. Even physicians should use medicines with Teekshna (sharp/pungent) properties very carefully or should opt for different medicines. It is described to avoid use of Kulattha Yush (horse gram soup) while taking Shilajatu (Asphaltum) containing medicines such as Chandraprabha (classical formulation with Loha Shilajatu – iron and Shilajit). Ayurved practitioners should definitely advise the patients about such diet restrictions.

Use of medicines containing Bhallataka (marking nut – Semecarpus anacardium) may cause Anupashay ( factors that worsen the condition) in patients suffering from kidney diseases. If at all, these medicines need to be used, it should be strictly under the supervision of an Ayurved physician. Similarly, use of Bhallatak Phal Majja (kernel of Bhallataka fruit) which is used as an Ahareeya Dravya (dietary ingredient) should be avoided by such patients. It is Ushna (hot in potency), Teekshna (sharp/pungent); hence eating it may adversely affect the kidney and may lead to acute Mootra Daha (burning urination), Sarakta Mootra Pravrutti (blood-stained urination/hematuria), etc.

Mustard seeds should not be used in excess quantity as these also increase Teekshnata (sharp/pungent quality) excessively.

Mustard Greens (Sarshap Shaka)

Mustard Greens (Sarshap Shaka) – Mustard greens cause Tridosha Prakop (aggravation of all three doshas) and cause Vibandha (obstruction) of Pureesh (stool) and Mootra (urine). Hence these should be avoided in Vikar (diseases/conditions) such as Mootrakruchchhra (painful/difficult urination), Mootralpata (low urine output/oliguria), etc., and also during the summer season.

त्रिदोषं बद्ध विण्मूत्रं सार्षपं शाकमुच्यते ।। (च.सू.२७/१२२)

Taila (Oil)

Taila (oil) – Taila has Kashaya Anurasa (secondary astringent taste) and it is Ushna Veeryatmak (hot in potency). It is Sookshma (subtle, penetrative) and has Vyavayi property (quickly spreading throughout the body before undergoing digestion). It causes Pitta Prakop (aggravation of Pitta dosha) and Vibandha (obstruction) of Pureesh (stool) and Mootra (urine). Black pepper (Marich – Piper nigrum), Asafoetida (Hingu – Ferula assa-foetida), green chilies, and other Ushna Teekshna (hot and sharp/pungent) foodstuffs should also be avoided. Shigru Beeja (moringa seeds – Moringa oleifera) and Moolak (radish) also have Ushna Teekshna (hot and sharp) properties. These too should be avoided or used only in very small proportions.

Patients suffering from Vrukkha Vikar (kidney diseases/disorders) should avoid the use of alcohol. Also, meat with more fat content should be avoided.

Rasayan Prayog (Rejuvenative Therapy/Use Of Rasayana Drugs)

There is no description regarding a specific Rasayan (rejuvenative therapy) for Vrukkha (kidneys). But Dravya (substances/medicinal agents) beneficial for Rakta Dhatu (blood tissue) and Meda Dhatu (fat tissue) can be used to maintain the health of the kidneys.

Amalaki (Indian gooseberry – Emblica officinalis)

Amalaki (Indian gooseberry – Emblica officinalis) is one such Dravya (substance) which has medicinal properties but is also used as food. It is Tridoshashamak (balances all three doshas – Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and Sheetal (cooling in potency). Charakacharya has included it in Nitya Sevaneeya Dravya (substances advised for regular daily consumption). Haridra (turmeric – Curcuma longa) is another foodstuff which is Rakta Shuddhikar (blood purifier) and Kledaghna (reduces excess fluid/moisture). In diseases such as Prameha (diabetes/metabolic disorder), regular use of Nishamalaki (a classical combination of turmeric and amalaki) is described as beneficial. Hence, regular use of such foods is useful to maintain the health of the kidneys.