GUNAS OF SHLESHMA & TREATMENT

GUNAS OF SHLESHMA

• Definition and nature of Shleshma (phlegm)

  • Shleshma is a key dosha in Ayurveda, often related to the element of water and earth.

  • It is responsible for lubrication and binding in the body.

  • It regulates moisture, and its imbalance can lead to various disorders.

• Primary Gunas (qualities) of Shleshma

  • Snigdhata (oily): Shleshma is inherently moist and oily, which makes it slippery.

  • Guru (heavy): Shleshma has a heavy consistency, contributing to its slow movement in the body.

  • Shita (cold): Shleshma is cold in nature and has a cooling effect.

  • Manda (dull): It causes a sluggish and dull effect, particularly in digestion.

  • Vishada (clear): Shleshma is often clear in its healthy state, facilitating clarity in the body’s functions.

• Additional Qualities of Shleshma

  • Pravara (smooth): It ensures smooth movement within the body and protects the joints and tissues.

  • Visvanga (binding): It helps to bind and hold the bodily tissues together.

SANSKRIT SHLOKA
"श्लेष्मा स्निग्धा गुरुः शीतलमन्दविषादाः।" (Charakasamhita, Dirghanjivitiya Adhyaya, Shloka 7)

IMBALANCE OF SHLESHMA AND ITS EFFECTS

• Excess Shleshma (Kapha imbalance)

  • When Shleshma increases, it leads to the vitiation of the Kapha dosha, which can cause symptoms like lethargy, heaviness, respiratory issues, and digestive dysfunction.

• Symptoms of Increased Shleshma

  • Swelling (due to excess moisture retention)

  • Coughing (due to congestion in the respiratory system)

  • Excessive sleepiness (due to heaviness and lethargy)

  • Obesity (due to the accumulation of fat and water)

• Deficient Shleshma

  • A deficiency in Shleshma can lead to dryness, roughness, and an inability to maintain tissue cohesion, leading to conditions like dry skin, brittle hair, and joint pain.

SANSKRIT SHLOKA
"वृद्धेऽश्लेष्मणि कफवृद्धिर्बाधेत् शरीरं।" (Charakasamhita, Dirghanjivitiya Adhyaya, Shloka 8)

TREATMENT OF IMBALANCED SHLESHMA

• General Treatment Principles

  • Treatment must focus on restoring balance in the Shleshma and other doshas through diet, lifestyle changes, and herbal remedies.

• For Excessive Shleshma

  • Pachana (digestive stimulation): Use of digestive herbs to promote digestion and reduce the sluggishness caused by excess Shleshma.

  • Virechana (purging): Techniques that help eliminate excess fluids, improving digestion and clearing respiratory pathways.

  • Ushna (heating): Use of warm and stimulating substances to counteract the cold nature of Shleshma.

  • Diet: Avoid heavy, oily foods; instead, include light and dry foods to reduce the accumulation of Shleshma.

  SANSKRIT SHLOKA
  "विरेचनं सन्निपातान्तं श्लेष्माणं तत् प्रयोजयेत्।" (Charakasamhita, Dirghanjivitiya Adhyaya, Shloka 10)

• For Deficient Shleshma

  • Brimhana (nourishing): Provide nourishment using oily and fatty foods and herbs to restore Shleshma levels.

  • Snehan (oil therapy): Use of medicinal oils and fats, such as ghee, to replenish the moisture and nourishment required for Shleshma.

  • Diet: Include warm, moist, and nourishing foods that are easy to digest and rich in fluids.

  SANSKRIT SHLOKA
  "श्लेष्मस्य अभावे स्निग्धं शीतं कुर्यात् भोज्यं।" (Charakasamhita, Dirghanjivitiya Adhyaya, Shloka 12)

HERBAL REMEDIES FOR SHLESHMA

• Herbs for Excess Shleshma

  • Triphala: Acts as a purgative and helps balance Shleshma.

  • Ginger: A warming herb that promotes digestion and clears congestion.

  • Mustaka (Nutgrass): Helps in eliminating excess Kapha and stimulating digestion.

• Herbs for Deficient Shleshma

  • Ghee: Used to replenish the lost Shleshma and nourish the body.

  • Amla: A rich source of Vitamin C, which helps in rejuvenating Shleshma.

  • Ashwagandha: Nourishes and restores strength, especially when Shleshma is deficient.

SANSKRIT SHLOKA
"स्निग्धं शीतलमांसं श्लेष्मा यः स्यात् सि देवजः।" (Charakasamhita, Dirghanjivitiya Adhyaya, Shloka 13)