Trikatu Churna – Benefits, Side Effects – Perfect blend of Three Spices

Trikatu Churna is a simple mixture of three Indian spices. Trikatu Churna is in powder form. It is widely used in Ayurvedic treatments and in Indian household. Trikatu Churna falls both under medicinal herbs and dietary herbs.

Trikatu churna is also known as trikatu choornam, Trikatu choorna, katutraya churna, kadutraya churna etc.Churna is a Sanskrit term meaning powder. Trikatu – Tri – means three, katu – herbs that are hot and pungent.  – overall, Triaktu powder is a fine powder mix of three spices.

Trikatu benefits – Trikatu is hot in potency. Trikatu is stimulative in nature, good for liver, spleen and pancreas. Trikatu choornam stimulates stomach to produce enzymes. Hence it helps in digestion. Trikatu is also good for respiratory system.

Traditional reference of Trikatu benefits –
Trikatu Churna is also known as Trayushana. Ushana means hot or pungent.
Deepana – it improves digestion strength.
Shleshmaghna – it balances Kahpa dosha.
Medoghna – it burns fat. Reduces cholesterol levels.
Kushta – useful in skin diseases.
Peenasa – useful in running nose, allergic rhinitis
Jayet Arochakam – relieves anorexia.
Ama – useful to relieve ama (a state of indigestion).
Meha – useful in diabetes
Gulma – useful in abdominal tumor, bloating
Galamaya – useful in throat infection and diseases.

Trikatu Side Effects –  Due to hot potency, Trikatu may worsen gastritis. May cause burning sensation in higher doses.

Love Plants

1. Amalaka : Emblica officinalis 

Goose berry

Powder of goose berry impregnated with the juice of goose berry mixed with Jaggery+Honey+Ghee (Clarified Butter) taken with milk.

(Susrutha Chikithsa 26.24 also V.M. 70.8.9)
2. Ankota : Alangium salvifolium
Ankolaabaddha Vati

Parts Used: Root (Bark), Seed, Seed Oil

Dose: Root Bark decoction - 50 - 100 ml+ Root bark powder 6gms

Seed oil is used externally

(R.Y S.I, P.46)

3. Asvatta : Ficus religiosa

Fruit + Root+ Bark + and Leaf Bud of the tree cooked in Milk with added Sugar (Jaggery) and Honey

4. Bhallataka : Semecarpus anacardium

Four Bhallataka fruits cooked in 1.28 litres of Milk

(A.S.U. 50.29)

5. Girikarnika (Aparajita) : Clitorea ternata

Leaves of white aparajita cooked with milk in the mornings

(V.D 20.20)

6. Godhuma : Triticum aestivum

Wheat

Wheat flour and seeds of Kapikachu are cooked in milk, when cooled mix with Ghee and taken

(S.S.Ci 26.30)

7. Gokshura : Tribulus terresteris

a. Powders of Gokshura + Ikshuraka (10) + Satavari + Kapikachu (8)+ Nagabala + Atibala with milk in the night (V.M. 70.14)

Nagabala and atibala are varieties of Sida cordifolia

b. Gokshura cooked in milk (G.N. 2.9.58)

8. Kapikacchu : Mucuna pruriens

Powder with milk will never suffer from semen deficiencies (Su.Sam. Chi. 26.33)

9. Karkatasrungi : Pistacia integrima

The fruit mixed with milk should be taken regularly and has to be on a diet of cereals, honey and ghee.

