Ayurvedic Concept of Semen

Abstract

The fetus (garbha) is the product of nutrient fraction of sukra or semen (sperm). The quantity of retas (semen) is one prasuta (96 ml approximately). Sukra (semen), which is white in color, heavy, unctuous, sweet, thick, more in quantity, resembling either ghee, honey or oil of sesame is suitable for producing the embryo.The function of sukra dhatu is garbhotpadana (getting pregnancy). A male child will be produced, when sukra (semen) is more. It is responsible for strength and steadiness in our body. Hasta maithuna (masturbation) and nocturnal emission, like all natural urges, should not be suppressed, according to Ayurveda. Mithyayoga (wrong utilization) and atiyoga (excessive utilization) of semen can precipitate loss of libido. Food prepared with ghee, milk, meat and soup are very useful for the treatment of vitiated sukra dhatu.The vitiated sukra dhatu is corrected by oleation therapy (snehana), sudation therapy (svedana) and medicated enema (vasti). Treatment of the vitiated semen is done by jivaniya-ghrta (ghee prepared by cooking with drugs belonging to jivaniya group of herbs. Treatment of the vitiated semen is also done by rasayana, valya and vajikara herbs, drugs used for yoni-vyapat (gynecology disorders), cyavanaprasa and silajatu etc.