Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Brown rice often correlated with Rakta Shali or Red Rice in Ayurveda is revered as the superior grain variety. Unlike heavy new rice aged unpolished rice is light unctuous and sweet in taste and post digestive effect. It possesses a cooling potency making it effective in balancing all three doshas particularly Pitta. Therapeutically it acts as a wholesome tonic that enhances strength semen and eyesight. It is indicated for relieving burning sensations excessive thirst and bleeding disorders known as Raktapitta. Additionally specific varieties like Shastika Shali are used in external rejuvenation therapies to strengthen muscles and nerves. Rich in fiber and nutrients it supports digestion without causing lethargy making it a vital dietary staple for maintaining overall health and vitality.
Brown Rice (often correlated with unpolished Śāli or specifically Rakta Śāli in Ayurveda) is a staple cereal grain. Unlike refined white rice, whole grain rice retains its bran layer, making it nutritionally superior. In Ayurveda, specific varieties like Rakta Śāli (Red Rice) and Ṣaṣṭika (60-day rice) are highly prized for their medicinal properties, described as light, cooling, and balancing for the body's energies.
Rice (Oryza sativa) is an awned grain (Śūkadhānya) considered a vital staple in Ayurveda. While many varieties exist, Ayurveda specifically eulogizes Rakta Śāli (Red Rice) as the superior variety. It is described as unctuous, tonic, and beneficial for the eyes. Unlike heavy, new rice which can be hard to digest, "old" rice (stored for a year) or specific medicinal varieties like Rakta Śāli are considered light and wholesome for daily consumption.
According to Charaka Samhita regarding Śāli (specifically Rakta Śāli):
Rice is indicated in Ayurveda for:
The effect of a brown-rice diet on glycemic control and metabolic parameters in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis
PeerJ (2021) — systematic review of randomized controlled trials assessing brown rice vs white rice on blood sugar, weight, and cholesterol in adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. (PubMed)
Brown rice: a missing nutrient-rich health food
Food Science and Human Wellness (2023) — systematic review summarizing brown rice’s effects on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, immune function, neurodegeneration, cancer, and obesity. (sciopen.com)
Substituting brown rice for white rice on diabetes risk factors in India: RCT
British Journal of Nutrition — community trial evaluating brown rice replacement effects on glycemic markers in an urban Indian cohort. (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, Śāli (rice), specifically Rakta Śāli or Ṣaṣṭika, is listed among the foods suitable for daily consumption (Nityasevaniya) in Ayurveda.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is best taken as a meal during the day or evening. Heavy preparations (like rice with curd) should generally be avoided at night.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, rice cooked with milk (Pāyasa) is a traditional aphrodisiac and tonic. Rice water (Manda or Tandulodaka) is also a respected medicinal drink.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Brown rice often correlated with Rakta Shali or Red Rice in Ayurveda is revered as the superior grain variety. Unlike heavy new rice aged unpolished rice is light unctuous and sweet in taste and post digestive effect. It possesses a cooling potency making it effective in balancing all three doshas particularly Pitta. Therapeutically it acts as a wholesome tonic that enhances strength semen and eyesight. It is indicated for relieving burning sensations excessive thirst and bleeding disorders known as Raktapitta. Additionally specific varieties like Shastika Shali are used in external rejuvenation therapies to strengthen muscles and nerves. Rich in fiber and nutrients it supports digestion without causing lethargy making it a vital dietary staple for maintaining overall health and vitality.
Brown Rice (often correlated with unpolished Śāli or specifically Rakta Śāli in Ayurveda) is a staple cereal grain. Unlike refined white rice, whole grain rice retains its bran layer, making it nutritionally superior. In Ayurveda, specific varieties like Rakta Śāli (Red Rice) and Ṣaṣṭika (60-day rice) are highly prized for their medicinal properties, described as light, cooling, and balancing for the body's energies.
Rice (Oryza sativa) is an awned grain (Śūkadhānya) considered a vital staple in Ayurveda. While many varieties exist, Ayurveda specifically eulogizes Rakta Śāli (Red Rice) as the superior variety. It is described as unctuous, tonic, and beneficial for the eyes. Unlike heavy, new rice which can be hard to digest, "old" rice (stored for a year) or specific medicinal varieties like Rakta Śāli are considered light and wholesome for daily consumption.
According to Charaka Samhita regarding Śāli (specifically Rakta Śāli):
Rice is indicated in Ayurveda for:
The effect of a brown-rice diet on glycemic control and metabolic parameters in prediabetes and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a meta-analysis
PeerJ (2021) — systematic review of randomized controlled trials assessing brown rice vs white rice on blood sugar, weight, and cholesterol in adults with prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. (PubMed)
Brown rice: a missing nutrient-rich health food
Food Science and Human Wellness (2023) — systematic review summarizing brown rice’s effects on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, immune function, neurodegeneration, cancer, and obesity. (sciopen.com)
Substituting brown rice for white rice on diabetes risk factors in India: RCT
British Journal of Nutrition — community trial evaluating brown rice replacement effects on glycemic markers in an urban Indian cohort. (Cambridge University Press & Assessment)
Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, Śāli (rice), specifically Rakta Śāli or Ṣaṣṭika, is listed among the foods suitable for daily consumption (Nityasevaniya) in Ayurveda.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is best taken as a meal during the day or evening. Heavy preparations (like rice with curd) should generally be avoided at night.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, rice cooked with milk (Pāyasa) is a traditional aphrodisiac and tonic. Rice water (Manda or Tandulodaka) is also a respected medicinal drink.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem