• CELLMED
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• v.10 no.1
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• pp.4.1-4.4
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• 2020

Ayurveda scholars have well described about the physio-anatomical aspect of mammary gland (Stana), physiology of lactation, importance of breast milk (Stanya) in growth and development of baby, various factors affecting the lactation and causing changes in property of milk, Galactogouge (Stanyajanana), and drugs for purification of mother milk (Stanya Shodhana). The recent studies provide evidence for above descriptions of Ayurveda. Breast milk (Stanya) is the nearly complete sole source of nourishment for infants. It has been considered as subsidiary tissue (Upadhatu) of blood plasma (Rasa Dhatu) as it is formed out of Rasa Dhatu (Plasma) and its quality and quantity gets affected by quality of nutrient fraction of food formed after complete digestion (Aahar Rasa). It provides health (Aarogya), strength and immunity (Bala) to the feeding child and gives innumerable beneficial effects like protection against not only acute infections like URTI, diarrhoea but also on chronic illnesses like CVD, metabolic disorders too. The Ayurveda description related to Mammary gland and physiology of lactation still need a better understanding for its implementation on promotion of health. Thus an attempt has been made to compile and analyze the view of Ayurveda scholars on Breast (Stana), Breast milk (Stanya) and physiological aspect of lactation as well as to draw a possible scientific understanding for the relevance.