Dashamoola root blend (Dashamoola)
Dashamoola is a traditional Ayurvedic blend consisting of the roots of ten specific plants, categorized into two groups: the Brihat Panchamula (larger roots) and Laghu Panchamula (smaller roots). In the context of food and dietetics, it is rarely consumed as a standalone meal but is highly valued as a foundational ingredient for preparing medicated fats (ghrita), broths, and digestive decoctions. It is traditionally used to infuse culinary preparations with a grounding, stabilizing quality. From a kitchen perspective, Dashamoola is prized for its ability to balance the digestive environment. It is frequently used to prepare 'peya' (thin gruels) or as a base for cooking ghee, which is then incorporated into daily meals to support systemic nourishment and digestive comfort. Its complex profile makes it a staple in traditional preparations designed to maintain internal equilibrium during seasonal transitions.
Category: other
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Tikta, Kashaya, Madhura
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Madhura
Preparation notes
Dashamoola roots should be cleaned and coarsely crushed before use. To extract their properties, they are typically boiled in water (decoction) until the liquid is reduced to one-fourth of its original volume. This concentrated liquid is then used as a base for cooking fats or grains.
Health benefits
- Supports healthy digestive function
- Promotes grounding and stability in the body
- Assists in maintaining a balanced appetite
- Traditionally used to support respiratory comfort when prepared in broths
Culinary uses
- Preparation of medicated ghee (Dashamuladya Ghrita)
- Base for nourishing meat or vegetable broths
- Infusion for medicinal gruels (peya)
- Decoction base for cooking grains like barley (yava)
Indications
- Used in peya (gruels) for convalescence
- Added to ghee for daily consumption
- Used in cooking grains for enhanced digestibility
Pathya (supportive)
- Used in traditional convalescent diets
- Wholesome when prepared with ghee or milk
Apathya (avoid)
- Avoid in cases of severe acute fever or intense pitta-type digestive disturbances
Classical sources
- Charaka Samhita · Sutra Sthana · Arochaka Pratishedha · Dasha-vidha-Atura-Bhediya Adhyaya · Unit 13 — 01 13
- Charaka Samhita · Sutrasthana · Dviśoṇita varga · Verse 39-42 · Verse 43 · Verse 43-44 · Verse 44-45 · Verse 45-46 · Verse 47 · Verse 47-48 · Verse 48-49 · Verse 49-50 · Verse 50-51 · Verse 51-52 · Verse 52-53 · Verse 53-54 · Verse 53-54 · Verse 54-55 · Verse 55-56 · Verse 56-57 · Verse 56-56 · Verse 57-58 · Verse 58-59 · Verse 59-60 · Verse 60-61 · Verse 61-62 · Verse 61-62 · Verse 62-62 · Verse 62-62 · Verse 63-64 · Verse 63-64 · Verse 64-64 · Verse 64 · Verse 64 · Anahaadhyaaya · Unit 26 — 01 26
- Charaka Samhita · Sutra Sthana · Arochaka Pratishedha · Dasha-vidha-Atura-Bhediya Adhyaya · Unit 22 — 01 22