A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Trikatu cūrṇa (Bhaishajya Ratnavali)
Bhaisajya Ratnāvali
This formulation is a classical compound medicine (Yoga) referenced in the authoritative text Bhaisajya Ratnāvali, a comprehensive and widely respected compendium of Ayurvedic formulations.
The formulation is a tridoshic powder composed of three pungent ingredients in equal parts.
शुण्ठी (Śuṇṭhī) (Zingiber officinale)
मरिच (Marica) (Piper nigrum)
पिप्पली (Pippalī) (Piper longum)
Primary & Classical Diagnoses (Sanskrit):
Aruci: Anorexia or loss of taste.
Agnimāndya: Low digestive fire, leading to impaired metabolism.
Āma Doṣa: Conditions caused by the accumulation of metabolic toxins.
Gala Roga: Throat diseases.
Pīnasa: Rhinitis or chronic sinusitis.
Kuṣṭha: A broad term for skin diseases.
Śvāsa: Dyspnea or respiratory distress.
Kāsa: Cough.
Gulma: Phantom tumor or abdominal mass often related to gaseous distension.
Sthaulya: Obesity.
Sākhāsrta Kāmala: Obstructive jaundice.
Scope of Application (Modern & Integrated Clinical Correlation):
Gastrointestinal & Metabolic System: Primary use for functional dyspepsia, anorexia, malabsorption syndromes, obesity management, and as an adjunct in obstructive jaundice to improve liver function and bile flow.
Respiratory System: Chronic bronchitis, asthma, allergic rhinitis, sinus congestion, and recurrent respiratory infections due to its mucolytic and expectorant actions.
Integumentary System: Used as an adjuvant in chronic skin diseases to support detoxification and improve digestion, a key factor in Ayurvedic dermatology.
Pharmacokinetics: Widely used as a Bioavailability Enhancer (Yogavāhī) to increase the absorption and efficacy of other herbal and modern medicines.
Dosha Karma (Action on Humors): Primarily Kapha-Vāta Šamana (pacifies Kapha and Vāta doshas). It has strong Kapha Śoṣaṇa (drying) and Kaphaghna (destroying Kapha) actions. It is Pittakara (increases Pitta), hence used with caution in Pitta-dominant conditions.
Dhātu Karma (Action on Tissues): Its primary action is on the Meda (adipose) Dhātu, as Medohara (reduces fat tissue), making it central to managing obesity.
Agni Karma (Action on Digestive Fire): Potent Dīpana (kindles the digestive fire) and Pācana (digests toxins or āma).
Srotas Karma (Action on Body Channels): Srotōśōdhana (cleanses and removes obstructions from the bodily channels). Vibandhahara (relieves constipation by clearing obstructions in the Anna Vaha Srotas - food channel).
Roga Karma (Action on Specific Diseases): Ajīrṇahara (cures indigestion), Kāsa Śvāsahara (alleviates cough and dyspnea), Sirōbhisyandahara (reduces sinus congestion and rhinorrhea).
Lakṣaṇika Karma (Symptomatic Action): Ruceya (restores taste perception and appetite).
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Katu (Pungent)
Guṇa (Quality) Laghu (Light), Rūkṣa (Dry), Tīkṣṇa (Sharp, Penetrating)
Vīrya (Potency) Uṣṇa (Hot)
Vipāka (Post-Digestive Effect) Katu (Pungent) [Inferred from constituents]
Modern Correlate Actions: This formulation demonstrates potent digestive stimulant, carminative, mucolytic, expectorant, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory, metabolic-enhancing, and bioavailability-potentiating activities. It acts as a thermogenic agent, increasing metabolic rate.
6. Approved Manufacturers
This fundamental and widely used classical formulation is manufactured by numerous companies. One notable manufacturer is:
SKM Siddha and Ayurveda (under the series: Bhaisajya Ratnāvali)
[Note: As a foundational recipe (Sāmānya Prayoga), Trikatu Cūrṇa is a ubiquitous preparation and is produced by almost every major Ayurvedic pharmaceutical company, including those listed in previous responses (e.g., Dabur, Baidyanath, Zandu, Arya Vaidya Sala, etc.), even if not explicitly mentioned in this source.]
Important Note: This formulation is a premier Bioavailability Enhancer (Yogavāhī). It significantly increases the digestive and absorptive power of the gastrointestinal tract. It helps remove obstructions in channels, as seen in obstructive jaundice, and corrects appetite and taste perception. It is a key adjuvant therapy to enhance the efficacy of other co-administered medicines.