Panchagavya

Cow is considered very sacred in Hindu mythology. Inside the cow are drawn images of the major Hindu gods and goddesses. By Raja Ravi Varma in 1897

Panchagavya or panchakavyam is a mixture used in traditional Hindu rituals that is prepared by mixing five ingredients. The three direct constituents are cow dung, cow urine, and milk; the two derived products are curd and ghee. These are mixed and then allowed to ferment. The Sanskrit word panchagavya means "five cow-derivatives". When used in Ayurvedic medicine, it is also called cowpathy.

Benefits

Analgesic Effect

Cow urine and its distillate have demonstrated analgesic properties. In studies conducted on rats, both cow urine and distillate exhibited a comparable analgesic effect to Diclofenac Sodium, indicating their potential in pain management. The analgesic activity is attributed to steroidal constituents and volatile fatty acids, supporting the use of cow urine in pain relief.

Hepatoprotective Effect

Panchagavya has shown potential hepatoprotective properties, particularly in protecting against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver toxicity. When administered to rats, Panchagavya significantly reduced the elevation of liver enzyme markers (SGOT, SGPT, ALP, ACP), promoting liver regeneration and recovery. This highlights Panchagavya's role in supporting liver health.

Anti-Hemorrhoid Activity

The use of cow urine in treating hemorrhoids has been clinically tested. A study involving the oral consumption of cow urine extract (gaumutra-ghana) demonstrated its ability to relieve symptoms of hemorrhoids, such as pain, itching, and bleeding, as well as ease defecation.

Wound Healing Activity

Cow ghee has been shown to accelerate wound healing due to its high content of fatty acids. When combined with plant extracts such as Aegle marmelos leaves, Panchagavya significantly improved wound healing. Further studies have indicated that external application of cow urine also facilitated wound healing, outperforming conventional treatments like nitrofurazone.

Eye Health

Panchagavya's eye health benefits stem from its content of Vitamin A and lubricating properties. Cow ghee, when used to treat Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS), helps maintain moisture in the eyes, preventing dryness, redness, and burning sensations. This makes Panchagavya a natural alternative to commercial lubricating eye drops.

Anti-Microbial Activity

Both cow urine and its distillate exhibit strong anti-microbial activity against various pathogens, including Bacillus subtilis, Salmonella typhi, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The antibacterial properties of Panchagavya have been confirmed through laboratory testing, demonstrating its potential as a natural antimicrobial agent.

Anti-Epileptic Effect

Panchagavya has shown promise as an anti-epileptic treatment in animal models. By reducing seizure frequency and improving motor activity, it may offer an adjuvant therapy for epilepsy. Studies suggest that Panchagavya could be an effective treatment for seizure disorders.

Nootropic Effect

Studies have indicated that Panchagavya possesses nootropic properties, improving memory and cognitive function. Research involving rats demonstrated that Panchagavya enhanced memory retention, making it a potential natural remedy for cognitive decline and memory-related issues.

Anti-Cancer Effect

Research comparing cow ghee to soybean oil in a rat model of cancer revealed that cow ghee exhibited anti-cancer effects. The group that consumed cow ghee showed lower tumor incidence, size, and weight, suggesting that Panchagavya may help reduce the risk of cancer and tumor growth.

Soil and Agricultural Benefits

Panchagavya is widely used in agriculture to enhance soil fertility and improve crop yields. It increases the organic matter, macro and micronutrient levels in the soil, fostering the growth of beneficial microorganisms. The application of Panchagavya on crops results in healthier plants with denser roots, better nutrient uptake, and higher crop productivity. It also promotes the growth of larger leaves and improves the photosynthesis process, leading to better crop harvests.

Role in Organic Farming

Panchagavya plays a crucial role in organic farming by providing a natural alternative to chemical fertilizers and pesticides. It improves crop yields and reduces the need for synthetic chemicals, making it a sustainable choice for organic farmers. Additionally, Panchagavya enhances the shelf life and taste of fruits, grains, and vegetables, contributing to better-quality food products.

Panchagavya-Based Nanotechnology

Panchagavya is also being explored for its role in nanotechnology, particularly in the synthesis of nanoparticles. Studies have demonstrated the use of Panchagavya filtrate in the synthesis of copper and silver nanoparticles, which have shown promising anti-microbial and antioxidant properties. This innovation opens new avenues for using Panchagavya in drug delivery systems and medical applications.

Risks

Proponents claim that cow urine therapy is capable of curing several diseases, including certain types of cancer, although these claims have no scientific backing. In fact, studies concerning ingesting individual components of panchagavya, such as cow urine, have shown no positive benefit, and significant side effects, including convulsion, depressed respiration, and death. Cow urine can also be a source of harmful bacteria and infectious diseases, including leptospirosis.

Non-medicinal applications

Panchgavya is used as a fertilizer and pesticide in agricultural operations. Proponents claim that it is a growth promoter in the poultry diet, that it is capable of increasing the growth of plankton for fish feed, and that it increases the production of milk in cows, increases the weight of pigs, and increases the egg laying capacity of poultry. It is sometimes used as a base in cosmetic products.

Religious Customs

It was reported by the Indian Antiquary in June 1895 (pages 168-169) that cow-dung had general use in Brahman purifications and was eaten by Hindus as an atonement for sin:

"Cow-dung and cow-urine, with milk, curds and butter, form the five cow-products, which are worshipped in South India. New earthen pots, are cleansed by pouring into them the five cow products - milk, curds, butter, dung and urine. The five pots are set on darba grass and worshipped. They are called the god Panchgavia, and the worshipper thinks on their merit and good qualities, lays flowers on them, and mentally presents them with a golden throne. Water is sprinkled and waved over them. They are crowned with coloured rice, and are mentally presented with jewels, rich dresses, and sandal wood. Flowers, incense, a burning lamp, plantains, and betel are offered, a low bow is made, and the following prayer repeated:

"Panchgaviâ, forgive our sins and the sins of all beings who sacrifice to you and who drink you. You have come from the body of the cow; therefore I pray you to forgive my sins and to cleanse my body. Cleanse me, who offer you worship, from my sins. Pardon and save me."

After a second bow and the meditation of Hari, the five products are mixed in one cup; the priest drinks a little, pours it into the hollow hands of the worshippers and they drink. Nothing is so cleansing as this mixture. All Indians often drink it. The five nectars - milk, curds, butter, sugar and honey - are good, but much less powerful."

The ancient Mahabharata epic relates that Shri, the Hindu goddess of fortune and prosperity, invisibly resides in the urine and dung of cows.

See also

• List of unproven and disproven cancer treatments
• Prasada
• Traditional Knowledge Digital Library
• Urine therapy