Milk of Cow and Other Animals: A Complete Guide to Health and Medicinal Benefits
— Nutritional Power, Disease Cure, and Ayurvedic Perspective
In Indian tradition, milk is not just a food item but a life-giving nectar, especially in Ayurvedic medicine. Different animals produce milk with varying properties, and each type of milk has its own set of benefits depending on one's age, health condition, and constitution. This article explores the benefits of milk from various animals—especially the cow, which is considered sacred and supremely health-giving.
1. Cow's Milk – Nutritious, Sattvic, and Therapeutic
Cow’s milk is highly revered in Ayurveda and Indian culture. It is a rich source of vitamins A, B, C, D, and E. Known for being easily digestible, it provides complete nourishment to the body.
Key Benefits of Cow’s Milk:
Helps cure chronic diseases like asthma, fever, diabetes (prameh), gonorrhea (soojak), and cough.
Considered ideal for weak or sick individuals due to its light and digestible nature.
Fresh warm cow milk, when consumed with honey, is known to enhance intelligence, strength, and reproductive vitality.
Always drink milk lukewarm, after boiling once. Over-boiling reduces its nutrients and makes it heavy for digestion.
Milk cream (malai) is heavy, nourishing, cooling, and increases kapha; it's also good for enhancing tissue strength.
Milk with jaggery helps in relieving urinary disorders but can increase kapha and pitta.
Best time to drink milk is at night, as it promotes sleep, enhances brain function, strengthens immunity, and helps in disease recovery.
Adding few drops of lemon juice (especially from thin-skinned lemons) to cow’s milk and drinking immediately can help cure piles.
Mixing a little dry ginger powder (saunth) in milk helps in treating jaundice.
Milk helps in reducing high blood pressure, cholesterol, and even prevents certain types of cancers.
It protects from infectious diseases, peptic ulcers, tooth cavities, and bronchitis.
Stimulates brain chemicals like dopamine and norepinephrine, aiding in faster and clearer thinking.
2–3 glasses of cow milk daily can reduce the risk of colon cancer.
For physically active people, full-cream milk is beneficial, while others may opt for skimmed milk.
2. Goat’s Milk – Ideal for TB and Children
Goat’s milk is considered pure and medicinal, especially beneficial for those suffering from tuberculosis (TB).
It should be taken after feeding the goat with the medicinal herb "Aak" (Calotropis).
Helps in improving lung health and boosts immunity.
More digestible than cow’s milk, making it highly suitable for infants and weak patients.
It is generally safe and has minimal side effects.
3. Sheep’s Milk – Warm, Salty, and Restorative
Sheep’s milk contains vitamins A, B, C, and D, and is considered warming and salty in nature.
Helpful in healing lung infections and kidney stones.
Drinking it with almond oil enhances reproductive power.
Useful in stopping vomiting of blood.
Though good for certain ailments, it may aggravate heart conditions.
External application of sheep’s milk enhances skin glow and beauty.
Long-term use may cause body odor and lice in the hair.
4. Buffalo’s Milk – Heavy, Fat-Rich, and Sleep-Inducing
Buffalo milk contains vitamins B, C, D, and E, and is known for its high fat and protein content.
Provides strength, induces deep sleep, and helps in weight gain.
It is heavier to digest than cow’s milk and may not be suitable for people with weak digestion.
It reduces gastric heat and is excellent for those with strong metabolism.
5. Camel’s Milk – Light, Salty, and Medicinal
Camel milk is slightly salty and has a warming effect.
Highly effective in treating abdominal diseases, piles, intestinal worms, edema, and vata-related disorders.
Should not be consumed if the milk smells bad or turns sour, yellowish, or salty due to spoilage.
It is light in digestion and helps in detoxification.
6. Mare’s (Horse) Milk – Strength-Enhancing and Stabilizing
Milk from single-hoofed animals like horses is considered energizing and brings stability to the body.
It is slightly salty and warming.
Helps in improving body stamina and internal balance.
7. Donkey’s Milk – Brain-Booster for Children
Donkey’s milk is considered extremely beneficial for children, especially for their brain development.
Helps in curing chronic cough.
Enhances immunity and mental growth in infants and toddlers.
8. Elephant’s Milk – Powerful but Heavy
Elephant milk is known to increase strength and vitality.
However, it is very heavy to digest, and should be taken with caution.
Induces stability and grounding, but not commonly used due to accessibility and ethical concerns.
Important Guidelines for Milk Consumption:
Milk should always be boiled once and consumed lukewarm.
Avoid mixing milk with sour foods, like curd, pickles, or citrus fruits.
Do not drink spoiled, smelly, or discolored milk, as it may contain harmful bacteria.
People with lactose intolerance or milk allergies should consult a physician before consuming milk regularly.
Conclusion
Each type of milk carries unique medicinal and nutritional properties. While cow’s milk is universally regarded as the most sattvic and healing, other animal milks serve their roles in treating specific diseases or enhancing specific aspects of health. A well-informed, mindful use of milk according to body type, health condition, and season can be a natural path to vitality and healing.
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