In this article, I will describe a herbal formulation known as Trikatu Churna (Powder), which has been termed “a panacea for numerous health problems”.
What is Trikatu Churna (or Powder)?
Trikatu Churna is a well-known herbal formulation used in the Ayurvedic system of medicine. As the name, Trikatu suggests,” Tri” means three, and “Katu” means hot i.e. a combination of three herbs that are hot. Churna is a Sanskrit word that means powder. Overall, Trikatu Churna is a fine powder of three hot herbs.
This Churna has hot potency, thus its consumption results in the production of heat in the body and increases the secretion of bile and digestive juices.
It is made by mixing equal parts of Pippali (long pepper), black pepper, and dry ginger (Shunthi). All three ingredients work together to stimulate Pachak-Agni (digestive fire). This aids proper digestion of food in the stomach and also helps in liver detoxification.
Trikatu Churna (Powder) plays a major role in the treatment of various diseases associated with Vata and Kapha imbalances.
Mostly Ayurvedic doctors prescribe this Churna for the treatment of digestive abnormalities (like bloating, flatulence, sluggish metabolism, etc.), liver disturbances, respiratory issues (like asthma, etc.), hypercholesterolemia, inflammatory conditions, several infectious diseases (like sinusitis, throat infections, skin diseases, etc.), sexual and reproductive abnormalities, and obesity.
Trikatu Churna is also known by other names like:
- Trikatu Powder
- Trikatu Choorna
- Kadutraya churna
- Three peppers
- Katutraya churna
- Trikatu choornam
- Three pungent herbs
- Trikatukam churnam
What are the Ingredients (Composition) of Trikatu Churna (Powder)?
Trikatu Churna contains the following ingredients (composition):
| Common Name of the Ingredient | Scientific Name of the Ingredient | Quantity/Proportion of the Ingredient |
| Black pepper (Kali Marich) | Piper Nigrum | 1 part |
| Long pepper ( Gaja Pippali) | Piper Longum | 1 part |
| Dried Ginger (Shunthi or Adrak) | Zingiber Officinalis | 1 part |
What Are the Medicinal properties of Trikatu Churna (Powder)?
Trikatu Choorna (Powder) has the following healing properties:
- Carminative
- Burner
- Bio-enhancer (helps to increase the bioavailability of other medicines)
- Hypolipidemic
- Chemo-protective
- Appetizer & Digestive Stimulant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-viral
- Expectorant
- Hypo-glycemic
- Antiemetic
What Are The Uses and Benefits of Trikatu Churna (Powder)?
The main uses and benefits of Trikatu Churna (Powder) are as follows:
1) Trikatu Churna (Powder) Benefits for Digestion
Trikatu is a well-known potent digestive stimulant, which stimulates appetite and improves overall digestive health.
All three herbs present in Trikatu
- Aid in the breakdown of food particles in the stomach and intestine
- Promote the secretion of digestive juices and
- Boost the absorption of vital nutrients through the intestines
Two active compounds, piperine and gingerols, present in this Churna stimulate the activity of digestive enzymes and hence help healthy digestion.
This powder (Churna) aids in the elimination of stomach gas and hence provides relief from bloating, abdominal distension, and gaseous cramps.
It also plays a crucial role in the treatment of various gastrointestinal diseases like constipation, flatulence, gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), etc.
2) Trikatu Churna Benefits for Pain And Inflammation
The richness of anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic properties of the bioactive components in the Trikatu Churna makes it the best option for relieving arthritis-related pain and inflammation.
It is also very beneficial in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (known as Amavata in Ayurveda). According to Ayurveda, Amavata (RA) is primarily caused by Vata dosha vitiation and the buildup of Ama (toxins) in the joints.
3) Trikatu Churna Helps Boost Immunity
Due to the presence of strong antioxidants, Trikatu Churna helps in boosting the immune system and protects the body against numerous microbial invasions.
4) Trikatu Has Antimicrobial Activity
Each ingredient present in trikatu possesses potent antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties, thus this Churna is very effective in preventing infections such as fever, sore throat, common cold, and other respiratory infections.
Various studies have found that trikatu Churna is effective against E. coli and S. aureus bacteria which are common causes of food poisoning.
Bioactive ingredients like phenols, tannins, flavonoids, lignin, and alkaloids present in this Churna (powder) protect the body against harmful bacteria.
In studies, it was also found that the effect of trikatu was nearly equal to the effect of ampicillin drug (used to treat bacterial infections).
5) Trikatu Churna Improves Cardiac Function
Due to the broad heart-healthy properties of its ingredients, Trikatu plays a crucial role in the treatment of various cardiac ailments. By calming the mind, it relaxes the cardiovascular system which can be beneficial for people with palpitations and arrhythmias.
Free radical load and oxidative stress raise the risk of damage to the heart. Trikatu Churna possesses strong antioxidant properties due to the presence of bioactive ingredients in it. It combats oxidative stress and aid in the elimination of free radicals from the body.
This Churna (powder) also helps in preventing lipid accumulation, lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, and strengthening the heart muscles, which results in decreased risk of atherosclerosis, blood clots, heart blockages, heart attacks, etc. is reduced.
Thus, Trikatu Churna protects the heart and is beneficial for overall heart health.
