Significance of Goat milk
Goat milk holds significant cultural, dietary, and medicinal value across various traditions including Hinduism, Ayurveda, and Science. It is used in rituals and sacrifices, symbolizing inclusivity and sacrificial heat. In Ayurveda, goat milk is recognized for its digestibility and therapeutic properties, treating various ailments such as digestive issues and fever. Scientifically, goat milk is easier to digest than cow's milk and has beneficial anti-bacterial properties. Its role in traditional medicine emphasizes its importance for health, nutrition, and ritualistic practices across cultures.
Synonyms: Goat's milk
In Dutch: Geitenmelk; In Finnish: Vuohenmaito; In Spanish: Leche de cabra; In German: Ziegenmilch
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Goat milk'
In Hinduism, goat milk is valued for its nutritional properties and health benefits, often used in rituals, traditional remedies, and medicinal preparations. It is seen as a versatile ingredient to enhance treatments and promote well-being.
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 4: Iatrochemistry
(1) A specific type of animal milk recommended as diet alongside the treatment.[1] (2) Recommended milk for consumption in cases of consumption (pulmonary tuberculosis).[2] (3) Milk sourced from goats, used to rub the compound and form pills.[3] (4) Milk from goats, recognized for its health benefits and suitability for diarrhoea patients.[4] (5) The milk from goats, used as a medium to prepare the medicine mixture into pills.[5]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 3: Metals, Gems and other substances
(1) A dairy product integrated into the purification process of tuber poisons to aid in their medicinal transformation.[6] (2) A remedy to induce vomiting and subsequently consumed after each act of vomiting until vomiting ceases completely.[7] (3) A dairy product that, when used with vanga, can help treat dropsy.[8]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 5: Treatment of various afflictions
(1) A nutritional liquid often recommended in conjunction with certain medicinal preparations.[9] (2) A dairy product suggested in traditional treatments for its perceived health benefits.[10]
From: Rasa Jala Nidhi, vol 1: Initiation, Mercury and Laboratory
(1) A substance used in the initial step of making the hard crucible, mixed with various ingredients during the construction process.[11]
From: Bharadvaja-srauta-sutra
(1) The milk that is collected from the she-goat and offered in the ritual.[12] (2) The milk obtained from a goat, which some teachers prescribe to be poured out first during a ritual.[13] (3) An alternative offering used as part of the rituals, particularly in response to issues regarding the Gharma-cow.[14]
From: Gautama Dharmasutra
(1) The lactation produced by female goats, which is forbidden under certain conditions set forth in dietary laws.[15]
From: Garuda Purana
(1) Another type of milk included for its health benefits in the recipes.[16] (2) A substance used in combination with plasters that contributes to the growth of hair.[17] (3) Milk from goats, applied in traditional remedies to enhance the efficacy of treatments, particularly with Malati roots.[18] (4) A type of milk used in collyrium preparation for improving eye-sight when mixed with powders and applied to the eyes.[19]
From: Charaka Samhita (English translation)
(1) Goat’s milk is astringent, sweet, cooling, light, and curative for hemothermia, diarrhea, wasting, cough, and fever.[20] (2) A substance used in the preparation of bottle gourd seeds that is recommended for treating toxicosis and abdominal diseases.[21]
From: Sushruta Samhita, volume 4: Cikitsasthana
(1) A specific type of milk recommended for consumption in various digestive formulations for treating Vata-Rakta.[22]
From: Satapatha-brahmana
(1) Goat's milk is poured into the fire-pan to avoid injury, symbolizing inclusivity as the goat consumes all types of herbs.[23] (2) Goat's milk is poured upon the pots as part of the ritual, signifying the heat derived from the sacrifice.[24] (3) A type of milk used in the sacrificial preparation, highlighting its importance alongside cow's milk in Vedic traditions.[25]
From: Vakyapadiya of Bhartrihari
(1) The literal meaning of the word ajapayah when it is interpreted as a noun.[26]
The concept of Goat milk in scientific sources
Goat milk is essential in Ayurveda, serving both as an ingredient in Kaarpaasaasthyaadi taila and as a recognized treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis-related ailments like Kshaya and Rajayakshma, demonstrating its therapeutic properties.
From: The Malaysian Journal of Medical Sciences
(1) Milk from goats, used in this study for its potential benefits on hepatocarcinogenesis.[27]