Ayurveda imparts immense significance to the native cows. GoMata, the Sanskrit term for cow, explains how Ayurveda revered cows as Mothers. The evident practice that newborns are fed with cow’s milk in cases of unavailability of mother’s milk explains it all. This post shines a light on the health benefits, nutrition, and best practices to consume cow milk.

Cow milk in Ayurveda

Ayurveda studies a food substance not only as a chemical but also as an innate element of the human body. With this perspective, Ayurveda considers cow milk as a food substance that promotes the Ojas, the essential strength that makes humans.

Regular consumption of cow milk promotes shine to human skin, hair, and muscular growth. Cow milk has the power to increase nutrient availability in the human body.

Furthermore, cow’s milk helps effectively in the following conditions:

• Thrishna – excessive thirst
• Shrama – Tiredness
• Jeerna jwara – Fever caused by indigestion
• Mutrakrucha – Urinary difficulties
• Bhrama – giddiness
• Svasa – To aid breathing and relief from cough

Various traditional treatments of Ayurveda utilize cow milk as the main ingredient:

• Cow milk is used in basti- the panchakarma treatment as an enema and also for piles and anal fissures.
• Cow milk is also used in ointments (lehyas) that improve muscle and ligament strength.
• For individuals suffering from dizziness and headache due to the imbalance of vata and pitta, cow milk-based Shirodhara.
• Various lehyas (creams) and tailas (oils) are formulated with cow milk as their base. Cow milk helps in the absorption and digestion of the components and aids in faster recovery.
• Cow milk has a cooling effect on the human body. A glass of boiled cow milk at room temperature is a good antidote to help the alcoholic intoxication.

Cow milk nutrition and health benefits

The organic milk derived from local cow breeds is a treasure of nutrition. A2 cow milk or desi cow milk fed on organic grass and without the usage of hormones is a rich source of protein and calcium.

Cow milk is also a prominent source of the following nutrients:

• Vitamins B2 and B12
• phosphorous
• vitamins A
• potassium
• magnesium
• zinc
• iodine

Its nutritional richness and the presence of B vitamins make cow milk an ideal component in the vegetarian diet. Besides, the quality and quantity of calcium found in cow milk are superior to other calcium supplements.

Cow milk for children:

The ojas-building or stamina-creating property helps children. A glass or two of cow milk every morning and night helps children deal with fatigue and builds their energy levels. Warm cow milk mixed with almond and sulfur-less sugar is an excellent post-school evening snack for children.

Cow milk for women:

Women suffer from anemia and weakness at various stages of their lives. Cow milk helps boost stamina in women and alleviates such conditions. It also benefits women with a history of repeated miscarriages, excessive vaginal discharges, excessive bleeding, and reproductive issues. Importantly, the calcium in cow milk helps delay and improve osteoporosis. For lactating mothers, cow milk helps promote milk production besides building the mother’s stamina.

Cow milk for men:

According to Ayurveda, cow milk is an excellent aphrodisiac. It promotes sexual ability and increases life expectancy, intelligence, and strength. The smooth and sweet property of cow milk softens stools and eases excretion.

Cow milk myths and facts

The debate around the consumption of milk is not new. The concept of veganism and the unfortunate prevalent usage of hormones to increase milk production in cows pave way for many myths about cow milk.

Below we attempted to clarify the truths behind such commonly arising questions about cow’s milk:

I am an adult. Should I need to drink cow milk?

Ayurveda studies cow milk as more than just the combination of water, protein, and nutrients. Consuming cow milk helps adults in many ways ranging from cooling the body, quenching the thirst, and helping in recovery from muscle and bone-related ailments.

What is the best time to drink cow milk?

For children, patients, and insomniacs, a glass of warm cow milk at bedtime is suggested. For adults, the best time to drink cow milk is in the morning on an empty stomach or in the evening before sunset.

How to drink cow milk to reap its fullest benefits?

Cow milk is best boiled within 5-6 hours after it is extracted. Ayurveda prevents boiling cow milk again and again. The good practice of drinking cow milk is by boiling it by adding little water, allowing it cool, adding a pinch of pepper and turmeric, and consuming.

Who should not drink cow milk?

People with the following conditions may avoid cow milk:

• Laziness and sleepiness
• Overweight
• Acne and oily skin
• Poor metabolism
• Indigestion issues
• Bloating and lactose intolerance

Such individuals can seek expert Ayurvedic guidance and include cow milk in their diet.

Conclusion

The milk obtained from the native cows is a powerhouse of nutrition. Include a glass of organic cow milk in your diet and enjoy a healthier and longer life. Sri Mathrutva is committed to improve the health and nutrition of underprivileged children. Please support our cause through your generous donations.