Dadhi
Dadhi is an animal-derived substance used in the Ayurvedic materia medica. It is curd, set by Lactobacillus bulgaricus and Streptococcus thermophilus, and the lactic acid they produce sours it.
| Substance type | Animal-derived substance, not a plant |
|---|
Names and identification
| Language | Name |
|---|---|
| English | Dadhi |
Key Phytochemical Constituents
- Lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus bulgaricus, Streptococcus thermophilus)
- Lactic acid (responsible for sour taste)
- Proteins: casein, whey proteins, bioactive peptides
- Calcium (higher bioavailability than milk due to lactic acid)
- Vitamins: B2 (riboflavin), B12, folate
- Phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, zinc
- Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA)
- Exopolysaccharides (from bacterial fermentation)
- Short-chain fatty acids (produced during fermentation)
- Bacteriocins (antimicrobial peptides)
How does it work?
- Probiotic action: Live Lactobacillus cultures pass through the gut, compete with pathogenic bacteria, produce bacteriocins, and strengthen intestinal barrier function
- Digestive enhancement (Deepana): Lactic acid lowers gut pH, stimulates gastric acid and enzyme secretion, improving protein and mineral digestion
- Immunomodulation: Probiotic bacteria stimulate mucosal IgA production, activate dendritic cells and natural killer cells, and modulate T-helper cell balance
- Calcium absorption: Lactic acid chelation is said to increase calcium bioavailability compared to raw milk; supports bone health
Traditional uses
These summaries come from the source notes, which do not name the studies behind them.
- Grahani (malabsorption/IBS): traditionally used for malabsorption, IBS-like complaints, and chronic diarrhea.
- Deepana-Pachana (appetizer and digestant): traditionally classified as a digestive stimulant.
- Aruchi (anorexia/loss of appetite): traditionally used for loss of appetite. Its sour taste is traditionally linked to stimulating appetite.
What do recent studies show?
No study for this section could be traced to a published paper. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.
Recent safety updates
- Ayurvedic restriction against nighttime consumption: classical practice advises against eating it at night. Its heavy, sour, and hot properties are said to increase Kapha at night, and are described as possibly aggravating acid reflux and disturbing sleep.
- Regular excessive consumption may aggravate Rakta (blood) disorders, skin diseases, and Kapha conditions per Ayurvedic texts; modern evidence links excess dairy to acne in susceptible individuals
- Contraindicated in Raktapitta (bleeding disorders) and during fever according to Ayurvedic texts
- Lactose intolerant individuals may tolerate yogurt better than milk due to bacterial lactase, but sensitivity varies
What is it made of?
Nutritional Profile
- Protein: 3.5g/100ml
- Fat: 3.2g/100ml
- Calcium: 150mg/100ml
- Probiotics: Lactobacillus, Streptococcus thermophilus (10^7-10^9 CFU/ml)
- Vitamin B12: 0.75μg/100ml
- Riboflavin: 0.14mg/100ml
Dosage forms and preparation
Dosage Forms: Fresh curd, Buttermilk base, Medicated curd
Standard Dosage: 50–200 mL with meals
Optimal Timing: With lunch; avoid at night per Ayurvedic texts
Storage: Refrigerated; ceramic or glass containers preferred
Marker Compounds: Lactobacillus spp., Lactic acid, Calcium, B-vitamins
Vehicle (Anupana): Vehicle for digestive and appetizer formulations
Reviewed by Dr. Awadesh Pratap Singh, BAMS, on 11 October 2026. What that review covered.
Consult a qualified vaidya before acting on anything here. Ayurvedic practice is prescribed to a person, not to a condition: the same dravya is given, withheld or substituted depending on your constitution, your agni, the season and what else you are already taking. A page cannot know any of that. Self-prescribing from a reference is how the wrong preparation, the wrong dose or the wrong anupana gets used.
Educational reference only. Nothing on this page is medical advice, a diagnosis, or a recommendation to take anything. Traditional uses and research findings are reported as published, not as claims about what any product does. If you take prescribed medication, raise any interaction with the prescriber rather than acting on a page. See our editorial standards.