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REVIEW ARTICLE
IDEAL BLOOD DONATION: AN AYURVEDIC PROSPECTIVE (PRE AND POST DIETETIC MANAGEMENT)
MANNAT MARWAHA1 DEEPA CHUGH2

ABSTRACT
Besides testing blood groups, HIV, Hepatitis B and C, syphilis and other infections certain other factors should
also be considered before blood donation. Laws of Ayurveda can be implicated for collecting and providing
quality blood to the recipient and assuring good health of donors so that multiple episodes of blood donation
can be done to cope increasing needs of blood. Pre and post blood donation activities including diet and
disciplinary habits to be followed are discussed. Ayu (age), sex, Matra (quantity) of blood for donation, Kala
(time/number of donation a year), ideal donor-Raktasara Purusha (individual having excellence of blood),
indications to blood collector etc. are discussed according to Ayurvedic view. Blood-letting in Ayurveda is
followed by depletion of Dhatus (tissues) which further leads to a depression of the Agni (digestive power) and
excessive aggravation of Vayu. Donor’s dietary habits including food items viz. vegetables, non-vegetarian
items, other consumables items, in disciplinary habits, mental condition, disease, symptoms and complaints of
donors are considered before ideal blood donation. Pre dietetic management includes having Yavagu (gruel)
and post dietetic management including Manda (rice water) is recommended. Post disciplinary management for
blood donor is also discussed. Diet recommendation for regular blood donors is given.
Keywords: blood donation, pre-post diet, Ayurveda, Yavagu, Manda.

1 1
Assista Assistant Professor, P.G. Department of Swasthvritta, Uttaranchal Ayurvedic College (U.A.C), Rajpur, Dehradun, Uttarakhand, India.
2
Ayurvedic Medical Officer, In-charge, Rajkiya Ayurvedic Chikitsalya and Panchkarma Unit, Majra, Dehradun, Uttarakhand,
India.
Corresponding Email id: [email protected] Access this article online: www.jahm.in
Published by Atreya Ayurveda Publications under the license CC-by-NC.

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INTRODUCTION: (tissues) which further leads to a depression of

Every year India requires about 5 crore the Agni (digestive power) and excessive
units of blood, out of which only a meager 2.5 aggravation of Vayu.Agni needs to be
crore units of blood are available. One unit is corrected and vitiated Vata should be pacified
450 ml of blood, which is roughly one pint. accordingly. Ayurveda further emphasize on
Every two seconds someone needs blood. blood formation in Yakrita (liver) and Pliha
There is no substitute for human blood. Blood (spleen). Diet and drugs acting on these two
cannot be manufactured; it can only come organs potentiates blood formation.
from generous donors. The average adult has An ideal blood donation should be
about 10 units of blood in his body. Roughly 1 performed each time. This would assure
unit is given during a donation. A healthy quality blood and its components for recipient.
donor may donate red blood cells every 56 Diet/ disciplinary habits before and after blood
days, or double red cells every 112 days. A donation assure good health status of donor
healthy donor may donate platelets as few and hence multiple donation episodes with a
as 7 days apart, but a maximum of 24 times a donor are done to cope increasing needs of
year[1].So, to maintain the health of donor one blood donation.
must be very precise for what to have before Need of the study:
and after blood donation. The chapter on 1. To collect quality blood and its components for
“blood formation (haemopoiesis) and the recipient by improving dietary and disciplinary
regimen therefor” named habits of donor.
“Vidhishonitiyadhayaya” explains the answer. 2. To assure good health status of donor by
In Ayurveda, not a drop of blood leak is educating him benefits of blood donation and
supposed to be normal. Rakta (blood) has post dietetic management.
been considered to be the essential tissue of 3. To assure multiple blood donation episodes in
the body. Blood is the mainstay of body; the an individual to cope emerging needs.
body totally depends upon it. Hence, every MATERIALS AND METHODS:
attempt must be made to preserve it; in other 1. Study is literary review based on material
words, blood is equivalent to life available in Ayurvedic and modern texts
itself[2].However, the concept of bloodletting is including journals, websites etc.
studied in a healthy and diseased person. An 2. Ayurvedic methodology is applied to study
ideal blood donation is studied.Blood-letting in factors for ideal blood donation, pre and post
Ayurveda is followed by depletion of Dhatus dietetic regimens.

