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International Journal of Indian Medicine
IIFS Impact Factor: 4.125

ISSN: 2582-7634

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Review Article


Year: 2026 |Volume: 7 | Issue: 01 |Pages: 68-75


Hetutwa of Rakta Dhatu in Health and Disease: An Ayurvedic comprehensive Perspective

About Author

Lad S.1 , Bhide M.2 , Patil S.3

1PG Scholar, Ayurveda Samhita & Siddhanta, BVDU College Of Ayurveda Pune, Maharashtra

2HOD Department of Samhita Siddhant & Sanskrit, BVDU College Of Ayurveda Pune, Maharashtra.

3Assistant Professor, Department of Kriya Sharir, DAMC&H, Udgir, Maharashtra

Correspondence Address:

Dr. Shrutee D. Lad PG Scholar, Ayurveda Samhita & Siddhanta, BVDU College Of Ayurveda Pune, Maharashtra Email- shruteeswapnil1608@gmail.com , Mobile no: - 90498 23497

Date of Acceptance: 2026-01-13

Date of Publication:2026-02-10

Article-ID:IJIM_511_02_26 http://ijim.co.in

Source of Support: Nill

Conflict of Interest: Non declared

How To Cite This Article: Lad S., Bhide M., Patil S. Hetutwa of Rakta Dhatu in Health and Disease: An Ayurvedic comprehensive Perspective. Int J Ind Med 2026;7(01):68-75 DOI: http://doi.org/10.55552/IJIM.2026.70111

Abstract

Background: In Ayurveda, dosha, dhatu, and mala are regarded as the fundamental constituents of the human body, and their equilibrium ensures health and wellbeing. Among the seven dhatus, rakta dhatu holds a central and indispensable role due to its life-sustaining functions.
Objective: To critically review classical Ayurvedic literature regarding Rakta dhatu, its functions, importance, pathological states, association with doshas, and its role in disease manifestation.
Methods: Literary review of Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Kashyapa Samhita, and contemporary Ayurvedic commentaries was undertaken, along with modern comparative insights. Results: Rakta dhatu is essential for jivana (life sustenance), varna (complexion), prasadana (clarity of sense organs), and sharira bala (strength). Pathological states include kshina rakta, vruddha rakta, kupita rakta, and dushta rakta. Dosha association with rakta dushti produces a wide spectrum of diseases ranging from skin disorders to systemic conditions. Chikitsa involves rakta shodhana through shodhana (raktamokshana, virechana) and shamana measures. Conclusion: Rakta dhatu plays a vital role in both physiological and pathological states. Its equilibrium ensures health, while its vitiation leads to multi-systemic disorders. Understanding rakta dhatu is essential for preventive and curative Ayurveda.

Keywords: Rakta Dhatu, Ayurveda, Raktamokshana, Dushta Rakta, Dosha association, Pathological states.

Introduction

Ayurveda emphasizes the balance of dosha, dhatu, and mala as the foundation of health. Among the seven dhatus, Rakta dhatu is regarded as ‘Jeeva’ (life essence). It provides nourishment, complexion, vitality, and supports the entire body system. The ancient Acharyas like Charaka, Sushruta, and Vagbhata have extensively elaborated the physiological and pathological aspects of Rakta dhatu, its dushti (vitiation), and its role in the origin of diseases. This paper aims to review the concept of Rakta dhatu in health and disease.

Methodology

This study is based on a literary review of Ayurvedic classical texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Kashyapa Samhita, and authoritative commentaries. Relevant modern literature was also compared to provide a holistic understanding.

Results

Functions of Rakta Dhatu

According to Ayurveda, Rakta dhatu is responsible for Jivana (life sustenance), Varna (complexion), Sharira Bala (strength), and Prasada (clarity of sense organs).

Pathological States of Rakta

a. Kshina Rakta (Depletion): Leads to craving for Amla and Sheeta substances, with dryness, cracking, and flaccidity of veins.
b. Vruddha Rakta (Increase): Causes disorders like Kamala, Kushta, Gulma, Pliharoga, Raktapitta, and hepatosplenic enlargement.
c. Kupita Rakta (Aggravated): Triggered by Agni, Visha, resulting in pain, fever, thirst, and   vesicular eruptions.
d. Dushta Rakta (Vitiated): Root cause of numerous diseases including Kushta, Arsha, Indralupta, Tilakalaka, Gulma, Raktameha, and others.

