Discover the use of cow products in history and heritage of traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda and daily life.

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ETHNOMEDICINE: The use of cow products in history and heritage of traditional Indian medicine, Ayurveda and daily life

The study of how people of a particular culture and region interact and use cow products and how they classify, identify and relate to them, is called Ethnomedicine. Ethnomedicinal information gathered from local knowledge relating to traditional cow uses revealed, that the products enjoy a wide array of traditional uses in human medicine due to it’s therapeutic properties.

Ayurveda is the traditional medical science of India, literally meaning ‘Science of Life’, combining the two words, ‘Ayu’ meaning life and ‘Veda’ meaning knowledge.

This science treats four domains of life, such as the soul, the mind, the body, and the senses through a holistic approach.

Ayurveda makes extensive use of cow products in different formulations used for preventive and curative medicine.

The cow is sacred in Hinduism and so are her products.

The Sutras and other classical texts make varied use of milk, curds, ghee, urine, bile, feces, horns etc. from different animals.

The meat of these animals is part of the maṃsavarga (‘group of flesh’), which is used in Ayurveda.

The cow is part of the sub-group named prasaha, referring to animals “who take their food by snatching”. It was classified by Caraka in his Carakasaṃhitā sūtrasthāna (chapter 27), a classical Ayurvedic work. Sushruta samhita, Volume I, states: The meat of the cow (go) is useful in absolute vāta, chronic rhinitis, intermittent fevers, dry cough, fatigue, excessive agni and wasting of muscles.

In a very popular and widely followed book ‘Arya-Bhishak’ written by Vaidya Shankar Daji Pade, there is a chapter on ‘Govaidyak’.

He has described the properties and uses of cow’s milk, curds, butter, buttermilk, ghee, urine, feces and dung-ash.

earthstoriez| India: Cow and bull in History and Mythology

In depth illustrations of cow urine uses in Ayurvedic texts like the Sushrutha Samhitha, Charaka Samhitha and Ashtanga Sangraha, have projected this as the most effective product of animal origin.

Cow urine is equipped with innumerable therapeutic properties and for boosting general health.

According to Ayurveda, cow urine, purifies the blood and brings a balance among the Vata, Pitta and Kapha, the thridoshas of the body.

Keeping these doshas in harmony establishes the equilibrium of the body as per the treatment strategy of Ayurveda. Also milk is considered an important part of the diet.

The Astang Sangraha, an ancient text of Ayurveda, has a complete section, Ksheer Varga, which describes milk and milk products.

Cow's urine historically used as a treatment in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. A sick man is held over a cow's hindquarters so that the cow's urine streams onto his face.
Cow’s urine historically used as a treatment in Indian Ayurvedic medicine. A sick man is held over a cow’s hindquarters so that the cow’s urine streams onto his face. Engraving by C. du Bosc after B. Picart, ca. 1730. Welcome images. CC-BY-4.0, edited.

Panchgavya

Today Ayurvedic drug companies are manufacturing medicinal formulations made from panchgavya, a collective name of five products obtained from the cow: milk, ghee, curd, urine and dung.

Panchagavya is reported to be useful, as nasal drops, in chronic sinusitis, allergic rhinitis and migraine. The classical text Charak Samhita in Apasmar-Chikitsa-Adhyaya mentions Panchgavya with specific indications for Apasmar (cognitive and memory decline), Kamala (Jaundice), and Jwara (fever). Panchgavya ghrita is also used for cognitive and mental disorders.

panchgavya

Uses of cow milk, butter and ghee

Cow’s Milk and it’s products like butter, buttermilk and ghee, are an age-old ingredients which are often used to naturally cleanse, moisturize and nourish the skin. Most of the skin care products use Cow’s milk, as it contains lactic acid which acts as a natural cleanser and gentle exfoliant for the skin.

It also helps in removal of dead skin cells, by stimulating new cell generation for fresh and tightened skin cells. Loaded with Vitamin A & D, Cow’s Milk enhances the skin’s natural complexion for a radiant glow.

Vitamin A helps in treating dry and flaky skin, while Vitamin D stimulates collagen production, which further tightens and firms the skin.