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AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: carbonated drinks, bakery products, pickles,

1. To study the concept of ideal blood donation salty snacks, pizza, cake, burgers, fast foods)or
as per Ayurvedic laws. unwholesome or food in large quantity or wine
2. To study the pre and post diet, other factors with Tikshana (sharp) and Ushna(hot) property
for blood donation as per Ayurveda. is not considered ideal for blood donation.
Conceptual study and observations: 2. Pulse and vegetables like Kullatha
According to ayurveda ideal blood donation (Dolichosbiflorus Linn.), Masha (Phaseolus
should be four-step process: radiates Linn.), Nishpava (a type of
Step 1: Assessment and registration of an ideal vegetable),Tila oil (sesame oil), Pindalu
donor. (Dioscoreaalata Linn.), all tubers and raw
Step 2:Pre dietetic and disciplinary green vegetables like radish etc.Non-veg.
management. items like meat of aquatic and animals of
Step 3: Blood donation (Indications at the time marshy areas or animals living in wholes
of blood collection (including medical should be avoided.
history and mini-physical check-up) 3. Other items like Curd, AmlaMastu (sour whey),
Step 4: Post dietetic and disciplinary Shukta (vinegar), Sura (wine) and Sauviraka
management. (type of liquor) should not be consumed
Step-1: (Assessment and registration of an before blood donation.
ideal donor) 4. Rotten, putrefied food articles and
Following are the persons not considered VirudhaAhara (foods having mutually
suitable/ ideal for blood donation. Donor’s contradictory qualities) and any other type of
dietary habits including food items viz. foods in excessive quantity should be avoided
vegetables, non veg. items, other consumables before blood donation.
items, in disciplinary habits, mental b) Person with following in disciplinary habits/
condition,disease, symptoms and complaints mental condition is not suitable for blood
of donors should also be considered before donation[3]:
blood donation. 1. Person who is in a habit ofsleeping during day
a) Person with following dietary habits is not time after taking liquid, unctuous and heavy
suitable for blood donation[3]: food and taking food before the previous meal
1. Person who is in a habit of taking or has taken is digested.
Ati-Lavana-Kshara-Amla-Katu (excessively 2. Person who has excessive anger and is usually/
saline, alkaline, acidic and pungent foodsviz. at the time before blood donation has

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 Jour. of Ayurveda & Holistic Medicine
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excessive exposure to the sun or fire and who 6. Person who is emaciated, indulges in too much
is in a habit of suppressing the urge for sex, is impotent, frightful, pregnant women,
vomiting, urine and feces. women in parturition and after Shodhana
3. Blood donation should not be performed on a therapy (five purification therapies) should not
person who has exertion, external injury and be allowed to donate blood.
heatstroke. 7. However, avoid smoking at least a day before
4. Person who had not taken bloodletting blood donation and avoid drinking at least 48
therapy in Sharad Ritu (in autumn) as hours before blood donation.
prevention to avoid RaktajVikara (blood c) Person with following list of disease/
disorders) is not considered ideal for blood symptom/ complaint should not be
donation. considered for blood donation[3]:
5. SharadRitu(autumn season, September-
October) itself is not consideredsuitable for
blood donation.
Table No. 01- Unfit persons and conditions for blood donation
S.No. Disease/ Symptom/ Complaint S.No Disease/ Symptom/ Complaint
1. Mukhapaka (stomatitis) 17. Santapa (burning sensation)
2. Akshiraga (redness in eyes/ 18. Atidaurbalya (excessive weakness)
conjunctivitis)
3. Putigharanasyagandhita (rhinitis, 19. Aruchi (Anorexia)
foul
odour from mouth)
4. Gulma(abdominal tumor) 20. Shirsarukka (headache)
5. Upkusha(type of mouth diseases) 21. VidahaAnnapanasyaTiktaAmlaUdgara (bitter
sour
eructation after diet and drink not digested
properly)
6. Visarpa (erysipelas) 22. Krodha (excessive anger)
7. Raktapitta (bleeding from 23. Lavanasyata (saline taste in mouth)
different
parts of body)
8. Pramilaka (person with habit of 24. SwedaShariraDaurgandhya (excessive sweating,
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Thinkingevery second/ foul

drowsiness) smell of the body)
9. Vidradhi (abscess) 25. Mada (any intoxication)
10. Raktameha (hematuria) 26. Kampa (shivering)
11. Pradara (menorrhagia) 27. Swarakshaya (aphonia)
12. Vatashonita (gout) 28. TandranidraAtiyoga (drowsy, excessive sleep)
13. Vaivarnya (pallor) 29. Tamashchatidarshanam (frequent attack for
fainting)
14. Agnisada (suppressed power of 30. Chardi(vomiting)
digestion)
15. Pippasa (thirst) 31. Atisara (diarrhea)
16. Gurugatrata(heaviness in body) 32. Kandukothapidikakushthacharmadalaadi
(pruritis, eruption,
urticaria, pimples, obstinate skin diseases
including leprosy,
dermatitis etc.)