6) Trikatu Remedies Respiratory Anomalies
Trikatu Churna is a wonderful herbal remedy for all Kapha aggravating conditions. The majority of the active ingredients in this herbal formulation give relief from respiratory problems such as
- Cough
- Bronchitis
- Asthma
- COPD
It also aids in the removal of phlegm deposits from the respiratory tract, relieves congestion, and facilitates breathing.
7) Trikatu Churna Benefits for Weight Loss
Trikatu Churna is rich in alkaloids and flavonoids, which increase body heat and thus accelerate weight loss by enhancing metabolic transformation and preventing the accumulation of fats.
Due to its ability to vitiate Ama dosha from the body, it also efficiently eliminates undesirable Ama (toxins) from the body.
8) Trikatu Enhances Liver Health
An active compound called alkaloid piperine present in Trikatu Churna has strong hepatoprotective properties. It aids in detoxifying toxin overload and promotes overall liver health.
Regular intake of trikatu
- Restores normal liver functioning
- Helps reduce liver enzyme levels that get elevated due to liver illness or infections, and
- Aids regeneration of liver cells
Moreover, it is useful in treating liver ailments like jaundice and hepatitis.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Trikatu Churna (Powder)?
According to Ayurveda, Trikatu Churna has the following properties:
| Rasa( taste) | Katu Rasa ( pungent taste) |
| Guna (quality) | Rukshna (rough) and Laghu (light) |
| Vipaka (metabolic taste) | Katu Vipaka (pungent metabolic taste) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna Virya (hot potency) |
Effect on Doshas
It pacifies Vata and Kapha Doshas and increases Pitta Dosha
What are the Side Effects of Trikatu Churna (Powder)?
Trikatu is an absolute remedy for numerous health problems but can cause some unwanted effects or side effects if taken in excess amounts. It is safe to use in a dosage of less than 1 gram per day.
Heartburn and acidity are the most common side effects of Trikatu Churna (Powder).
Its consumption in excess dosage may cause the following side effects:
- Heat sensation in the body
- Heartburn
- Burning sensation in the throat
- Burning aftertaste
- Hot flushes
In rare cases, the excess dosage of Trikatu Churna (Powder) may also cause the following side effects:
- Mouth ulcers
- Excessive Sweating
- Bleeding disorders
- Redness in the eyes
What is the Dosage of Trikatu Churna (Powder)?
Depending upon the age, the severity of the disease, and the condition of the patient the effective therapeutic dosage of Trikatu Churna may vary from person to person. Thus, it is always recommended to consult an ayurvedic doctor for the ideal duration and dosage of this Churna.
The general dosage of Trikatu Churna (powder) is 125 mg to 500 mg twice a day with lukewarm water or honey, ideally after meals.
If its dosage increases from one gram per day, it may cause side effects like acidity or heartburn.
What Are The Contraindications for Trikatu Churna (Powder)?
Its consumption is contraindicated in the following conditions:
- Heartburn
- Acid dyspepsia
- Bleeding disorders
- Threatened abortion
- Acute or Chronic Gastritis
- Ulcerative colitis
- Burning sensation in any part of the body (such as in the throat, abdomen, etc.)
- Peptic and duodenal ulcer
- High-risk pregnancies
Conclusion
Trikatu Churna is an ayurvedic formulation that is made up of three ingredients, i.e. Long pepper, Black pepper, and Shunthi, in equal proportions. It is a herbal remedy that has been used for centuries to cure a multitude of health conditions, such as constipation, indigestion, arthritis, obesity, cough, asthma, common cold, infections, etc. With a doctor’s advice, you can get benefit from this wonderful herbal immunity booster.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Triphala and Trikatu same?
No, both are entirely different. Triphala and Trikatu, both are made up of different ingredients and both have different uses and benefits.
Triphala is a blend of three fruits, i.e. Amalaki, Haritaki, and Vibhitaki; while Trikatu is a blend of three spices, i.e. Long pepper, Black pepper, and Shunthi.
Is Trikatu hot?
Yes, this Churna has hot potency and its intake results in the production of heat in the body.
What is the effect of Trikatu Choornam (Powder) on Tridosha?
This Churna pacifies Vata and Kapha Dosha; and increases Pitta Dosha.
Can I take Triphala and Trikatu together?
Yes, you can take Triphala and Trikatu together. Ingredients of Trikatu help increase the bioavailability of medicines and Triphala’s ingredients are helpful in eliminating toxins from the body.
There are many ayurvedic formulations that contain all these six ingredients together.
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References:
1) Trikatu, an herbal compound ameliorates rheumatoid arthritis by the suppression of inflammatory immune responses in rats with adjuvant-induced arthritis and on cultured fibroblast-like synoviocytes via the inhibition of the NFκB signaling pathway
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27613480/
2) PHYTOCHEMISTRY AND PHARMACOLOGY OF TRIKATU
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/289299101_PHYTOCHEMISTRY_AND_PHARMACOLOGY_OF_TRIKATU
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Disclaimer:
This article is intended for informational purposes only. Any information associated with this article should not be considered a substitute for prescriptions suggested by local healthcare professionals.
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2) Sitopaladi Churna: Uses, Benefits, Ingredients, Side Effects
3) Lavan Bhaskar Churna: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Dose
4) Avipattikar Churna: Uses, Benefits, Side Effects, Dosage
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