Ayurvedic concept of Dushit Jala and its Shodhana Vidhi

Abstract

Water is the most important natural resource which forms an essential nutrient for the survival of life. An adult can survive 7-10 days without food and water and if only water is supplied, can survive about 50-60 days. The basic physiological requirement for drinking water has been estimated at about 2 liters per head per day. Water is a precious gift of nature. It is the dispersion medium for all biochemical reactions of the living process and takes part in many of these reactions. Water is also a vital resource for agriculture, manufacturing, transportation and many other human activities. Most of the water on Earth (nearly 97%) is salt water which is found in the oceans we cannot drink and use salt water for crops and many other activities because of its high salt content. We can remove salt from ocean water, but because the process is very expensive so it not possible. Only about 3% of Earth's water is fresh. 2% of the Earth's water (about 66% of all fresh water) is found in glaciers. Because it is in frozen form so the fresh water in glaciers is not available for use for people or plants. Only 1% of all the Earth's water is found in useable form for humans and animals. This fresh water is found in lakes, rivers, streams, ponds, and ground. Ayurvedic literature explains the theory of Panchmahabutas, which are considered as the fundamental of our body & nature and Jala is one among them. The ancient literature of Ayurveda explains the concept of Jala, Dushit Jala & its Shodhana Vidhi in a very unique way. This review article has attempted to compile the whole ayurvedic literature regarding Dushit Jala & its Shodhana Vidhi.