Ideal Donor- Raktasara Purusha: An ideal However, quantity of blood donated should be
donor must possess the properties of as per donor’s strength and nature[5]. Donors
Raktasara Purusha (individual having can be examined with reference to Sara (the
excellence of blood). Individuals having the excellence of their Dhatus/ tissues).
excellence of Rakta or blood are characterized Considering the above factors, ideal donors
by Snigdha (unctuousness), Raktavarna(red should be identified and registered.
color), beautiful dazzling appearance of the Step 2: Pre dietetic and disciplinary
ears, eyes, face, tongue, nose, lips, sole of the management:
hands and feet, nails, forehead and genital Dietetic management before blood donation:
organs. Such individuals are endowed with Yavagu: (Panchkola Siddha Yavagu) :
Sukha (happiness), Medha (great genius), Quality of Yavagu:
Manasvi (enthusiasm), Kashyapa Samhita has described the
Sukumaryata(tenderness), Anatibala standard quality of Yavagu[6].A quality Yavagu
(moderate strength) and Akleshasaha (inability should possess normal semisolid texture and
to face difficulties). Their body remains hot[4]. should not be excessively concentrated or
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dilute. It should be prescribed in warm and preparation as it can be separated from each
fresh condition and not after cooling. The rice other and the ultimate quality is its pleasant
grains should remain intact after the and palatable appearance.
Table No. 02: Contents and proportion of Panchkola Siddha Yavagu:
S.N Name of Botanical Rasa Guna Veerya Vipak Doshkarma Quanti
o the name a ty
ingredie
nts
1. Rice Oryza sativa Madh Laghu Sheeta Madh VatapittaSham 1 part
(paddy) ur ur aka
2. Water 6 parts
KwathaDravyas (decoction material):
1. Pippali Piper longum Katu Laghu, Anushanash Madh VataShamaka 1 part
Snigdh eet ur
a,
Tikshn
a
2. Pippalim Piper longum Katu Laghu, Ushna Katu VatakaphaSha 1 part
ool Tikshn maka
a
3. Chavya Piper Katu Laghu, Ushna Katu KaphavataSha 1 part
retrofractum Ruksh maka
a
4. Chitraka Plumbagozeyla Katu Laghu, Ushna Katu KaphavataSha 1 part
nica Ruksh maka
a
5. Shunthi Zingiberofficin Katu Laghu, Ushna Madh KaphavataSha 1 part
ale Snigdh ur maka
a
6. Water 8 parts

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Method of preparation of Yavagu (gruel): dominancy which is Agnideepana, Rochana in

Collect all the ingredients of Panchkola action and pacifies Kapha. Vipaka: Vipaka of
and then clean, wash and dry them properly. Panchakola is Katu. Veeryaof Panchakola is
Prepare decoction by adding 8 times of water Ushna according to its KatuRasa.
in 5 grams of Panchkola which is reduced to a) Disciplinary habits to be maintained
1/4th of its quantity at mild heat and is before blood donation:
filtered.Then take 40 grams of rice along with Donor should not be involved in any
above Kwathaand 6 times water is added. It is contradictory dietetic and in-disciplinary habits
then heated at mild heat till rice is cooked [7]. as explained above. He should not have any
The above prepared Yavagu is given as meal disease/ symptom or complaint as explained in
before blood donation. table no. 1. Donor should be advised to
Pharmacological properties: correct/ leave such habits 8 days
Yavagu being Laghu (light), it promotes (NiramaAvastha) before donation[10]. He
digestion, causes downward movement of should be assessed again before donation.
flatus, feces, urine and Doshas; causes Step 3: Blood donation (Indications at the
perspiration being liquid and hot; being liquid time of blood collection including medical
pacifies thirst; due to combination of other history and mini physical check up)
substances it supplements the diet, thus a) Ayu (age) consideration for blood donation:
increases strength[8].Yavagu is Grahi(stops Considering the verse,
loose motions), Balya (strengthening), thatSiramokkshana (Bloodletting) in persons
Tarpana (nourishing) and Vatanashini (relives below the age of sixteen years and above
Vata). AcharyaSharangdhara describes the seventy years should not be done[11]. A person
quality and preparation under preparation of aged between sixteen to seventy years should
Annaprakirya(rice puddings) as the quantity of be allowed to donate blood. This is an ideal
water is six times inYavagu[9].Panchakola age for blood donation.
Siddha Yavagu shows improvement in b) Matra (Quantity) of blood donated:
Agnimandya by its Katu Rasa, KatuVipaka and Bloodletting is to be done, with regard
UshnaVirya i.e. entire aspect of drug shows to the Bala (strength) of the patient and
effect on the Agnimandya. Yavagu itself is nature as well as seriousness of the disease[5].
considered as Deepaniya. It is Agnideepana, An excessive blood loss will result in
Pachanaand Rochanain action and it pacifies Shiroabhitapa(burning sensation in head),
Kapha-Vata. Panchakola have the Katu Rasa Andhya (blurring of vision), Adhimantha

