Refined Majja dhatu (Marrow & Nerve) processed further by Shukragni to form Shukra dhatu (Seminal fluid - sperm & ovum). Shukra dhatu is the most refined product of all the preceding dhatu. The upadhatu for Shukra is the Ojas. Shukra dhatu primary function is a reproduction.
The Sanskrit word “Shukra” means "seed,” “bright, pure and radiant,” also means the essence of something (all other dhatu of the body). Ayurveda commonly used this term to describe both the male semen and the female egg.
Shukra dhatu – sperm & ovum
Shukra is the seventh final dhatu, end of the line in the dhatu transformation cycle. However, Shukra dhatu undergoes sublimation transformation into Ojas; it becomes a part of every dhatu to provide strength and stability.
The transformation from rasa to ojas is a dhatu cycle. Shukra is the seventh final dhatu in the dhatu transformation cycle.
Water element containing diet and fire (Shukragni) build the Shukra dhatu. For healthy Shukra dhatu, you require greasy foods such as milk, meat juice, ghee, and nuts.
A person with healthy Shukra has their eyes and skin radiate light, and they look confident & bright.
An individual with healthy Shukra dhatu looks bright, energetic, well-formed teeth, healthy, strong sexual desires, sensitive, and fertile. Psychologically they are strong, healthy, and cheerful.
How to evaluate Shukra dhatu health?
In a male, evaluation of the health of Shukra dhatu is by inspecting the ejaculate. It's color, volume, sperm count, and motility. Visually examination is possible to observe the color and volume. Gray shade indicated vata domination, yellow in the case of Pitta, and pale or white in the case of kapha. Shukra dhatu quantity is most significant in kapha and lowest in the case of vata.
Microscopic examination of Shukra dhatu shows:
Low sperm count with low motility in the case of vata.
Normal sperm count with low motility in the case of kapha,
Low sperm count with normal motility in the case of Pitta.
In a female, evaluation of the health of Shukra dhatu is by the regularity of the menstrual cycle. An irregular menstrual cycle indicates vata vitiation associated with ovulatory disorders. Intense menstrual flow shows pitta vitiation. Prolonged menstruation with mucosal discharge means kapha vitiation.
Shukra dhatu vitiation
- Shukragni vitiated by vata - the Agni becomes variable, thus develops the low quantity and poorly formed Shukra dhatu. In men, the sperm count is low or decreased motility. In women, egg formation, and compromised ovulation.
- Shukragni vitiated by Pitta - the Agni becomes high thus develops low quantity overheated Shukra dhatu, Possibility for inflammation in the ovaries and testes. Shukra dhatu vitiated by Pitta can burn out the creative instinct as well as the ability through completion.
- Shukragni vitiated by kapha - the Agni becomes low thus develops a large quantity of poor quality Shukra dhatu. In men, an increase in sperm count but decreased motility. In women, obstruction to the ovum development or its release that may cause ovarian cysts. On a psychological level, it provides natural creative instinct and the ability to sustain creativity until completion.
Symptoms of increased unhealthy Shukra dhatu are sexual desire increase, perversion, preoccupation with sex, excessive semen but low sperm content, premature ejaculation, multiple cystic ovaries, premature orgasm, multiple orgasms, and sterility. Additionally, they have creative instinct, but their ability to sustain it through completion may be lacking.
Symptoms of decreased Shukra dhatu are difficult ejaculation, ejaculating low quantity of semen, weakness, early aging, tired quickly, erectile dysfunction, and impotent. Additionally, have an absence of creative instinct. However, any creativity arises is most likely to be slow and steadily manifested.
Causes of vitiated Shukra
Unhealthy unbalanced food combinations,
spermicidal chemicals,
intoxicants & drugs,
midnight/afternoon intercourse,
sex immediately after food,
a couple of orgasms in a single night,
sex during menses,
sex in unhealthy positions,
overindulgence,
physical/mental trauma,
retention of ejaculation, and
stress/worry.
Lifestyle changes to balance Shukra Dhatu
- Practice moderate sexual activity and no to masturbation.
- Eat dinner before 7.30 pm and go to bed before 10 pm.
- Eat nurturing foods like dates, fresh fruits & vegetables (Asparagus, mangoes, and steamed Pears & Apples).
- Stop using the laptop by placing it on your lap. Because sperm loses its life when exposed to heat.
- Avoid stress and learn reducing it by managing correctly.
- Cautiously use antibiotic and don't use proton pump inhibitors.
Proper Treatment of the Shukra Dhatu
Why nowadays people with infertility increasing steeply? Because all the precursor six dhatu must be perfectly healthy for the formation of healthy reproductive tissue (Shukra dhatu). The pesticide use, infertile earth, chemical fertilizers, antibiotic overuse, proton pump inhibitor use, sedentary lifestyle, and too much stress. These all affect proper digestion and formation of many of the precursor dhatu. That’s why people with infertility are rising.
Proper treatment for the depletion of Shukra dhatu due to vata or pitta vitiation is by an appropriate diet that is nourishing and rebuilt shukra. Water element containing sweet-tasting foods such as milk, ghee, and nuts are among the best food to feed Shukra dhatu. Nuts are warming, thus for pitta individuals handle it with caution. All these foods are dense and must digest adequately; otherwise, instead of nourishment, it will result in ama (poisonous waste) formation.
Proper treatment for the excess of Shukra dhatu due to kapha vitiation is purification diet with bitter and pungent tastes.
Herbs useful for Shukra dhatu are Ashwagandha, Shatavari, Bala, gokshura, and wild yam. Ashwagandha is for men and Shatavari & wild yam for women, still all these herbs are useful for both men and women. Maximize the herb effectiveness by taking it as herbal ghee (ghrita) added to warm milk with spices to assist digestion.