Dr Mandeep Singh Azad
and Dr Motan
Panchgavya in Sanskrit means a blend of five products obtained from cow and holds an important place in Ayurvedic medicine. It is basically a combination of cow’s dung, urine, milk, curd and ghee. It doesn’t only heal one’s body but also lifts up depressed mental states thereby providing positivity, longevity and magnetic charisma. Due to such benefits of Panchgavya, it is often called as a divine elixir by Ayurvedacharyas. All the living creatures on the earth are made up of the five elements of nature, i.e. the Earth, Water, Fire, Airand Space which are all together called as Panchabhootas and their health is affected by Tridoshas, viz.,Vadha (air), Pitha (fire) and Kapha (Phlegm). The use of cow derived products has been mentioned in the Vedas and various researchers and scientists have found them to be rich source of essential elements as well as minerals and hormones. For this reason the use of Panchgavya and its products is gaining popularity. Panchgavya Therapy/Chikitsa (Cowpathy) has been proposed as an alternate prophylactic and therapeutic approach for sound livestock and poultry health along with safeguarding human health. Its antimicrobial properties have gained the attention of the medical and veterinary professionals. Copper is capable of destroying diseases and comprehensively acts as an antidote; plays role in immune enhancement; capable of removing all the ill effects and imbalances in the body and requires special mention in the treatment of diabetes and cancer; in case of acquired immuno deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and as an antifungal agent. Cow urine concoction (CUC) is having anticonvulsant and hypoglycemic effects; and useful against liver disorders and fever; inflammations and anemia. Cow milk is considered as a healthy food and is found to be effective in curing fever and pain; tumors; diabetes; kidney disorders and weaknesses and importantly acts as a medium to administer medicine. Milk has also got fungicidal properties; when used with leaves of medicinal herbs possess aphrodisiac property and milk fat has anticancer activities. Milk products viz. toned and skimmed milk; lassi, yoghurt, cottage cheese and khoa possess essential medicinal properties. Curd (dahi) is a blood purifier, and found useful in blood related problems; piles and gastro-intestinal disorders. Cow ghee has immune stimulatory properties. The application of cow dung to kill the germs of malaria and tuberculosis along with its antifungal properties require special mention.
Components of Panchgavya:
Cow Urine – 1 Part
Cow Ghee – 1 Part
Cow Milk – 3 Parts
Cow Curds – 2 Parts
Cow Dung – 1/2 Parts
The fresh dung is thoroughly mixed with ghee in a wide mouth mud pot and keep it for three days. The above mixture is thoroughly mixed once in daily. On the fourth day, other ingredients are added to the mud pot, mixed properly and covered with nylon net to prevent entry of flies into the pot. The pot is placed in shade and mixed thoroughly twice a day for 30 days. The cow derived products contains more nitrogen and sulphur; phosphate; sodium and manganese; carbolic, succinic and citric acid; iron, silicon and chlorine; magnesium and calcium salts; Vitamins (viz. A, B, C, D, E) and minerals; and hormones.
The Panchagavya products also show many other beneficial applications viz., excellent and economical agricultural usages in the form of biofertilizers, vermicompost and biopesticides (cow urine and dung are useful in organic farming as good quality natural manure) which improves the soil fertility, results in increase in yield, quality and taste of the agricultural produce, and provides food grains free from health hazards of using chemical fertilizers/pesticides; high nutritional value (cow milk, curd and ghee); alternate and a cheaper source of energy, biogas, fuel and electricity (cow dung and urine) can reduce consumption of limited fossil fuels and non-renewable energy inputs and lighten all homes at no recurring costs by providing cheap fuel widely be available to the masses and solve electricity problem; environment protection through promotion of biogas which can check deforestation practices due to forced cutting of trees for cooking fuel and is of high importance in the current scenario of fuel energy becoming scarce and costly, also gobar (dung) has been found to be resistant to solar radiation and cow ghee can protect human body from the ill effect of radioactive waves; and of economical values as Panchgavya is vital to cattle based rural economy and has the potential of improving financial condition of farmer and landless labor
Panchgavya Therapy / Chikitsa” (Cowpathy) has been proposed as an alternate prophylactic and therapeutic approach for sound livestock and poultry health along with safeguarding human health. Cowpathy induces immunomodulation by enhancing both cellular and humoral immune responses, upregulates the lymphocyte proliferation activity, secretion of cytokines and macrophage activity; reduces apoptosis in lymphocytes thus helping them to survive and fight infection; acts as anti-aging factor by preventing the free radicals formation and efficiently repairing the damaged DNA.
Thus it can be inferred that Panchgavya/Cowpathy, a new version of ancient science, is definitely a promising formulation in the years to come. Therefore, educating people about the benefits of cow and panchgavya can provide solution to problems of shortage of food grains, fuel, shelter, good health, nutrition, eradication of poverty, and unemployment, and as an alternate source of energy. Application of cowpathy in treating animal diseases needs much promotional activities since only limited literature is available. Having vital medicinal potential and prospectives for the benefit of mankind, the panchgavya therapy needs attention of scientific community for its documented validation, worldwide acceptance, promotion and popularity. A systematic work needs to be carried out on chemical nature, biological activity, microbiology and pharmaceutical aspects and mechanism of bioactive compounds in Panchagavya along with promotional clinical trials both in preventing and treating diseases of humans as well as their livestocks.
A combined effort of scientist, researchers and clinicians will definitely strengthen this alternate low cost therapy having no side effects, and thus inspire confidence in the public about its good virtues. The panchgavya theory of ayurveda should gain popularity not only in traditional families but also in highly educated and scientific society. Necessary support of scientists as well as researchers and clinicians is desired in order to strengthen the miraculous effects of cow urine therapy and other panchagavya elements, which will inspire both physicians and public to adapt and propagate this wonderful therapy for the beneficial health benefits and help fighting various diseases and disorders of both animals and humans.
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