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(glaucoma), Timira (errors of refraction), during and within 5-7 days after menses
Dhatukshaya (loss of tissues/ emaciation), should be avoided.
Akshepaka (convulsive disorders), Daha d) Kala (time) for conversion of Rasa-
(burning sensation), Pakshaghata Rakta into other tissues/ number of blood
(hemiplagia), Angavikara (monoplagia),Hikka donations a year: The Rasa remains in each
(hiccough), Swasa(dyspnoea), Kasa and every Dhatu (tissue) for a duration of
(cough),Pandu(anemia) and may cause three thousand and fifteen Kalas. In this way it
Maranam (death)[12]. Excessive bleeding takes one month for the Rasa to get converted
produces blindness, convulsions, thirst, and intoShukra (spermatic fluid) in or menstrual
darkness before eyes, headache, hemiplagia, blood in women. In this way eighteen
dyspnoea, cough, hiccough, burning sensation, thousand and ninetyKalas are required in all
anemia and even death. The body is made out (for the Rasa to transfer the Dhatus). Rasa
of blood; life is maintained by blood, so blood (plasma) gives rise to Rakta (blood) which
should be preserved at all costs[13]. produces Mansa (muscles), Mansa produces
Calculations: Medas (fat);Meda gives rise to Asthi (bones)
The quantity of bloodletting may be which then forms Majja (bonemarrow); from
Prastha(540 ml), HalfPrastha (270 ml) or Majja, ShukraDhatu is produced. The Rasa
quarter Prastha(135 ml). Normally one Prastha (nutrient fluid) derived from the food and
equals sixteen Pala but in case of bloodletting drinks provide nourishment to all the tissues
one Prastha should be taken equal to 13.5 mentioned above. Hence, Rasa, should be
Pala[14]. protected carefully by person by keeping
13.5 Pala = 54 Tola = approximately 540 ml vigilance on foods and drinks[16].
of blood (1 Tola = 10 ml)should be taken at Rasa and otherDhatus get transformed
each donation. into Shukra (semen) in about a month’s time
c) Sex: by the action of Pitta, so also Rajas (ovum) in
Females should not donate blood before women[17].
menarche and after menopause. Age Calculations:
consideration is between twelve to fifty 20 + 1/10 Kala i.e. 20.1 Kala = 48
years[15]. Female blood is considered pure as minutes (1 Muhurat)[18]
monthly shredding of blood during menses 1 Kala = 48/20.1= 2.38 minutes
purifies Rakta. However, blood donation (3015 ˣ 6 =) 18090 Kala is required to nourish
all six Dhatusreaching Shukrai.e. 18090 ˣ 2.38 =