Together, Vitamin D and Calcium, present in Cow’s Milk or raw milk, benefits to improve the skin’s elasticity, while it deeply nourishes the skin.

Milk

Milk particularly that of cow is also called Amrita (the nectar of life).

  • Milk of black cow alleviates vayu (wind). The milk of white cow aggravates kapha, while that of red cow aggravate vayu. The milk of brown cow alleviate vayu and pitta. The milk of yellow cow alleviates pitta and is very useful (Bhaisajya Ratnawali).
  • Milk of recently parturated cow is very fruitful for respiratory problems.
  • Milk boiled in copper alleviate vayu, in gold alleviate pitta, in silver it alleviates akpha and in bronze it promotes blood (Bhaisajya Ratnawali).
  • As rain water extinguishes fire of forest, similarly a patient suffering from fever and having his body emaciated by the fasting therapy become free from ailment by the intake of milk (Atreya – having less power of digestion).
  • After processing cow’s milk to paneer, the rest over water is called morat and that has been found useful in treating many diseases.
  • Milk which is medicated, which is cold, which is hot, which is dharoshna (warm immediately after milking of cow) or the foam collected by the churning – all useful like nectar for the patients suffering from fever, Milk foam is useful for weak patient having less power of digestion (Atreya).
  • Cow’s milk acts as blood purifier and is very useful against various disorders of old age.
  • The cream of cows milk if used on hairs, maintains the shine and blackness.
  • A patient suffering from fever cay=used by vayu and pitta associated with burning sensation and thirst get cured by milk even if the dosas are adhered or detached or in nirama (free of ama) state. In chronic fever, when there is reduction of kapha, milk works as ambrosia. After the fever is reduced in intensity, the residual dosa of such patients should be removed by the administration of milk (Charak Chikitsa 3: 167-168).
  • Patient suffering from fever because of vadha (stabbing etc.), banda (typing of ropes etc.), samavesha (affliction by evil spirits), fracture and dislocation should be in the beginning, be given food including alcoholic drinks and milk (Sushruta).
  • But if milk is taken in the first stage of fever, and then it works as a poison and may even kill the patient. Milk should not be administered to patient suffering from hiccup and remittent type of fever, however,if there is continuous cough in a patient `suffering from asthma and fever, milk works as ambrosia (Charak Chikittsa 3: 167-168).
  • Milk boiled with Nagra, Mrdvika and Khajura and added with ghee as well as sugar cures fever associated with morbid thirst (Sadarsana rasa; Jvarmuksa). Use of milk for gargling cures dryness of palate, cause of morbid thirst.
  • Milk (32 parts), honey (4 parts), sugar (2 parts ghee (1 part), pippali (1 part) – churned with the help of stirrer and given to patient to drink, will cure irregular type of fever, heart disease, cough and phthisis (Panca Sara).
  • If hoarseness of voice is because of loud speaking, take milk boiled with drugs belonging to Madhura gana, mixed with sugar and honey. While with madhura varga useful for patient suffering from fainting (Sushruta: Uttartantra, 53: 17).
  • The powder of amalka or the paste of Badri, or Saindhava fried with ghee, should be taken along with cow’s milk in the form of linctus cures hoarness of voice and cough (Yoga Ratanakar: Swar Bheda Chikitsa, page 439).
  • The milk with turmeric help in alleviating the pain and healing of fracture, Intoxication caused by dhatura is cured by milk, mixed with sugar (Bhaisajya Ratanawali: Madatyadhikar: 12-14).
  • Candsur mixed with milk and added with ghee and sugar cures stiffness of lumbar region and sciatica (Astanga Kanda: 410). Four palas of cleaned and dried garlic should be added to eight times of milk and water and boiled till the milk remains. This cures pain in arms, sciatica, irregular fever, abscess and heart disease (Harischandra: 587-591).
  • Stool of fly mixed with milk, or milk mixed with Candana, cures hiccup (Bhaisajya Ratanawali: Hikkaswasadhikar: 1-5).
Source.

