Trikatu - An Ayurvedic Digestive Stimulant
An ancient formula made up of the three herbal stimulants Pippali, Maricha, and Sunthi in equal amounts.
Pippali is a powerful stimulant for both the digestive and respiratory systems. It is strongly heating and removes cold, congestion, and revives weak organic functions. It is a rejuvenative for the lungs and Kapha. also an aphrodisiac and strengthens reproductive functions, warming and energizing the reproductive organs.
Trikatu is an anti-mucus and digestive powder used to improve gastric and respiratory function. It is useful in cases of obesity, weak digestion, high cholesterol, high triglycerides, hypothyroid, slow metabolism, congestion, cough, and edema.
Trikatu is a Sanskrit word meaning “three spices”. It is the main stimulant compound used by Ayurvedic doctors. Containing fruits of black pepper (Piper Nigrum), Indian long pepper (Piper Longum) and the rhizomes of ginger (Zingiber Officinalis), it is a common combination used to stimulate and maintain the digestive and respiratory systems. This it does by reducing Kapha (water and earth) and increasing Pitta (fire) through the rejuvenation of low Agni (fire) and the burning away of Ama (toxins). It is strongly heating and removes cold, congestion, reviving weak organic functions. Also an aphrodisiac and strengthens reproductive functions, warming, and energizing the reproductive organs.
Trikatu is a safe digestive stimulant and expectorant. It is antiallergenic, carminative, antiflatulent, and acts as a natural antihistamine. Effective in dyspepsia, it provides a balanced heat to warm digestion and circulation and to prevent the formation of gastric mucosa. Trikatu is used internally in the treatment of gastric and abdominal disorders, asthma, bronchitis, coughs, dysentery, pyrexia, and insomnia.
Its administration promotes the secretion of digestive juices, increasing appetite. Trikatu stimulates the formation of hydrochloric acid. It helps to inhibit gaseous distension.
It is prescribed as an essential part of many multi-herb preparations, as it has been shown to increase the bioavailability of nutrients, foods, and medicines. It promotes rapid absorption of nutrients by the gastrointestinal tract. Its thermogenic effect, metabolic enhancement, and nutrient bioavailability enhancing properties render Trikatu particularly beneficial in the support of respiratory health.
Trikatu is ideally taken one hour before each meal in a dose of ˝ to 1 teaspoon. It can also be taken along with or after a meal. As Trikatu has a pungent taste, it is better consumed mixed with honey in a thick paste.