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43054 minutes, equals 717.57 hours, which is 4. Blood donation should be done after having
29.89 days (approximately 30 days). Further, 5 Yavagu as meal.
days (which is 120 hours, equals 7199.9 5. RaktaPramana (quantity of blood collected)
minutes, and equals 3015 Kala) is required for should be assessed.
ShukraDhatu nourishment. Nourishing organs 6. Blood donation should be followed by
is however a continuous process, but in case of havingManda (rice water).
donated blood, bloods seems to regain its 7. Donor should be kept under observation for
normal functions and components within 35 10 minutes.
days. 8. Donor should be provided with diet chart or
e) Indications to blood collector: general instructions considering diet.
Bloodletting should not be attempted Table No. 03: Guidelines for collecting blood
during cold season nor very hot season, No. Parameters
neither before sudation therapy nor after too 1. Body weight
much of sudation. It should be adopted after 2. Hb %
the person has been satisfied with Yavagu. 3. Agni (appetite and motion)
Blood does not flow properly during cold 4. Vayayama (physical activity)
season, on empty stomach, during fainting, 5. RaktasaraPurusha (according to
during drowsiness, fright, intoxication, excellence of Dhatus/ tissues)
exhaustion and suppression of urine and 6. Ayu(age)
[19]
faeces . If, after blood donation, vitiation of 7. Matra(quantity of blood collected)
Vayu along with inflammation and pain occurs, 8. Kala (date of previous blood donation)
part should be smeared with lukewarm Step 4: Post dietetic and disciplinary
[20]
Ghrita . management:
1. Above conditions/ parameters of donor should a) Dietetic management after blood donation:
be assessed by a trained person as follows: After blood donation, following facts are
see table no. 3. studied to decide diet.
2. Room temperature should be well maintained 1. After blood donation, intake of food
between and donor should be acclimatized for and drinks which are neither very hot nor very
at least 10 minutes. cold, and are light and stimulant of digestion
3. Whole body (external) Snehana (oleation) and are recommended. As after donation,
Swedana (sudation) should be done to avoid instability of blood is observed. Hence, power
VataPrakopa. of digestion and metabolism is specially
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required to be maintained[21]. If food and 4. Rasa reaches Hridya (heart) with the
drinks are exceedingly cold, they will suppress help of Samana Vayu, gets transformed and
Agni (the digestive power and metabolism); if colored by Pitta and becomes Rakta (blood).
too hot, they will add to instability of blood. So Rakta, found all over the body is the chief
the intake of food and drinks which are not sustainer of life, possessing Snigdha
too hot or cold are recommended. Light and (unctuous), Guru (heavy), Chala (movement)
easily digestible food may also be given with a and Swadu (sweet) property.[25]
view to stimulate digestive power. Rakta Panchbhautika: Other concept for origin
2. Blood-letting is followed by depletion of blood is, that blood is Panchabhautika
of tissues which further leads to a depression (made up of the five primordial elements, viz.
of the digestive power and excessive earth, water, fire, air, space.) as all attributes
aggravation of Vayu. Hence the patient should are present in the blood also; the attributes
be given foods which are nor too cold, but are being Vistrata (fleshy odor), Dravta (fluidity),
light to digest, demulcent, haemanetic and are Raga (redness), Spandana (movement) and
only slightly sour or are not sour at all[22].After Laghuta (lightness)[26].
blood donation Vata tends get aggravated Manda(rice water):
filling up the vacant channels in the body Definition of Manda: One part of rice and
produces various disorders pertaining to the fourteen parts of water are boiled together.
entire body or one of the parts[23]. Ghrita along The fluid (without grains) emerging thereby is
with Sobhagya Shunthi Paka can be advised if called Manda. This fluid mixed with powder of
Vata seems to vitiate. Shunthi and Saindhava is a good Deepana-
3. Site of origin and properties of Rakta: Pachana (digestive and carminative)[27].
The Ahara (food), when eaten, digested and Quality of Manda: Scum of boiled rice is free
metabolized properly; its nutritious essence from rice pieces is a Manda. However, in Peya
which is extremely fine is called Rasa. Rasa as though rice pieces are present but in less
it travels through the liver and spleen gets quantity, in Yavagu the pieces of cereals are in
colored. Rasa, the physiological product of good quantity, while in Vilepi, the liquid
digestion gets colored by the normal portion is exceptionally present[28].
Tejas(enzymes) of the body and is known as
Rakta (blood)[24].

Table No. 04: Contents and proportion of Manda:

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Sr. Name of Botanic Rasa Guna Virya Vipaka Doshkar Quantit

No the al Name ma y
. ingredien
ts
1. Rice Oryza Madhur Laghu Sheeta Madhu Vatapitta 1 part
(paddy) sativa a ra Shamaka
2. Water 14
parts
PrakshepaDravyas:
1. Shunthi Zingiber Katu Laghu, Ushna Madhu Kaphavat ½
officinal Snigdha ra ashamak
e a
2. Pippali Piper Katu Laghu, Anushna Madhu VataSha ½
longum Tikshan sheeta ra maka
a
3. Water 6