Dosha Association with Rakta Dushti

• Kapha-Dushta Rakta: Shotha, Kandu, Indralupta, Guhyaroga.

• Pitta-Dushta Rakta: Raktapitta, Ardra Arsha, Visphota, Upakusha.
• Vata-Dushta Rakta: Shiroroga, Shotha, Vranas, Vatarakta.
• Kapha-Pitta Dushta Rakta: Yakritodara, Plihodara, Vrana.
• Kapha-Vata Dushta Rakta: Mutraghata, Raktagranthi, Mukhadushika.
• Vata-Pitta Dushta Rakta: Shyavadanta, Padadaha, chronic ulcers.

• Tridosha Dushta Rakta: Granthi, Shotha, Upadansha, Udara Roga.

Severe and Special Types of Dushti

• Prakarshena Dushta Rakta: Leads to Kamala, Kushta, Jwara, Arsha, Vyanga, and Murchha.
• Visha Dushta Rakta: Symptoms include Chimchimayana, Jrimbha, Vepathu, Bhrama, Murchha, Tamaka Shwasa, sometimes Mrityu.

Flowchart 1:

Rakta Dushti → Disease Pathogenesis

Hetu (Causative factors: Viruddha Ahara, Visha, Ati-Madhya, etc.)

        ↓

Rakta Dushti (Vitiation of blood)

        ↓

Dosha Association (Vata, Pitta, Kapha involvement)

        ↓

Manifestations (Shotha, Jwara, Kushta, Raktapitta, etc.)

        ↓

Vyadhi (Disease expression – Skin, Liver, Spleen, Systemic disorders)

Discussion

The clinical significance of Rakta Dhatu extends beyond its classification as a mere "tissue"; it is described by Acharya Sushruta as the fourth pillar of the body, synonymous with Jeeva (life itself). This review highlights that Rakta is not only a carrier of nutrients but the fundamental substrate for vitality, complexion, and sensory clarity. The results of this study underscore a sophisticated

 

understanding of hematological and systemic pathology within Ayurvedic classics.

The Physiological Matrix

The primary function of Rakta, defined as Jivana (life sustenance), aligns with the modern physiological role of hemoglobin in oxygen transport and cellular respiration. However, Ayurveda expands this scope by linking Rakta to Prasadana (mental and sensory clarity) and Varna (complexion). This suggests that the quality of Rakta Dhatu directly influences the metabolic health of the skin and the functional efficiency of the central nervous system.

Pathological Dynamics and Dosha Interaction

The study reveals a nuanced classification of Rakta pathology. While Kshina Rakta (depletion) mirrors clinical anemia—characterized by dryness and loss of vascular tone—Vruddha Rakta (increase) and Dushta Rakta (vitiation) encompass a broader spectrum of inflammatory, metabolic, and dermatological conditions.

The association of specific Doshas with Rakta provides a diagnostic roadmap:

•              Pitta-Rakta synergy is most prominent due to their shared Ashraya-Ashrayi (resident-residence) relationship. This explains why Raktapitta (bleeding disorders) and Visphota (vesicular eruptions) are predominantly inflammatory.

•              Vata-Rakta interactions lead to degenerative and neuralgic manifestations, such as Vatarakta (gouty arthritis/peripheral vascular disease).

•              Kapha-Rakta vitiation manifests as congestive and hypertrophic conditions, including Shotha (edema) and Granthi (cysts).

Clinical Implications for Treatment

The findings emphasize that because Rakta is the vehicle for systemic vitiation, Raktamokshana (bloodletting) and Virechana (purgation) are not merely localized treatments but systemic detoxifiers. The presence of Visha (toxins) in Rakta, leading to symptoms like Bhrama (vertigo) and Murchha (fainting), suggests that Rakta serves as a primary medium for endogenous and exogenous toxemia.

Conclusion

Rakta dhatu is the essence of life and a central factor in health and disease. Its equilibrium maintains vitality, while its vitiation causes multiple disorders. Ayurvedic understanding of Rakta dhatu provides a holistic foundation for both diagnosis and management.  The health of an individual is inextricably linked to the purity of Rakta Dhatu. By categorizing diseases based on the specific Dosha-Rakta involvement, practitioners can move beyond symptomatic relief toward root-cause resolution. This review reaffirms that maintaining Rakta equilibrium is essential for preventing the progression of systemic diseases from the skin to internal organs.

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