Leukemia is a type of blood cancer that begins in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is type of soft tissue where blood cells are made. Leukemia is characterized by excessive production of white blood cells in large numbers and its further results in overcrowding of the bone marrow. This overcrowding results in improper functioning of the bone marrow and further affecting immunity, oxygen supply, and blood clotting.
Major Types of Leukemia
1) Acute Leukemia – Fast-growing, symptoms appear suddenly.
A) ALL: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.
B) AML: Acute Myeloid Leukemia.
2) Chronic Leukemia – Slow-growing, symptoms develop over months/years.
A) CLL: Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia.
B) CML: Chronic Myeloid Leukemia.
Concept of Ahara or Diet in AML / CML or Blood Cancer Patients
Ayurveda strongly advocates that Aahar (diet) and Agni (digestive fire) is key to the nourishment of Dhatus, especially Rakta Dhatu, which is directly affected in blood cancers such as AML and CML. Ayurveda also strongly advocates that Aahar or food is one of the most important three pillars of life and is called “Mahabhaishajya,” meaning the greatest medicine, especially when digestion is weak or disease is present.
Ayurveda strongly advocates for leukemia patient that by consuming appropriate diet and further been able to digest it helps their immune system (Ojas), strengthens their bone marrow (Majja Dhatu), and stops the formation of Ama (toxins), which makes inflammation worse. It is well known fact that agni is one of the most important aspect of persons health and AML/CML or blood cancer patients generally suffers from weak agni because of disease, chemotherapy, infections, or long-term fatigue.
Food that proves beneficial in AML/CML or Blood Cancer patients are:
1) Goat Milk in AML/CML or Blood Cancer patients:
As per Ayurveda texts, Goat Milk (Aja Dugdha) has multiple health benefits. It is easy to digest (laghu in nature), cool (sheetha), and helps to maintain optimum weight and so proves beneficial in AML/CML or Blood Cancer patients. Goat Milk (Aja Dugdha) is also good for AML/CML or Blood Cancer patients because it helps with nutrition without adding Ama (Toxins).
Reference of Goat Milk in Ayurveda
“अजदुग्धं लघु शीतं त्रिदोषघ्नं विशेषतः।
रुचिकरं दीपनीयं बल्यं चाजस्यमुच्यते॥”
Charaka Samhita – Sutra Sthana – Chapter 27 (Annapanavidhi Adhyaya)
“अजदुग्धं लघु शीतं कफपित्तप्रशमनम्।
दीपनं रक्तपित्तघ्नं बल्यं चाजस्य कीर्तितम्॥”
Aṣṭāṅga Hṛdaya – Sūtrasthāna – Chapter 5
According to Ayurveda Goat Milk is:
A) Goat milk is light (laghu). B) Cooling in nature (sheeta). C) Balances all three doshas. D) Improves appetite (dipanīya). E) Pleasant to taste (ruchikara). F) Strength-promoting (balya).
Best Ways to Take Goat Milk (Ayurvedic Recommendations)
A) Warm Goat Milk + Dry Ginger (Saunth) Pinch
a) It improves digestion & reduces bloating in the patients.
b) It is good for patients with weak appetite.
B) Goat Milk + Turmeric (Haldi) 1 pinch
a) It is anti-inflammatory & immune-supportive in nature.
C) Goat Milk + Dates (for strength)
a) It is best for weakness & fatigue.
b) It is advised only if digestion is good.
D) Goat Milk Khichdi
a) It is very nourishing for underweight or weak AML/CML patients.
2) Dadima (Pomegranate) or Anar Juice in AML/CML or Blood Cancer patients
As per Ayurveda, Dadima (Pomegranate / Anar) juice proves highly beneficial for people with AML, CML, and other types of blood cancer. It is tridoshashamak (balances all the three doshas) and further strengthen raktha dhatu (blood tissue). Pomegranate helps improve blood quality by increasing hemoglobin levels, supporting the formation of red blood cells, and easing common leukemia symptoms like low Hb, fatigue, and weakness.
It has a lot of antioxidants, like punicalagin, ellagic acid, and polyphenols, which give it a strong Rasayana effect. This helps lower oxidative stress and boost immunity in patients with AML, CML, and other types of blood cancer. It is safe for all strength levels, even bedridden or very weak leukemia patients, because it is hydrating, energizing, and gentle. Fresh Dadima juice is a great daily food for people with blood cancer who are getting Ayurvedic care.
