Trikatu: The Power Trinity of Balance & Remedies

During this Covid period, a lot of us have gone through changes that have affected our lifestyle as well as our diets. Causing a lot of health issues such as indigestion, weight gain, and even a weak immune system. Little did we know that the solution has been right there in our kitchen in our very famous 'Masala ka Dabba'.

A simple formulation of Trikatu, which is a mix of three spices in an equal ratio: Black Pepper (kali mirch), Long Pepper (pippali), and the rhizomes of Ginger (adhrakh).

Trikatu is derived from the words tri (three) and kaṭu translating to “pungent” or “spice”. It's Sanskrit for ‘three spices’ or ‘three peppers’.

In Ayurvedic Materia Medica, an ancient document which is dated back to 6000 years BC mentions that Trikatu is an indispensable ingredient in many prescriptions and formulations which is used for a wide range of disorders as it stimulates Agni which then helps to remedy issues caused by  Kapha and Vata.

Uses

The best way to understand the uses of any ayurvedic medicine is through their traditional references in our old age books, so here is one to help us understand the uses of Trikatu

पिप्पली मरिच शुण्ठी त्रिभिः त्रयूषणमुच्यते । दीपनं श्लेष्म मेदोघ्न कुष्ठ पीनसनाशनम् ॥

जयेदरोचकं सामं मेहगुल्म गलामयान् ॥ शारंगधर सम्हिता

The Sanskrit Ayurveda text simply translates as follows:

• Ushana - Hot or pungent.
• Deepana – Improves digestion strength.
• Shleshmaghna – Balances Kapha dosha.
• Medoghna – Burns fat. Reduces cholesterol levels.
• Kushta – Useful in skin diseases.
• Peenasa – Helps with running nose, allergic rhinitis.
• Jayet Arochakam – Relieves anorexia.
• Ama – Relieve Ama (a state of indigestion).
• Meha – Useful in diabetes.
• Gulma – Helpful in abdominal tumor, bloating.
• Galamaya – Useful in throat infection and diseases.

Fun Fact : Out of the 370 formulations listed in the Handbook of Domestic Medicine and  Common  Ayurvedic  Remedies, 210  contain either Trikatu or its individual components.

Benefits of Trikatu

1. Promotes Digestion

The three spices in Trikatu aid in breaking down the food particles. This helps in eliminating abdominal gas which further reduces abdominal distension, bloating, and gaseous cramps. 

It also treats various gastrointestinal disorders like constipation, gastritis, heartburn, diarrhea, flatulence, peptic ulcer, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. 

To get relief from chronic stomach problems you can try our Zeo Malt that helps neutralize acidity and increase the stomach’s pH balance.

2. Boosts Immunity

As the formulation contains antioxidants and Vitamin C, it works as a remedy for improving the immune system. In addition, it also prevents infections like fever, common cold, sore throat due to its antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal properties.

Also read: The Best Ayurvedic Products To Boost Immunity

3. Relieves Pain And Inflammation

Due to the presence of anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties, it relieves the pain and inflammation caused due to arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

Similarly, relief from pain caused due to arthritis can be reduced by using our own Orthokey Oil, which is a traditional ayurvedic herbal treatment for all orthopedic requirements.

4. Improves functioning of reproductive organ

Additionally, it has aphrodisiac properties that strengthen the functioning of the reproductive organs and increase the sperm count in men.

Check out B Feral Gold Malt which is a natural remedy to improve men’s reproductive health and also improve overall strength and vitality.

5. Improves Cardiac Health

The properties in Trikatu help in treating heart anomalies. It is used to lower cholesterol levels in the blood, strengthen the heart muscles, and prevent lipid build-up, which in turn reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, heart blocks, blood clots, etc.

6. Helps with Weight Loss

It contains alkaloids and flavonoids which generate heat and shed excess weight faster which also improves metabolism and prevents further accumulation of fats.   

7. Boosts Liver Functions

It contains a compound called ‘piperine’ which has powerful hepatoprotective properties. This aids in detoxifying excess toxins and enhancing overall liver health. Furthermore, it also benefits in treating liver diseases like hepatitis and jaundice.

All in all, Trikatu is indeed the power trinity that can be a cure to our health issues and help us bring back the much-needed balance in our life.

References:

https://www.netmeds.com/health-library/post/trikatu-churna-benefits-ingredients-method-dosage-and-side-effects

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289299101_PHYTOCHEMISTRY_AND_PHARMACOLOGY_OF_TRIKATU