The abovesaid principles (of Rasa, blood etc.) are called the root principles (Dhatus), inasmuch as they maintain the integrity of the human organism (and guard against its speedy dissolution). And since the strength or weakness of the abovesaid bodily principles absolutely depends upon the richness or poverty of blood, we shall discourse on the latter condition of the blood.
The blood, vitiated by the deranged bodily wind (Vayu), becomes thin, frothy, transparent, quick-coursing, and expansive, assumes a vermilion or black hue, and is divested of its slimy character; whereas vitiated through a deranged condition of the bile (Pittam), it assumes a blue, yellow, green, or brown colour, emits a fishy smell, becomes thin in its consistency and is shun by flies and ants. Similarly, blood, vitiated by the deranged phlegm (Kapham), becomes cold, glossy and thick, assumes a colour like that of the washings of Gairika or that of a flesh tendon, takes time in secreting or in running down, and is marked by an increase of its slimy character. The blood, vitiated through a concerted derangement of the three bodily humours, is marked by features peculiar to each of them, and assumes a colour like that of Kanjika (sour gruel), and emits a fetid smell. Similarly, the blood, vitiated through the joint action of any two of the (beforesaid) bodily humours, is characterised by features peculiar to each of them.