Method of Preparation of Manda: Acharya Charaka mentioned Manda

The Shashti Shali (rice grown in 60 Kalpana under Krittana Kalpana. Manda is
days) was taken and then cleaned, washed and considered better among Krittana Varga, it is
dried properly. Patient was advised to make a considered Agnivardhaka, Laghu,
decoction by adding 6 times of water in 5 Vatanulomic, Grahi, Dhatusamyakara,
grams of Pippali and Shunthi mixture which Strotomardvakar, Swedala, Shrama, Trishna
was reduced to 1/4th of its quantity at mild Nashaka, Dosha, Shosha, Kaphapitta, Atisara,
heat and was filtered. Asmari and Jwara Nashaka. It is
Then 40 grams of rice was taken and 14 Tridoshanashaka[29].
times water was added. It was heated at mild Manda (gruel water) is appetizer,
heat till rice was cooked and was filtered to Carminative, softening for channels and
separate liquid[27]. The prepared liquid called diaphoretic. It supports strength due to
Manda appetizing property and lightness, in persons
Pharmacological properties: subjected to reducing therapy and purgation
and also in those having thirst after the fat is
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digested. This Manda added with sour However, besides fiber, rice also has
pomegranates and boiled with long pepper natural antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin-A,
and ginger alleviates hunger and thirst, is phenolic and flavonoid compounds, which also
beneficial for channels and eliminates excreta act as or stimulate antioxidants to scour the
in evacuated persons[30]. body for free radicals[32].
The Manda prepared from fried paddy ShritasheetaJala (boiled and cooledwater):
along with Pippali and Nagara is salutary to Water boiled to half or one forth and cooled
those who have undergone eliminative water is beneficial for the treatment of Daha
therapy; it is a digestive, an appetizer, a (burning sensation), Atisara (diarrhoea),
carminative and a cardiotonic[31]. Manda disease caused by vitiated Pitta andRakta
mixed with powder of Shunthi and (blood), fainting, intoxication, poisoning and
Saindhava(rock salt) is a good Deepana- also Trishna (thirst), Chardi (vomiting) and
Pachana(digestion and assimilation)[27]. Bhrama (giddiness)[33].
Benefits of rice water: b) Disciplinary habits to be maintained after
Rice is rich in vitamin B5 which help in blood donation:
better breaking down of food. They are rich in After blood donation the donor should
manganese, magnesium, selenium etc. Those avoid Vayayama (exercise), Maithuna
who eat diets poor in manganese are said to (copulation), Krodha (anger), Sheetasnana
have sugar craving after food as manganese (cold bath), Pravata (cold breeze), Ekashana
helps to maintain normal blood sugars. (one meal a day), Divaswapana (day sleep),
The health benefits of rice water includes Kshara-Amla-Katu Bhojana (use of alkalies,
its ability to provide fast and instant energy, sour and pungent substance in food), Shoka
regulate and improve bowel movements, (grief), Vada (too much of conversation) and
stabilize blood sugar levels, and slow down the Ajirna (indigestion) till he attains good
aging process, while also providing an essential strength[34]. These actions/ habits/ mental
source of vitamin B1 to the human body. conditions vitiate Vata Dosha. However,
Other benefits include its ability to increase Smoking can be done at least 30 minutes and
the metabolism, aid in digestion, reduce high drinking at least 24 hours after blood
blood pressure, help weight loss efforts, donation.
improve the immune system and provide b) Diet to be followed by regular blood
protection against dysentery, cancer, and donor (General instructions):
heart disease.