Butter milk

  • Butter milk taken along with food always cause strength, but if taken alone (without any food), it reduces virility and strength (Bhaisajya Ratanawali).
  • Butter milk, prepared and stored since a long time, suppresses the power of digestion and causes amla– pitta (a condition characterized by indigestion and sour eructation; Bhaisajya Ratanawali).
Making butter by churning. Indian Poster

Ghee or Ghrita

Ghee is originated from Sanskrit ‘Ghrita’. It is known as Neyi, Nai (South India), Roghan (Persian) and butterfat, clarified butter, dehydrated butter (English). Ghee can be defined as almost anhydrous milk fat.

Chemically, it is a complex lipid of glycerides (usually mixed), free fatty acids, phospholipids, sterols, sterol esters, fat soluble vitamins, carbonyls, hydrocarbons, carotenoids (only in ghee derived from cow milk), small amounts of charred casein and traces of calcium, phosphorus, iron, etc. It contains less than 3% moisture. Ghee is a source of fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E and K) and essential fatty acids.

Sushruta says on the medicinal uses of ghee.

“Ghrita (ghee) is sweet, mild in action, soft, cold in potency (Virya), not increasing moisture in the tissues, lubricating, relieve upward movement in the alimentary tract, insanity, epilepsy, colic, and distension of the abdomen, mitigates Vata and pitta, kindles agni, increases memory, wisdom, intelligence, complexion, voice, beauty, the softness of the body, vitality, vigour, strength, and span of life; is an aphrodisiac, good for vision, increases Kapha,

wards off sins and inauspiciousness, destroys poisons and demons.”

He further elaborates on the properties and applications of ghees obtained from the various types of animal milk, including human, elephant and camel milk. According to Stushruta, Sushruta Samhita. Vol. 1 ghee from cow’s milk is superior for all ailments.

This very versatile substance can be used internally as food and as medicine or used externally as a skin moisturizer.

Ghee is commonly used as an offering in puja (holy Hindu ceremony) and homa (fire ceremony). Cow ghee is an important factor in Ayurvedic cleansing therapies, while also being highly beneficial during rejuvenation therapy.

Girls light ghee lamps at a religious ceremony during the Diwali or Deepavali festival. Khokarahman, CC-BY-4.0, edited.

Cow Ghee Health Benefits and Uses

Go Ghrita increases vision and production of semen. It pacifies the tridosha. It improves retention power/memory and gives a glowing skin. It is a cooling, tasty, heavy, unctuous, tonic, appetizer, good for digestion, eyes, and intelligence. Also effective in crossing Blood Brain Barrier due to which is helpful in treating mental disorders.

It promotes longevity and reproductive fluid and is good for children and the elderly. Intake of ghee in therapeutic doses increases appetite, and gives relief from abdominal discomfort and constipation. It also reduces the burning sensation and redness of eyes significantly.

  • Excellent for cooking: Cow Ghee has high smoking point.
  • home remedy to improve digestion and curing constipation.
  • It is considered to be a brain tonic and memory enhancer.
  • Normalizes Vata and Pitta. Nourishes body.
  • Improve sperm count and strengthens sexual power.
  • Good for eyes and vision.
  • Good for building stamina.
  • Excellent for glowing skin (external use)
  • Excellent for increasing appetite.
  • It is beneficial for curing thyroid dysfunction.
  • It is used to heal wounds, chapped lips and mouth ulcers.
  • Detoxifies body.
  • Body massage with ghee boosts the immune system.
  • Cures insomnia.
  • Best for lubrication of joint.
  • Burn healing – Also useful when applied to burns.
  • Increases metabolism and reduces bad cholesterol.
  • Helps in curing hair fall.
  • Good for a healthy heart.
  • Bleeding nose, brain stroke, sinus headaches and migraine problem get cured completely. Add 2 drops of little bit warm cow ghee in the nostrils for a few days and see the miracle.
  • Adding 1-2 teaspoons of ghee specifically helps reduce stubborn belly fat. But Excess of ghee may increase your weight.
  • Alcohol intoxication – get relief from alcohol intoxication by eating 24 grams of cow ghee mixed with an equal quantity of misri (rock sugar).
  • The study says that it mobilizes fats from stubborn fat areas of the body. Breaking down fat from the body.
Precautions for Eating Cow Ghee

Exercise or physical activity is necessary for those who consuming cow ghee on a daily basis. Otherwise, it may lead to weight gain.

