Trikatu — An Ayurvedic Panacea
Trikatu is quite useful and very simple herbal formulation well described in Ayurveda. Trikatu, as the name itself suggests its meaning, “tri” in Sanskrit stands for three and “katu” stands for pungent and sharp.
One can prepare it by mixing equal quantities of powders of three katu/pungent condiments easily available in Indian kitchens: dried fruits of Maricha (Piper nigrum), Pippli /Magh pippali (Piper longum) and dried rhizomes of Sunthi/ dried adraka (Zingiber officinale) . It is available commercially also.
This write up is going to highlight some miraculous properties of trikatu. The purpose is to make this, a quite safe condiment based preparation, to be handy in every household to deal some common gastric problems and common cough, cold, etc. This will improve the general well being of the society and decrease the dependency on conventional medicines for trivial ailments. It even was a great reliever to my Covid 19 patients.
The combination is very beneficial for diseases involving vitiated Kapha Dosha and Meda Dhatu (Fats). The combination is having Katu rasa (pungent taste), Ushna veerya (hot potency), laghu (light), ruksha (dry), deepana, pachana (stimulating and digestive), Kapha-Vatahara properties.
In Ayurveda it is widely used for therapeutic and prophylactic purposes. To mention a few it is described as the best combination for Aruchi (anorexia), Agnimandhya (indigestion), Aam dosha (intermediary metabolic products), respiratory system diseases, etc.
Trikatu has digestion enhancer, carminative, gastroprotective action. By stimulating the various enzymes in the stomach, it helps in improving digestive fire and digestion, relieves heaviness in stomach. It’s carminative action helps to relieve bloating when taken with lukewarm water after meals. Some salt and jeera powder may also be added to it.
It strengthens respiratory system and enhances immunity. In addition to that its anti-inflammatory, bronchodilator and mucolytic properties makes the combination effective in respiratory infections, cough, cold, runny nose, allergic rhinitis, sinusitis, fever and even in asthma like respiratory problems as well.
Its hot and pungent property basically makes it metabolism corrector and useful in hypothyroidism, high Blood Sugar (hypoglycemic), increased Blood Lipids and Cholesterol (hypolipidemic)and has immunomodulatory effect.
Trikatu contains many phytochemical components such as alkaloids, flavonoids, phytosterol and many other compounds, thus, giving it high microbicidal properties like , antibacterial, antiviral, Antifungal, anthelmintic. Many more actions like antioxidant, rejuvenation and even anti cancerous properties have also been established.
The ability of trikatu to increase the bioavailability of drugs and minerals is very promising. One may find all the three or individual components in various Ayurvedic formulations for enhancing the absorption, assimilation and bioavailability of other drugs and eatables.
Trikatu exerts a potent anti-inflammatory effect in arthritis. Due to ama pachana (detoxifying) properties, it relieves stiffness in the body and joints. Trikatu has amazing medicinal advantages for enhancing health, preventing diseases and treating symptoms. It possesses immunomodulatory, antioxidant, analgesic, antiallergic potential also. CNS stimulant, hepatoprotective, anti-obesity, antiemetic roles also need mention. Due to the preventive and therapeutic potentials trikatu is beneficial in a number of metabolic dysfunctions.
The so useful panacea is effective in minor dosage of 1gm to be taken with lukewarm water, preferably after meals once or twice a day.
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