(A. S. U 50.44)

10. Kokilaksha (Ikshuraka) : Astercantha longifolia 

Powdered Seeds of Kapikachu + Kokilaksha + Sugar (Jaggery) taken with tepid milk (Su.Su.Chi 26.33)

11. Madhuka (Yashtimadhu) : Glycyrrhiza glabra

Madhuka powder 10gm + Ghee + Honey followed by Milk

(C.S. Chi 2.3.19 ; A. S. U 50.43)

12. Maasha : Phaseolus mungo

a. Gruel made of maasha grains with ghee and milk acts as aphrodisiac (C.S. Su 2.32)

b. 40 gm Masha + Honey + Ghee followed by milk (S. S. Chi 26.29)

c. Masha Powder impregnated with Amalaki (Gooseberry Juice) added with ample honey + Ghee , followed by milk (A. S. Su 50.40)

Parts Used: Seeds

Dose: 5-10 Gms

13. Mashaparni : Teramnus labialis

Parts used : Whole plant

Dose:  decoction 50 - 100 ml

Prep: Shashtikaadi Gulika (Tablet)

14. Munjataka : Orchis latifolia

Parts used: Tuber

Dose: Powder: 3-5 gms

Prep: Godhumadhya Ghrutha

15. Mudgaparni : Phaseolus trilobus

Prep: Shashtikaadi Gulika (Tablet)

(C.S Chi 2.2.5)

16. Musali : Asparagus adscendens

a. Musali root powder combined with Gudichi (Guduchi Tinospora cordifolia) Satva + Kapikachu + Gokshura + Jaggery + Amalaka suspended in milk + Ghee (S. G 2.6.58 also B.P Ci 72. 25-2)

b. Musalyadi Choornam (Powder) (Y.R. 446)

Parts used: Root 

Dose: Powder 3-5 gm

17. Salmali Salmali malabarica

with cows milk (H. S 3.47; also VD 20.17,23)

18. Sara (Munja) : Saccharum munja

An ingredient in Brumhani gutika ( C. S. Ci 2.1.24)

19. Shashtika (A type of rice) : 

Shashtika brimhani gutika

Dose: Powder: 10-20 gms

20. Shatavari : Asparagus racemosus

a. Shatavari gutika (C.S.Ci 2.3.18)

Shatavari + Milk (V.J.S.S)

21. Sringataka Trapa natan

Var. Bispinosa

Ingredient of Apatyakara svarasa and Vrushyaghrutha (C.S.Ci 2.2.14 22)

22. Talapatri : Curculigo orchioides

Powder with Milk (V. V 4.8)

23. Tila : Sesamum indicum

Tila + Ghee + Triphala + Honey + Trikatu + Bhallataka + Jaggery all in equal quantity

(CD 50.62; also A H U 40.25)

24. Vidaari : Pueraria tuberosa

Vidari Powder impregnated with its own juice + Ghee + Honey (S.S.Ci 26.23)

25. Vrudhadaruka : Argyreia speciosa 

Ghee cooked with vrudhadaaruka root taken internally with milk (B S Striroga 174)

Compiled from Ayurvedline

Dr. A Nadkarni

Disclaimer:

This information is based on Ayurvedic scriptures only and is not intended for any treatments or should not be considered as an advice for treating your self. For any medical conditions please take advice from your GP or an Ayurvedic practitioner

Triphala

What is TRIPHALA?

Tri= three, Phala= Fruit

1.       Emblica officinalis, Goose berry

2.       Terminalia chebula

3.       Terminalia bellarica

Triphala is a combination of three tropical fruits: Haritaki/Harada, Amalaki/Amla and Bibhitaki/Bihara. The nutritional aspect is in its high content of vitamin C, linoleic oil and other important nutrients, making it more of a tonic. Of the three fruits, Harada contains laxative, astringent, lubricant, antiparasitical, alterative, antispasmodic and nervine properties. Amla is the highest known source of vitamin C and has been shown to have mild anti-bacterial properties, pronounced expectorant, anti-viral and cardiotonic activity. Bihara is astringent, tonic, digestive and anti-spasmodic. It purifies and balances  excess mucus, treats asthma, bronchial conditions, allergies and hiccoughs. With all the virtues of these three individual herbs, Triphala has many wide and varied uses as a therapeutic herbal food. *

What are the benefits?

