Dry (ruksha)

The dry guna denotes dryness, lightness, and roughness, being made up of the air and fire elements. It promotes absorption and dehydration. Physically, it is associated with rough skin, dry hair, thin body and constipation. Mentally, it can induce sharpness, alertness and anxiety.

Dryness increases pitta and vata doshas while reducing kapha, and is balanced by oily, moist, and unctuous qualities in diet and lifestyle. Foods, herbs, and climates exhibiting dryness enhance dryness while hydration, oils, and cooling practices counteract it.

Plants with a dry quality are naturally astringent and usually high in tannins, such as certain barks and fruits which are especially astringent.