Buttermilk — The Earth's Nectar That Even Gods Desired

By Dr. Rupa Unadkat | Ayurvedic Doctor & Panchakarma Specialist, Rajkot

In our last article we discussed curd and established that despite being a popular daily food, Ayurveda recommends using curd with great care—not daily, not at night, and not by people with a Pitta or Kapha constitution.

So what should you have every day instead?

The answer is buttermilk—called Takra in Sanskrit and Chaas in Gujarati.

Ayurveda describes buttermilk as "dhartī kā amrit" — the nectar of the earth. Something so valuable and health-giving that even the gods found it rare and precious. And when you understand what buttermilk does for your body, you will understand exactly why it deserves that title.

How Buttermilk Differs from Curd

Before we explore the benefits, it is important to understand what buttermilk actually is and why it is so different from curd—even though it comes from the same source.

Curd is heavy, heating, and increases fat, Kapha, and Pitta in the body. Buttermilk is made from curd, but the process of making it completely transforms its properties.

The correct Ayurvedic method:

Take fresh, properly set curd
Churn it thoroughly—using a traditional hand churner or a blender
Add water during churning
Churn again well until properly blended

This churning process fundamentally changes the qualities of curd. The fat gets separated, the heaviness reduces, and what remains is a light, cooling, digestive drink with properties almost opposite to curd.

This is why buttermilk can be had every single day—while curd cannot.

What Ashtanga Hridayam Says About Buttermilk

In the fifth chapter of Ashtanga Hridayam Sutrasthana, the classical Ayurvedic text describes buttermilk in a precise verse.

"Takram laghu kashaya amlam deepanam kapha vatajit"

Let us unpack this verse quality by quality.

The 5 Core Properties of Buttermilk

1. Laghu — Light and Easy to Digest

The very first quality mentioned is Laghu—meaning light. Unlike curd, which is heavy and slows digestion, buttermilk is light on the digestive system and easy to process.

This makes it suitable for everyone—including those with weak digestion, the elderly, people recovering from illness, and even those who feel heavy or sluggish after meals.

2. Kashaya — Astringent Quality that Balances Kapha and Vata

Buttermilk has a Kashaya (astringent) quality, which gives it the ability to reduce and balance both Kapha (mucus, heaviness) and Vata (gas, bloating, irregular digestion).

This is powerful because most digestive problems—bloating, gas, irregular bowel movements, and sluggish digestion—are rooted in either Kapha or Vata imbalance. Buttermilk directly addresses both.

3. Amla — Mildly Sour

Buttermilk has a natural mild sourness (amla), which is beneficial for digestion. Unlike the strong sourness of curd, which can aggravate acidity, the mild sourness of properly made fresh buttermilk actually helps stimulate digestive enzymes and improve the digestive process.

4. Deepana — Kindles Digestive Fire

This is one of buttermilk's most important qualities. "Deepana" means it actively kindles and strengthens Agni—your digestive fire.

A strong digestive fire means the following:

Food gets digested properly and completely
Fewer toxins (ama) accumulate in the body
Better absorption of nutrients
Improved metabolism

This is why buttermilk is also useful for weight management. When your digestive fire is strong and your metabolism is working well, the body processes food efficiently rather than storing it as excess fat.

5. Kapha Vatajit — Pacifies Both Kapha and Vata

The final quality of the verse reinforces what was said earlier—buttermilk is a natural remedy for both Kapha and Vata aggravation. This makes it one of the few foods that simultaneously helps two of the three doshas.

Health Conditions Where Buttermilk is Especially Beneficial

The classical texts go beyond listing properties and specifically name the conditions where buttermilk provides direct therapeutic benefit.

Udara Roga — All Digestive and Abdominal Disorders

Buttermilk is described as exceptionally beneficial for all stomach and digestive complaints. This includes conditions related to the liver, gallbladder, and spleen. If you suffer from any chronic digestive discomfort, incorporating fresh buttermilk daily is one of the simplest and most effective Ayurvedic interventions.

Grahani — IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)

For those with IBS, alternating bowel habits, abdominal cramps, or irregular digestion—buttermilk is specifically recommended. It soothes the digestive tract, reduces inflammation in the intestines, and helps restore regular bowel function.

Arsha—Hemorrhoids (Piles)

Buttermilk is one of the classical treatments mentioned for hemorrhoids. Its light, digestible, and mildly astringent properties help reduce the underlying digestive imbalance that causes this condition, and regular consumption supports softer, more comfortable bowel movements.

Aruchi — Loss of Appetite

When you feel no desire to eat, food seems unappealing, or your appetite has been low for several days, buttermilk is the remedy. Its taste-stimulating quality rekindles appetite and makes eating enjoyable again.

Krtrima Visha — Food Poisoning

Buttermilk is specifically mentioned as beneficial in cases of food poisoning. Its probiotic nature, mild acidity, and digestive properties help the gut recover and neutralize the harmful effects of contaminated food.

Pandu—Anemia

Buttermilk can be incorporated into the dietary management of Pandu (anemia / low blood), where it supports overall digestive strength and helps the body absorb nutrients more effectively.

How to Make Proper Ayurvedic Buttermilk

Not all buttermilk is equal. The health benefits described above apply specifically to buttermilk made in the correct Ayurvedic way. Here are the rules:

Use fresh, properly set curd. The curd must be freshly made, well-set, and not overly sour. Old curd, refrigerated curd, or partially set curd will not give the same results.

Churn it properly. Take the fresh curd, add water, and churn thoroughly until it is well blended and slightly frothy. The churning is not optional — it is what transforms the properties of curd into those of buttermilk.

Drink it fresh. Buttermilk must be consumed fresh. Do not prepare it in the morning and drink it in the evening. Do not store it in the refrigerator and use it the next day. The benefits of buttermilk diminish significantly when it is not fresh.

Add the right spices. Enhance your buttermilk by adding:

Rock salt (Sendha namak)—balancing and easy on digestion
Roasted cumin (Jeera) — digestive and gas-relieving
Coriander (Dhania) — cooling and anti-inflammatory

This spiced buttermilk is one of Ayurveda's best summer drinks—it rehydrates the body, replenishes electrolytes, and strengthens digestion all at once.

When to Drink Buttermilk

Best time: With lunch or after lunch—when digestive fire is at its peak and buttermilk can enhance digestion of your meal.

Best season: Summer and hot months—when the body needs cooling, hydration, and digestive support simultaneously.

Can be had: Through most seasons by most people, especially those with Kapha or Vata imbalances.

Avoid very cold buttermilk straight from the fridge at night or buttermilk made from old or sour curd.

Key Takeaways

Buttermilk is light, digestible, and cooling—unlike curd which is heavy and heating
It kindles digestive fire and improves metabolism—making it useful for weight management
It is specifically beneficial for IBS, haemorrhoids, liver issues, food poisoning, loss of appetite and anemia.
Always make it fresh—stored or refrigerated buttermilk loses its benefits
Add rock salt, cumin and coriander for maximum benefit and hydration
It can be consumed daily—making it far more suitable for regular use than curd
It is your best friend in summer—naturally rehydrating and cooling the body

Final Thought

If there is one simple Ayurvedic habit that can transform your digestive health, energy levels, and overall wellbeing—it is replacing your daily curd with a fresh glass of properly made spiced buttermilk.

It costs nothing. It takes five minutes. And for thousands of years, it has been one of Ayurveda's most trusted daily health rituals.

Start with just one glass at lunch today. Your gut will notice the difference within days.

Stay healthy with the wisdom of Ayurveda. 🌿

Buttermilk (Chaas) — Ayurveda's Daily Health Drink | Dr. Rupa Unadkat