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Stop Tea, coffee, soft drinks, Takra/Chaccha (with roasted and crushed
alcohol, skipping meals and stress. Non Jeera powder) and MridvikaArishta.
Suppressible Urges: Mutra (Urination) and  Cereals: Chappati(wheat, oats, barley, Ragi),
Mala (defecation). Vitamin C should be taken oats meals (Iron fortified), whole grain bread
along with iron rich food whole day in the with peanut butter. soyabean (soaked in warm
form of Orange Juice, Lemon, Amla Juice, water overnight)/ Sprouted grains.
Aloevera Juice, Chhacha (butter milk).  Pulses (Dal):Munga(green gram),
Fermented foods and Yoghurt should be Mansura(Indian brown lentils), Arhara(split
consumed at least once in a day. Iron vessels red gram), Kala Chaana(black chick pea).
should be used to prepare food. Milk should  Vegetables: Palak(spinach), Bathua, broccoli,
be avoided during treatment or it should not Methi (Fenugreek), Gobhi (Kale), watercress,
be consumed along with any iron rich diet. Shimlamirch(Capsicum), Beans, Prunes, Muli
Tea/coffee etc. milk products should not be (raddish) Gajjar (carrots),
consumed immediately after meals except Surankanda(Amorphophalluscampanulatus),
buttermilk. Cooking methods Adopted are, Tori, Parwal(pointed gourd), Beans, Gheeya
steaming, boiling, microwaving, roasting, (bottle gourd), Saaga (green leafy vegetable),
grilling, and poaching rather than frying. Foods Kadu(pumpkin), Karela(bitter gourd),
rich in Vitamin B12, folic acid and vitamin C mushroom.
should be consumed. Sharkara(Jaggery) should  Fruits: Amruda (Gauva), Anara (pomegranate)
be consumed at night with Ghee and Chappati. Amala, Apple, Jamuna(black plum), Naspatti
Go-Mutra(cows urine) can be consumed 40 ml (Pear), blackberries, blueberries, plums,
twice a day in morning and evening. oranges, Mausami (sweet lime), strawberries,
c) Diet advised for regular blood donors: carrots, sugarcane juice, orange juice. Fruits to
 Drinks: ShritasheetaJala (boiled and cooled be sprinkled with Dadimashtak Churna and
water),Nimbupani (lemon Juice) with 2 TSF lemon.
(tea spoon full) honey with added 2-3 Tulsi leaf  Salad: Chukundar(beetroot), Khira
extract, beetroot juice, Laghu Panchmool (cucumber), tomato, lemon, Draksha,
Kwatha, Amla juice, aloevera juice and pomegranate, Muli(Raddish), Gajjar(Carrot).
Takra/Chaccha (buttermilk). Juices should be  Dry fruits: Pista (Pistachio Nuts), Akhrot
prepared fresh. No tinned, canned, bottled or (Apricots),Khajura (dates), Draksha (Raisins).
packed juices. Do not add sugar to juices.  Fermented foods: Idly, Dosa, Upma, Dhokla
and yoghurt (Dahi), add Pippali(Piper longum),
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Kali Maricha(black pepper) powder and are contraindicated. Avoid tea, caffeine,
Saindhava (pink rock salt) in curd according to alcohol, processed foods, pizzas, partially
need. baked bread. Garam Masala, Red chilli, green
 Oils: olive oil/ sunflower/ rapeseed oil/ chilli are avoided. No milk at night. No chilli
mustard oil. Cow or buffalo Ghee(clarified sauces.
butter) can be used to lubricate Chappatis. DISCUSSION:
 Sauces: Use tomato sauces instead of cream 1. Persons indicated in ayurvedic text are not
sauces, homemade Pudina(mint) or considered ideal for blood donation.However,
Imily(tamarind) Chuttny(sauce) are preferred. if an individual willing to donate blood, he/ she
 Spices: Avoid spices except: Ajwayan(caraway should avoid such diet and indiscipline habits
seeds), Mulethi(liquorice), Shunthi(dry ginger), for 08 days before blood donation. Bythe
Dhaniya(coriander), administration of proper regimen, with due
Maricha(pepper),Haldi(turmeric), regard to the Desha (place), Kala (time) and
Saindhalavana (pink rock salt), Amla(Indian Satmya (habit); pure blood is formed[36].
gooseberry). Hence, ideal regimen (diet and discipline)

 Soups: Muli Yusha(soup), Palak (Spinach) should be followed 8 days before blood

Yusha, Sweet corn soups. donation.

 Non-Vegetarian items: 2. Persons having diseases/ symptoms or

Egg (boiled/ poached/ half boiled). complaints mentioned in table no. 1 should be

Red meat (heart, kidney and liver of chicken, first treated and then allowed to donate

Lamb, ham and beef). blood. However, he/ she should be checked

Fish-Salmon, Tuna and oysters, Shrimps. for properties of RaktasaraPurusha (individual

Contraindications: having excellence of blood) before donation.

 Langhana (fasting) is contraindicated as 3. Ayu: (age) Male aged sixteen to seventy years

VataDosha is vitiated. However, Kala (time) and female from twelve to fifty years are ideal

and Matra (quantity) for Ahara (food) should for blood donation. However, female should

be considered after blood donation. Person avoid blood donation during menstruation and

with Durbaala Agni should take meal only 5 days after it. Female blood is considered

ones a day. Matraheena (meal in less quantity) more pure in comparison to male.

should be given to Mandagni patient[35]. 4. Matra: On an average one unit (450 ml) of

 Biscuits, cookies, candy, frozen foods, muffins, blood is collected irrespective of donors

pancakes, chips, chocolates etc (bakery items) condition. However in ayurveda, quantity of

