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Dhatu

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Dhātus (dhä·tōōs), n.pl. ( from Sanskrit धातु dhātu - layer, stratum, constituent part, ingredient, element, primitive matter ) in Ayurveda, the seven fundamental principles (elements) that support the basic structure (and functioning) of the body. Dhatu are basically the body tissues which are responsible for the functioning of the systems and organs and the structure of the body.

They consist of:

  • Rasa dhatu (Lymph)
  • Rakta dhatu (Blood)
  • Mamsa dhatu (Muscles)
  • Medha dhatu (Fat)
  • Asthi dhatu (Bone)
  • Majja dhatu (marrow (bone and spinal))
  • Shukra dhatu (Semen)

Traditional texts often refer to the above as the Seven Dhātus (Saptadhātus). Ojas is known as the eighth Dhātu, or Mahādhātu (superior, or great dhātu).