Cilantro Mint Buttermilk (Pudina Dhaniya Chaas) (Pudina Dhaniya Takra)
A cooling, digestive-supportive buttermilk infused with fresh cilantro and mint, designed to pacify Pitta and Vata during warmer seasons.
Pudina Dhaniya Chaas is a cooling, digestive-supportive beverage crafted from fresh yogurt, water, and aromatic cooling herbs. In the Ayurvedic tradition, Takra (buttermilk) is revered as a nectar-like preparation that supports the digestive fire (Agni) without aggravating Pitta, especially when infused with herbs like cilantro and mint. This specific blend leverages the Sheeta (cooling) virya of these herbs to pacify the heat of the summer (Grishma) and early autumn (Sharad) seasons. Unlike heavier dairy preparations, this buttermilk is light (Laghu) and easy to assimilate. The addition of roasted cumin and rock salt provides the necessary stimulation for digestion while maintaining a balanced, soothing effect on the gastrointestinal tract. It is an ideal post-meal accompaniment or a refreshing midday drink to rehydrate and restore balance during periods of high heat or digestive fatigue.
At a glance
- Category: Beverage
- Meal: snack
Ingredients
- Fresh plain yogurt — 0.5 cup
- Filtered Water — 1.5 cup
- Fresh Cilantro — 2 tbsp
- Fresh Mint — 1 tbsp
- Cumin Seeds — 0.5 tsp
- Rock Salt (Saindhava) — 0.25 tsp
Method
- 1. In a blender, combine the fresh yogurt, water, cilantro leaves, and mint leaves. (Tip: Use a traditional wooden churner (mathani) if possible, as it adds a specific quality to the buttermilk.)
- 2. Blend until the herbs are finely incorporated and the mixture is frothy. (Tip: Ensure the yogurt is at room temperature to prevent digestive shock.)
- 3. Pour into glasses and stir in the roasted cumin powder and rock salt. (Tip: Roasted cumin is essential for its digestive (Deepana) properties.)
Health benefits
- Supports healthy digestion
- Promotes hydration
- Helps pacify internal heat
- Provides probiotic support
Indications
- Digestive weakness
- Excessive heat
- Dehydration
- Post-meal bloating
Suitable doshas
- vata
- pitta
Pathya (supportive)
- Suitable for consumption during the middle of the day when the sun is strongest.
Apathya (avoid)
- Avoid during late evening or night, or during acute Kapha-related congestion (colds/sinus).
Contraindications
- Acute respiratory congestion
- Severe Kapha imbalance
Classical sources
- Charaka Samhita · Sūtra Sthana 1 · Unit 80 — 01 80
- Charaka Samhita · Sūtra Sthana 1 · Unit 79 — 01 79
- Charaka Samhita · Sūtra Sthana 1 · Unit 80 — 01 80
- Charaka Samhita · Sūtra Sthana 1 · Unit 81 — 01 81
- Charaka Samhita · Sūtra Sthana 1 · Unit 81 — 01 81
Frequently asked questions
What is Cilantro Mint Buttermilk (Pudina Dhaniya Chaas)?
A cooling, digestive-supportive buttermilk infused with fresh cilantro and mint, designed to pacify Pitta and Vata during warmer seasons.
What are the health benefits of Cilantro Mint Buttermilk (Pudina Dhaniya Chaas)?
Supports healthy digestion. Promotes hydration. Helps pacify internal heat
Which doshas is Cilantro Mint Buttermilk (Pudina Dhaniya Chaas) suitable for?
Cilantro Mint Buttermilk (Pudina Dhaniya Chaas) is traditionally considered suitable for vata, pitta.