Goat's Milk

Goat's milk (Aja Dugdha) is considered the best after cow's milk for medicinal purposes. It is light, astringent-sweet in taste, absorbent, and appetizing. Because goats eat a variety of bitter and astringent herbs and browse on medicinal plants, their milk acquires unique therapeutic properties. It is particularly beneficial in Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), Kshaya (consumption/tuberculosis), Kasa (cough), Atisara (diarrhea), and fever. It is Tridosha-shamaka (balances all three doshas). Being lighter than cow's milk, it is easier to digest and is recommended for persons with weak Agni. It is especially useful for children. Verses 11-12.

• Grahi (absorbent)
• Deepana (appetizing)
• Tridosha-shamaka (balances all three doshas)
• Raktapitta-hara (controls bleeding disorders)
• Kasa-hara (relieves cough)
• Kshaya-hara (treats consumption)

When consumed with water, goat's milk (Chhaga Dugdha), or buttermilk (Maranda), it conquers [the following diseases].

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)

When consumed with water, goat's milk (Chhaga Dugdha), or buttermilk (Maranda), it conquers [the following diseases].

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 8: Avalehakalpana (Confection/Electuary Preparations)

Now the method of purifying Hingula (cinnabar — mercuric sulphide, HgS): Triturate Hingula (Darada) with goat's milk (Meshi Kshira) and acidic liquids (Amla Varga) seven times with careful effort.

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)

When steamed in goat's milk (Aja Payasi) for one Yama (approx.

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)

In the absence of goat's milk, purify it with cow's milk (Gavya Kshira).

— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)

Milk prepared with hibera (vetiver), vakra, manjishtha (madder), and udumbara (fig) bark — or goat's milk with water — is an excellent ashchyotana (eye drop) for pain.

— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)

The best anjana (collyrium) for abhishyanda is prepared with goat's milk, gairika (red ochre), saindhava (rock salt), krishna (black pepper), and nagara (ginger) in increasing proportions.

— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 9: Vatabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Vata-type Conjunctivitis)

or with rodhra, saindhava, mridvika (grapes), madhuka, and goat's milk.

— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 17: Drishtigata Roga Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Diseases of Vision / Drishti Roga)

Ground with goat's milk, it should be applied to a copper vessel.

— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 18: Chapter 18

The milks described are: cow's milk (gavya), goat's milk (aja), camel's milk (chaushtra), sheep's milk (avika), buffalo's milk (mahisha), mare's milk (ashvaya), woman's milk (narya), and elephant's milk (karenu) (verse 47).

— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 45: Dravadravya-vidhi Adhyaya - On Liquid Substances