Reference of Dadima (Pomegranate) or Anar in Ayurveda
“दाडिमं लघु शीतं च हृद्यं दाहशमनं परम्।
दीपनं पित्तकफघ्नं गुल्मार्शःकृमिनाशनम्॥
रक्तपित्तज्वरघ्नं च तृष्णाकासहरं परम्।
अम्लं ग्रह्यं विशेषेण बृंहणं बलवर्धनम्॥”
Bhavaprakasha Nighantu, Phala Varga, 54–56
Pomegranate is:
1) It is light, cooling, and heart-friendly. 2) It reduces burning & excessive heat. 3) It is digestive and anti-parasitic in nature. 4) It helps in gulma (abdominal discomfort), piles, and worms. 5) It is useful in bleeding disorders. 6) It is strengthening & nourishing.
How Much Juice to Take?
A) 50–100 ml fresh juice, once or twice daily.
B) Best taken mid-morning.
C) Avoid adding sugar.
3) Shashtika Shali (Navara Rice) in AML/CML or Blood Cancer patients
Shashtika Shali (Navara Rice) is highly nourishing and immune-rebuilding Ayurvedic grain. It is special type of rice which is ready in 60 days and one of the most therapeutic foods described in Ayurveda. For cancer patients — especially those undergoing chemotherapy, radiation, or facing weight loss — it acts as a Balya (strengthener), Brimhana (nourisher), and Rasayana (rejuvenator).
It is widely recommended in Ayurvedic cancer care by Dr. Ravi Gupta, Ayurveda Cancer Consultant due to its unique tissue-building and immunity-supporting effects.
Reference of Shashtika Shali in Ayurveda
“लघुः षष्टिकशालीश्च शीतलो बलवर्धनः।”
Charaka Saṃhitā, Sūtrasthāna 5/12
Shashtika Śali is light to digest, cooling, and strength-promoting.
“बल्यः षष्टिकशालीनां बृंहण्यो रसवर्धनः।”
Charaka Saṃhitā, Sūtrasthāna 6/24
Among rice varieties, Shashtika is strengthening, nourishing, and enhances body fluids (Rasa).
Why Shashtika Shali Is Ideal for AML/CML & Blood Cancer Patients
A) Raktavardhaka (Improves Blood Quality & Counts)
a) It is nourishing rasa & rakta dhatu and so proves beneficial in low hemoglobin.
b) It supports healthy blood formation.
c) It is good in improving vitality & circulation.
B) Balya & Brimhana (Strength + Weight Restoration)
a) It helps to build lean body mass.
b) It helps to improves stamina.
c) It helps to restores strength without burdening digestion.
C) Rasayana (Immunity & Recovery Booster)
a) It enhances Ojas or immune essence.
b) It helps to accelerates tissue repair.
c) It helps to speeds up recovery from fatigue.
4) Saidhav Salt (Sendha Namak) in AML/CML & Blood Cancer Patients
Saindhava Lavana (Rock Salt / Sendha Namak) is considered the best and safest salt in Ayurveda. For AML (Acute Myeloid Leukemia), CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia), and all types of blood cancers, it is the only salt that fulfils therapeutic needs without irritating the body.
It is widely recommended in cancer diet therapy by Dr. Ravi Gupta, Ayurveda Cancer Consultant because of its mild, cooling, digestive-friendly and blood-supportive properties.
Reference of Saindhav Namak (Sendha Salt) in Ayurveda
रोचनंदीपनंवृष्यंचक्षुष्यमविदाहिच।
त्रिदोषघ्नंसमधुरं सैन्धवंलवणोत्तमम्॥३००॥
Charaka Saamhita 27/300
Saindhava Lavana (Rock Salt / Sendha Namak) is:
a) Rochanaṁ – It is appetizing and enhances taste and improves the desire to eat.
b) Dīpanaṁ – It stimulates digestive fire and improves appetite
c) Vṛṣyaṁ – It is strength-promoting and rejuvenating
d) Cakṣuṣyam – It is beneficial for the eyes.
e) Avidāhi – It does not cause burning, acidity, or irritation
f) Tridoṣaghnaṁ – It balances all three doshas: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha
g) Samadhuraṁ – It is slightly sweet in taste
h) Lavaṇottamam – It is best among all salts.
Why Saindhav Namak (Sendha Salt) Is Ideal for AML/CML & Blood Cancer Patients
A) Saindhava salt supports blood purification and does not aggravate Pitta or Rakta, unlike common table salt.
B) It is ideal for patients who experience Pitta-related chemo side effects.
C) It improves Digestion Without Irritation (Deepana & Pachana).
D) Saindhava is easy for the liver to process, reducing toxic load.