What the texts say
Sushruta opens the list by saying these things become like poison when combined. He gives no reason for curd and milk in particular. The verse is about eating the two together, not about setting milk to make curd.[1]
The modern view
We have not found a modern study that tests eating milk and curd together. 'Like poison' is the text's own description, not a finding from toxicology.
Classical text only
Questions people ask
What happens if you eat milk and curd together?
Sushruta names no particular illness for this pair. He groups it with combinations he calls poison-like, and we have not found a modern study that measured any effect.[1]
Does the rule give a waiting time between milk and curd?
No. Sushruta's word is naikadhyam, 'not together', and he sets no gap.[1]
Related
Curd (dahi) at night
Charaka and the Ashtanga Hridaya both say not to eat curd at night. The one bedtime-yogurt trial we found measured blood sugar, not this rule.
FoodHeating curd (dahi garam karna)
Charaka says curd should not be eaten hot, and the Ashtanga Hridaya agrees. No study we found has tested the rule.
FoodMilk and salt
Sushruta lists salt among the things that become poison-like when eaten with milk. No study we found has tested the rule.
FoodMilk and fish
Charaka says fish and milk clash and can spoil the blood. No study we found has tested the rule.
Sources
Awaiting review by The Good Vaidya Medical Board. Prepared from the sources below and checked against each one.
Published 4 November 2026 · Last updated 4 November 2026