Ayurveda teaches that almost all diseases start in the digestive system, and therefore most treatments are directed towards this area also. When we lead an unhealthy lifestyle, have a poor diet, or a high stress job, one of the first areas of the body to become compromised is the digestive system. Digestive disorders are becoming more and more prevalent within society, and unless its put back on-track, sluggish or poor digestion can lead to serious imbalances within the body and mind.
One of Ayurveda’s most effective medicines for igniting agni (the digestive fire) is trikatu. It is a well-loved and widely-used digestive blend. Although composed of three everyday kitchen spices, when combined to form trikatu, these spices become a potent healing agent for a wide range of digestive and kapha related imbalances.
What is Trikatu?
“Trikatu” translates as “the three pungents.” It is a classic ayurvedic blend consisting of pippali, ginger, and black pepper. Trikatu’s most notable action is the stimulation of the digestive fire, agni, and the resulting digestion of fat cells. These three spices work in unison to boost metabolism, aid the assimilation and bioavailability of nutrients, burn off excess adipose tissue, and promote proper bile flow and detoxification. Trikatu is also effective in supporting healthy elimination of wastes and stimulating the secretion of digestive enzymes.
Health Benefits
- Aids digestion
- Boosts the metabolism
- Kindles agni (the digestive fire)
- Relieves indigestion, gas, and bloating
- Helps digest fat
- Reduces excess kapha dosha
- Rejuvenative for kapha dosha
- Aids the assimilation and bioavailability of nutrients
- Burns naturally occuring toxins
- Stimulates the immune response
- Supports lung health
- Decongestive
- Treats gastric disorders such as gastritis, peptic ulcers, and hyperacidity
- Reduces pain and inflammation in the stomach
- Relief from heartburn
- Reduces cholesterol
- Increases warmth in the body
- Combats aches and pains
- Reduces fatigue, heaviness, and restlessness
When to Take Trikatu
If you struggle with indigestion or a sluggish metabolism, trikatu can be taken as a daily supplement to promote agni. It is also an excellent tool to have on hand around the holidays, when eating out, or any time you are going to eat an especially rich or heavy meal.
Trikatu is often incorporated into Ayurvedic detox or cleansing programs as a means of resetting the digestion and supporting the elimination of toxins and waste.
As trikatu bolsters the metabolism, it is a useful blend to take for weight management, or, more specifically, to assist in healthy weight loss.
For those who are kapha predominant, taking trikatu can combat feelings of sluggishness or heaviness as well as relieving symptoms such as congestion in the lungs, chest or sinuses. For this reason it is also beneficial to stimulate the immune response to coughs and colds.
How to Use It
¼ to ½ tsp of trikatu powder can be mixed with warm water and honey (optional) and taken once or twice daily. The maximum daily recommended dose of trikatu is 1000mg, however the quantity may vary according to your specific needs or symptoms. It is always advisable to consult a practitioner to establish the ideal dosage for you. Trikatu is typically best taken 15 minutes before a meal.
Trikatu can also be taken in tablet form. The ingredients of trikatu are often incorporated into other Ayurvedic medicinal blends, most often in tonics targeting digestion or kapha imbalance.
Contraindications
While there are no serious side-effects or contraindications noted for trikatu, be aware that when taken in excess it can cause symptoms of pitta aggravation such as heartburn, burning in the abdomen, or mouth ulcers. If you experience any of these symptoms, reduce your dosage or cut out trikatu all together.
Those who are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or dealing with any medical conditions should consult with a doctor before adding trikatu to their regimen.