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Volume-V, Issue-VI (Nov.-Dec. 2017)

blood donation varies according to individual. grows strong, becomes stable and becomes
It should be 540 ml, 270 ml or 135 ml. capable of digesting all types of food by the
5. Kala: A healthy donor may donate red blood gradual administration of Peyaadi (thin
cells every 56 days, or double red cells every gruels)[37].
112 days. A healthy donor may donate CONCLUSION:
platelets as few as 7 days apart, but a According to ayurveda blood donation
maximum of 24 times a year1. But considering should be simple four-step process: 1.
calculations for Kala (time), if a donor is Assessment and registration of an ideal donor,
provided with dietetic, disciplinary 2. pre dietetic and disciplinary management, 3.
management, before and after blood blood donation (Indications at the time of
donation, blood seems to regain its normal blood collection (including medical
functions and components in 35 days. Further, history and mini-physical check-up) and 4. post
donor is advised to leave/ correct his diet and dietetic and disciplinary management.
disciplinary habits 8 days Factors like, body weight, Hb %, status
(NiramaAvastha)before blood donation. of Agni, Vayayama (physical activity/
Donor’s Agni is corrected in 7, 5 or 3 days for occupation), signs of Raktasara Purusha
540 ml, 270 ml or 135 ml blood collected (individual having excellence of blood), Ayu
respectively. Hence, ideal blood donation can (age), Matra (quantity of blood), and Kala
be done after 50 days (35+8+7), 48 days (time) should be taken care by the blood
(35+8+5) or 46 days (35+8+3). collector at the time of blood donation.
6. Blood seems to be vitiated in SharadRitu Following 08 days Niramma Avastha
(autumn season) i.e. two months duration. (correction period), 35 days for DhatuPoshana
Excluding those two months, ideal blood (nourishment of tissues) and 7 days of
donation can be done at the maximum of six Samsarjan Karma, blood donation can be done
times a year. again. That means after 50 days. Also, blood
7. As a spark of fire gets kindled into a big and donation is contraindicated during 2 months of
stable flame when fed gradually with dry SharadRitu. So, a person can be an ideal donor
grass, cow-dung cake, etc., similarly the for maximum of 5 to 6 times a year.
digestive fire or the enzymes in the body People desirable/ willing for blood
responsible for digestion and metabolism donation should follow proper diet,
(which subdue because of purificatory disciplinary and mental habits. They should
measures viz. bloodletting) in a purified person

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Volume-V, Issue-VI (Nov.-Dec. 2017)

take Shodhana (purification procedure) like ChaukhambaBharti Academy; reprint 2015; 444-
445.
Nitya Virechana (purgation on regular basis).
4) KashinathaShastri and GorakhanathaChaturvedi,
Yavagu (Gruel): Panchkola Sidha
(Vol. 1), Hindi commentary: elaborated by Charak
Yavagu is advised immediately before blood and Drudhalabala, CharakSamhita of Charak,
donation and Manda (rice water) is advised Vimanasthana, chapter 8. verse no. 104. Varanasi,

after blood donation to pacify Vata Dosha. ChaukhambaBharti Academy; reprint 2015; 776.
5) KashinathaShastri and GorakhanathaChaturvedi,
Diet to be followed by regular blood donors
(Vol. 1), Hindi commentary: elaborated by Charak
are discussed for maintenance and regulation
and Drudhalabala, CharakSamhita of Charak,
of body functions. Sutrasthana, chapter 24. verse no. 19. Varanasi,
Under IEC program (information, ChaukhambaBharti Academy; reprint 2015; 446.

education and counseling); benefits of blood 6) Hemraja Sharma, Hindi commentary: by

SrisatyapalaBhishagacharaya, KashyapSamhita
donation should be promoted among donors.
(VriddhajivakaTantra) of VriddhaJivaka, Khilasthana,
They are guided for health promotion and
Varanasi, chapter 4. verse no 73. Chaukhambha
disease prevention through bloodletting. As Sanskrit Sansthan; 2012; 254.
there is no alternative to human blood and its 7) KashinathaShastri and GorakhanathaChaturvedi,

demand is increasing, so, to cope up the (Vol. 1), Hindi commentary: elaborated by Charak
and Drudhalabala, CharakSamhita of Charak,
needs, people should be encouraged and
Sutrasthana, chapter 2. verse no. 17. Varanasi,
health of regular donors should be taken care.
ChaukhambaBharti Academy; reprint 2015; 54-55.
Ideal blood donation should be followed to 8) KashinathaShastri and GorakhanathaChaturvedi,
provide good quality blood to the recipient. (Vol. 2), Hindi commentary: elaborated by Charak

Further, donor remains healthy if diet and and Drudhalabala, CharakSamhita of Charak,
Chikitsasthana, chapter 3. verse no. 151-155.
disciplinary habits are followed.
Varanasi, ChaukhambaBharti Academy; reprint
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Ayurveda-Tattva-Sandipika on SushrutaSamhita of Source of support: Nil
Sushruta, Sutrasthana, chapter 45. verse no. 44. Conflict of interest: None Declared

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