  • The use of ghee should be avoided in patients suffering from cardiac and renal problems.
  • Avoid or use very less ghee, while suffering from typhoid, digestive impairment or tuberculosis.
  • Ghee increases mucous in the body. So it should not be used while suffering from excessive mucous.
  • People who are fat/obese should not eat ghee.
  • It should not be used by people who don’t exercise.
  • According to Ayurveda one should not take honey and ghee mixed in equal proportions.

Urine and excreta (dung)

Keeping in mind the medicinal uses and properties of urine, the great sages and physicians have referred the urine as a very pungent-saline, slightly non-unctuous and sharp product, useful in poisoning, swelling of spleen, haemorrhoids, chronic skin diseases, acute distension, and fresh leprous lesions. Urine also helps in boosting up the appetite and digestion.

Due to the special sanctity related to the cow in Bharat, the cow urine is most commonly used, but the urine of other animals like elephant, goat, buffalo, camel, horse, sheep or donkey also have many medicinal qualities.

Therefore, urine is used for the treatment of dropsy, flatulence, worms, anaemia, abdominal enlargements, loss of appetite, poison, abdominal tumour, tuberculosis, colic, haemorrhoids, leucoderma, leprosy, amenorrhoea, irritation of vata and kapha and in mental diseases.

  • The patients suffering from epilepsy should take bath and unction by adding cow dung and cow’s urine to the water (Bhaisajya Ratanawali).
  • The oil of Eranda mixed with cow’s urine used for massage for one month. Cures sciatica and stiffness of thigh (Gopura).
  • Apetarakasasi, kustha, Putana, Kesi and Coraka should be made to paste by adding cow’s urine or paste prepared by Jatu and Kasa, Sigru and cow’s urine. Application of these recipes as ointment on the body of the patient cures epilepsy (Yoga Ratnakar).
  • Cow urine and distillate of cow urine have been used in cancer patients with varying claims of improvement in the quality of life and even prolonged survival
An Indian village woman gathers dried cow dung cakes in the Teliarganj area on the outskirts of Allahabad Photo credit should read Courtesy of Diptendu Dutta.

Cow dung medicine dispensing is either in liquid or powder form, and it could be in capsule or tablet. The use of cow dung does not just stop at medicine.

Indians make soap from cow dung, which is claimed to be good for dandruff, skin disease, rid body of bad odors and to make the skin soft. The ash of burned cow dung is also used.

Other uses of Cow dung and urine:

Cow dung can be used as patties for cooking. The benefits of using dry cow dung include:

  • Cheaper than most modern fuels
  • Efficient
  • Alleviates local pressure on wood resources
  • Readily available – short walking time required to collect fuel
  • No cash outlays necessary for purchase (can be exchanged for other products)
  • Less environmental pollution compared to some other fuels
  • Safe disposal of animal dung
  • Sustainable and renewable energy source

It is also used as a fertilizer. It is said to have natural antiseptic properties. It is mixed with neem leaves and smeared on the skin and cures boils and heat rash. Cow feces is also a smoke producer and smoldering cow patties can keep mosquitoes away. The anti-bacterial properties of cow dung have been highlighted, where its use as a disinfectant has been mentioned and the use of dung is not restricted to just plastering floors and walls.

Cow droppings are popularly used as a body pack to detoxify the body. Before the advent of toothpastes and soaps, cow dung was popularly used in various forms to meet these requirements. The ash produced from cow dung was used to clean the teeth and is also known to strengthen the gums.

In Agriculture

Urine increases nitrogen component in the soil, thus, making it rich and more suitable for agriculture. It also boosts up the potassium content in the clover and grass. It has been observed that urine patches have increased pasture growth. Urine acts as a natural fertilizer full of the nutrients useful for agriculture.

Production Of Ovipositor Cues

Earlier studies have proved that cow urine has a positive influence on ovipositor activities in mosquitoes whether it is fresh or one week old. The Oviposition Activity Index is positive in both the species but is maximum in rainy season.

As Bio-Enhancer And Bio-Pesticide

Cow Urine is also beneficial in making Panchgawya, this mixture is then used as pesticides and fertilizers in agriculture. According to earlier studies, it has been observed that cow urine is also used as an effective larvicide and pest controller, when used alone. Moreover, it is also used as a bio-enhancer.

