Curd, or Dadhi, holds a sacred yet controversial place in Ayurveda. While it’s celebrated for its taste and probiotic value in modern diets, Ayurveda offers a deeper, seasonally sensitive view—especially cautioning against its use in summer.
Ayurvedic Properties of Curd
- Rasa (Taste): Sour (Amla)
- Guna (Qualities): Heavy (Guru), Oily (Snigdha), Sticky (Picchila)
- Virya (Potency): Hot (Ushna)
- Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Sour (Amla)
Dosha Effects:
- Increases Kapha and Pitta
- Can imbalance Vata if cold or improperly taken
Ayurveda views curd not as a neutral food, but as one that demands caution and context-aware usage.
Curd – Dos and Don’ts in Ayurveda
DOs
Consume only during the daytime, when digestion is strongest.
Always use freshly set, homemade curd—ideally within 3–4 hours.
Add digestive spices like black pepper, cumin, rock salt, or ajwain.
Whip well before eating to reduce heaviness.
Consume more during winter and spring, when Agni is stronger.
DON’Ts
Never eat curd at night – it clogs channels and increases Kapha.
Avoid heated curd – it becomes toxic once cooked.
Don’t mix with milk, fruits, meat, or fish – such combinations are Viruddha Ahara (incompatible).
Avoid in summers – curd’s hot potency aggravates Pitta and causes inflammation, heaviness, and acidity.
Who Should Avoid Curd Completely – Ayurveda Speaks
Avoid curd if you experience:
- Skin issues – acne, psoriasis, eczema, or fungal infections
- Frequent colds, sinus, asthma – curd builds mucus and Kapha
- Hyperacidity or high Pitta disorders – curd is heating
- Joint pain, arthritis, or swelling – it aggravates Ama
- Obesity or sluggish digestion – due to its heaviness
- Low digestive fire (Mandagni) – causes bloating, gas, constipation
- Buttermilk (Takra) is a safe and healing alternative—light, cooling, and tridosha balancing.
Curd in Ayurvedic Beauty Rituals
Despite being tricky for digestion, curd is a treasured ingredient in Ayurvedic skincare and haircare, thanks to its lactic acid and probiotic richness.
1. Glow-Boosting Face Pack
1 tbsp curd
1 tsp turmeric
A few drops of rose water
Brightens dull skin and reduces pigmentation
2. Anti-Tan Summer Mask
1 tbsp curd
1 tsp aloe vera gel
1 tsp sandalwood powder
Soothes inflamed skin and reduces heat
3. Anti-Dandruff Hair Pack
2 tbsp curd
1 tsp neem powder
1 tsp lemon juice
Combats dandruff and soothes itchy scalp
4. Gentle Exfoliating Scrub
1 tbsp curd
1 tsp besan (gram flour)
A pinch of turmeric
Cleanses, exfoliates, and hydrates naturally
Tip: Always use curd-based masks in the daytime, and rinse thoroughly before stepping into the sun.
Anammyaa Wellness Wisdom
At Anammyaa Wellness, we respect curd as both a medicine and a cautionary tale. While nourishing, it can quickly become Ama-forming and inflammatory when misused—especially during summers, when Pitta dominates and digestion weakens.
Let curd be your healer, not your hindrance.
Speak with us to find out more