Triphala is one of the safest and most strengthening of the cleansing herb formulas; it gently promotes internal detoxification of all conditions of stagnation and excess while improving digestion and assimilation. It has been shown to be an effective blood purifier that stimulates bile secretion as it detoxifies the liver. Triphala benefits circulation, improves digestion and regulates elimination without causing any laxative dependency. Triphala is also taken for all eye disorders including the treatment of conjunctivitis, progressive myopia, early stages of  glaucoma and cataracts. Triphala can be highly effective in removing stagnation of both the liver and intestines and is one of the greatest and most popular rejuvenators in Ayurvedic medicine; it helps to aid the body’s natural detoxification and elimination processes without weakening systems or becoming habit forming. *

Regulates elimination without causing laxative dependency*

• Cleanses and detoxifies while simultaneously strengthening the body*

• Gently promotes internal cleansing*

• Effective blood purifier and liver detoxifier*

• Traditionally used for all eye disorders and to clear heat*

• Improves digestion and assimilation*

• Helps to reduce bad cholesterol*

• Improves circulation*

• An effective cardio-protectant*

• Helps reduce high blood pressure*

• Anti-inflammatory, antiviral and antibacterial properties*

Supporting Research:

Barnett Robert, Barone Jeanine. Ayurvedic Medicine – Ancient Roots, Modern Branches; pgs 9-10, 24-25,

36; 1996

Fawley David O.M.D. Ayurvedic Healing - A Comprehensive Guide. pgs 99, 356, 357, 361; Morson Publishing; 1992

Frawley D, Vasant L. The Yoga of Herbs – An Ayurvedic Guide to Herbal Medicine; 1992; pgs 157-158, 164, 174-175; Published by Lotus Press; Twin Lakes, WI

Jacob A., Pandey M., Kapoor S., Saroja R. “Effects of the Indian Gooseberry (amla) on Serum Cholesterol

Levels in Men Aged 35-55 years.” European Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 42: 939-944. 1988.

Peyser Randy. Alternative Medicine - Colon Cleansers; pgs 44-48; April 2002

Tierra Michael L.Ac., O.M.D. The Wonders of Triphala: Ayurvedic Formula for Internal Purification

Disclaimer: * This information is based only on Ayurvedic Medical Scriptures. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, this should not be used for any self treatments

Dasa moola (10 Roots)

Dasa = Ten, Moola = Root

Literally meaning the 10 roots. Divided to two subsections

1. The greater 5 Roots (Bruhath Pancha moola):- Aegle marmelos, Gmelina arborea, Oroxylum indicum, Premna corymbosa, Stereopsermum colais (Used in Pain, Hysteria, Rheumatism, Asthma and Heart disease)
2. The Lesser 5 Roots ( Laghu Pancha Moola):- Aerva lanata, Desmodium gangeticum, Pseudarthria viscida, Solanum xanthocarpum, Tribulus terresteris (Urinary calculi and dysuria)

Each of these plants are endowed with incredible medicinal properties and they act synergistically in combination. This is collectively used in pacifying vitiated Tridosha, Pain, Colic, Arthritis, Fever, Cough, Bronchitis, General weakness, Neuropathy, Nervine weakness, UTI, Helps in boosting immunity are some of the benefits of using these roots in combination as per the Ayurvedic scriptures

A phytochemical screening of Dasamoola showed that the presence of Anthraquinones, Flavanoids, Leucoanthocyanins, Phenols, Redusing sugars and Tannins in aqueous extracts. Anthocyanins, Coumarins, Emodins, Fatty acids, glycosides and Saponins are totally absent in all extracts from the Dasamoola powder

The effectiveness of dasamoola could be attributed to their high flavanoids, steroids, tannins and triterpenoids. Exploitation of these pharmacological properties invloves further investigation and identification of these active ingredients by implementation of techniques like extraction, purification, separation, and crystallization.

NB: Please do bear in mind that these are age old treatment procedures and the study have been conducted with the limited access of current scientific advances. We still have a lot to learn and benefit from these herbal combinations. The scope of such study will be on a scale which could be limitless, and I reckon it can only be a collective effort and not by any individual 

Compiled  from Academic Sciences-International Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, 

M Linga Rao, and N. Savithramma

Disclaimer: * This information is based only on Ayurvedic Medical Scriptures. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, this should not be used for any self treatments