For Good Rearing Of Honeybees

Urine therapy cures are used in rearing honeybees. In many areas, urine is used for saving the bees from a wide variety of microbial diseases at the time of rearing bees. It facilitates rapid recovery in combs that are infected by the disease and promote the growth of clutch. Urine is also useful in curing the bacterial disease of honeybee.

As a floor cleaner

A floor-cleaning fluid called Gaunyle is marketed by an organisation called Holy Cow Foundation. Maneka Gandhi, Women and Child Development Minister, has proposed that Gaunyle be used instead of Phenyl in government offices.

In organic farming

Gomutra is used as a manure for production of rice. Jeevamrutha is a fertilizer made from a mixture of cow urine, cow dung, jaggery, pulse flour and rhizosphere soil.

Diesel-cow urine emulsion

Cow urine has also been used in various researches for the preparation of emulsified diesel. The results found with such a newly-synthesized emulsion were quite satisfactory for diesel exhaust emissions and engine efficiency.

Cowpathy

Integration of cowpathy, Govaidyak, in traditional Indian systems of medicine has been natural based on their common dravyagunavigyan – pharmacology.

There is better understanding of the ingredients of cow products needed, like their pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics and therapeutic ratio. Besides that purity has to be demonstrated as to pesticides, heavy metals and microbes. A meticulous analysis of a database of panchgavya and other cow products would look for temporal relationships, biological plausibility and translational potential before embarking on state-of-the-art experimental and clinical studies for selected indications e.g. cancer, obesity, arthritis, allergy, etc.

Cowpathy is a vast-rich reservoir of traditional cultural- healthcare practices. Application of relevant-science and modern-technology would help translate these traditional experiences into evidence-based therapies with novelty and innovations.

Industrial uses of cattle around the world

MeatFor human consumption
Variety MeatsLiver, Brains, Tongue, Heart, Oxtail, Kidney, Tripe (stomach), Sweetbreads thymus and/or pancreas are called variety meats. They are typically fatty and higher in cholesterol and good sources of essential vitamins and nutrients:
Livers are high in vitamin A, iron, zinc, B vitamins, vitamins C and D, copper, and fatty acids.
Hearts contain large amounts of iron and are a good source of sele- nium, zinc, phosphorous, niacin, and riboflavin, but they are very low in sodium.
Brains are rich in niacin, phosphorus, B12, and vitamin C.
Tripe contains abundant protein and B12. Sweetbreads are very high in vitamin C.
Kidneys are high in protein and contain riboflavin and niacin.
Tongues are a good source of B12 but are low in sodium.
MilkAdhesives, Plastics, Cosmetics, Medicine.
Hide and HairLeather is a well know and common beef by-product of hide. Others include: Sports equipment such as a football, Insulation, Paint and plaster binder, Asphalt binder, Ointment base, Felt, Paint brushes, Rugs, Upholstery
BloodMedicines, Cosmetics, Feed use, Fertilizer,, Dyes and inks, Foam in fire extinguishers, Adhesives.
BonesJewelry and serving wear, such as utensils and cups, Glass, Animal feed, Buttons and Handles, Capsules for medications, Cosmetics, emulsions, fertilizer, gelatins, glues, Hardening steel, Candies and dairy products, Ointments, Refining sugar, Textiles.
Hooves and BonesGelatin coating on photographic film, Buttons, Bone china, Piano keys, Glues, Fertilizer, paper, Wallpaper, Sandpaper, Combs, Toothbrushes, Gelatine Capsules, Shampoo and Conditioner.
HoovesDog treats
Keratin protein
Fire extinguisher foam
Fats and fatty acidsTallowStearic acid → Rubber products, to maintain elasticity
TallowGlycerin → Soap and Dynamite
Oleo stockMargarine and bakers’ shortening
Oleo oilMargarine and bakers’ shortening
Oleo stearinechewing gum and candies
Candles, Cellophane, Ceramics, Cosmetics such as lipstick, Crayons, Perfumes, Paints, Mouthwash & toothpaste, Paper, Shoe Cream, Shaving Cream, Insecticides, Insulation, Chewing gum, Paints, Medicines, Creams and lotions, Chemicals, Insecticides & herbicides, Biodegradable detergents, Cement, Chalk, Explosives, Fireworks, Matches, Fertilizer, Antifreeze, Linoleum, Biodiesel.
Ear and Tail HairPaint brushes, misleadingly called “camel hair”, Pet food, Variety meats.
LungsHeparin, an injectable anti-coagulant
Adrenal glandsSteroids
PancreasInsulin
GallstonesAphrodisiacs
IntestinesCommonly known is that intestines are used to make natural sausage casings. Some non-edible uses are: Instrument strings, Surgical sutures, Tennis racket strings.
Connective tissueGelatins for marshmallows, ice cream, canned meats, candies
ManureFertilizer, Nitrogen, Phosphorous.

