What the texts say
Akshoda is usually read as the walnut we buy today. Charaka names it late in his list of fruits incompatible with milk, just before jackfruit and coconut. The list ends with 'everything sour'.[1]
The modern view
We have not found a modern study that tests walnuts eaten with milk. The rule comes from the classical text alone.
From the classical texts
Questions people ask
Does this cover walnuts soaked or boiled in milk?
Walnuts soaked or boiled in milk are eaten with milk, which is the pair the verse names.[1]
Related
Milk and sour fruits
Charaka's own example of a bad food combination is sour food with milk. Sushruta and Vagbhata make the same rule.
FoodMilk and coconut
Charaka lists coconut (narikela) among the fruits not to take with milk, just before pomegranate and amla.
FoodMilk and ber (jujube)
Charaka lists ber (badara) among the fruits not to take with milk, along with everything sour, liquid or solid.
Sources
Updated 4 November 2026