Ideal blood donation: an ayurvedic prospective (pre and post dietetic management)

Summary of article contents:

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.