What the texts say
Neither text gives a reason for jamun. Charaka puts it in a run of fruits that ends with 'everything sour'. Sushruta names it twice: once among the things he says become like poison when eaten with milk, and again in a later list, next to mango.[1][2]
The modern view
We have not found a modern study that tests jamun eaten with milk. The rule comes from the classical texts alone.
Classical text only
Questions people ask
Does this apply to gulab jamun?
No. The rule is about jamun, the fruit. Gulab jamun is a sweet that only shares the name.[1]
Related
Milk and mango
Charaka and Sushruta list mango among foods not to take with milk. They do not say ripe or raw. No study we found has tested the rule.
FoodMilk and sour fruits
Charaka's own example of a bad food combination is sour food with milk. No study we found has tested the rule.
FoodMilk and ber (jujube)
Charaka lists ber among the fruits not to take with milk. The one study we found was in rats and did not look at harm.
Sources
- Charaka Samhita, Sutra Sthana 26.84 (Atreyabhadrakapyiya Adhyaya).
- Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana 20.8 and 20.13 (Hitahitiya Adhyaya), NIIMH e-Sushruta edition.
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