Source: USDA, Economic Research Service using data from Aberle et al., 2001; Ockerman and Hansen, 2000; Pearl, 2005; Goodlight, 2010; Corbin, 1992; and Murray et al., 1997. https://www.uidaho.edu/-/media/UIdaho-Responsive/Files/Extension/4-H/Animal-Science-Lesson-Plans/QA-Animal-By-Products-L12-ALL-RRuiz.pdf

Cattle in the pharmaceutical industry

The medical world relies on cattle because they have great similarities in organic chemical structure to humans. Our bodies will easily accept a medication or treatment made with these animal components. Some products are synthesized, however, many are still made more economically from cattle.

Insulin – treatment of diabetes

Heparin – prolongs the time needed for blood to clot

Corticotrophin – used in the treatment of allergies, rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatic fever, and respiratory diseases

Thyrotropin – stimulates the thyroid gland

Parathyroid hormone – used to treat parathyroid deficiencies

Thrombin – promotes coagulation during surgery

Glucagon – treats hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

Sodium levothyroxine – thyroid replacement therapy

Fibrinolysin – treatment of blood clots within the cardiovascular system

Pancreatin – treatment of infants with celiac disease (gluten intolerance) and related pancreatic deficiencies

Thyroid – treats myxedema (metabolitic disease caused by deficient action of the thyroid gland) in adults and cretinism (deformity and mental retardation in children

Parathyroid hormone – used to treat parathyroid deficiencies

Pharmaceuticals sourceNames and uses
From the pancreasInsulin – treats diabetes
Pancreatin – aids digestion
Glucagon – treats hypoglycemia
Trypsin and Chymotrypsin – promotes healing of wounds
From the bloodThrombin – blood coagulant
From the bone Bone marrow – treats blood disorders
Soft cartilage – plastic surgery
From the pituitary glandCorticotropin (ACTH) – treats arthritis and allergies
Thyrotropin (TSH) – stimulates thyroid gland
From the liverHeparin – anticoagulant
Liver extract – treats anemia
From the stomachRennet – aids in digestion of milk
From the adrenal glandsEpinephrine – some relief from asthma and allergies
Source.

Dairy products like milk, yogurt (curd), paneer (fresh cheese), and buttermilk are essential in everyday cooking across India. They are used in a variety of dishes, from sweets (like rasgulla, kheer and gulab jamun) to savory dishes (such as curries and raitas).

Across Bharat, there is a wide array of therapeutic and beauty products sourced from the cow, flooding the market. There are face packs, bath scrubbers, mosquito coils and incense sticks that contain cow dung. There are creams, cough syrups, body oils, health tonics, weight-loss tonics, and floor disinfectants that contain distilled cow urine. You name it, they have it.

And the names of gau mutra or gau arka (cow urine) or cow dung are not hidden away in long lists of fine print on the packages. It is star-lighted right up front as the chief ingredient in bold letters.

You can go to a any little shop and buy it, or drop by a fancy mall and have it bar-code billed before it’s popped into your shopping bag. And, if you so wish, you can even go online and click yourself a delivery.

Note: This post does not contain medical advice. Please ask a health practitioner before trying therapeutic products new to you.

If you do wish to experiment, I suggest doing further research.

The extents of History, Heritage and Folklore of the cow and the bull in India are hardly to be seized here, there is still much more to discover.

~ ○ ~

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Works Cited & Multimedia Sources