Buttermilk — Names and General Properties
तक्रम्
Takra (buttermilk) is described as the foremost among therapeutic dairy preparations. The chapter begins with a verse declaring that buttermilk is like nectar (amrita) for human beings. Just as Amrita is the medicine of the gods, Takra is the medicine for humans. It is light, astringent and sour in taste, hot in potency, and sweet in post-digestive effect. It alleviates Vata and Kapha doshas. It is deepana (kindles digestive fire), grahi (absorbent), and beneficial in numerous diseases including shopha (edema), arsha (piles), grahani (malabsorption syndrome), pandu (anemia), meha (urinary disorders), gulma (abdominal tumors), atisara (diarrhea), shula (colic), pleeha (splenic diseases), udara (abdominal diseases/ascites), and ghrita-vyapad (disorders caused by improper use of ghee). Verses 1-2.
What is Buttermilk — Names and General Properties (Takra / तक्र)?
<p>Takra (buttermilk) is described as the foremost among therapeutic dairy preparations. The chapter begins with a verse declaring that buttermilk is like nectar (amrita) for human beings. Just as Amrita is the medicine of the gods, Takra is the medicine for humans. It is light, astringent and sour in taste, hot in potency, and sweet in post-digestive effect. It alleviates Vata and Kapha doshas. It is deepana (kindles digestive fire), grahi (absorbent), and beneficial in numerous diseases including shopha (edema), arsha (piles), grahani (malabsorption syndrome), pandu (anemia), meha (urinary disorders), gulma (abdominal tumors), atisara (diarrhea), shula (colic), pleeha (splenic diseases), udara (abdominal diseases/ascites), and ghrita-vyapad (disorders caused by improper use of ghee). Verses 1-2.</p>
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
<ul><li>Deepana (appetizing)</li><li>Grahi (absorbent / anti-diarrheal)</li><li>Vatahara (alleviates Vata)</li><li>Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)</li><li>Shopha-nashana (reduces edema / swelling)</li><li>Arsha-nashana (beneficial in piles / hemorrhoids)</li><li>Grahani-roga-hara (useful in malabsorption / IBS)</li><li>Pandu-nashana (useful in anemia)</li><li>Meha-nashana (useful in urinary disorders / diabetes)</li><li>Gulma-nashana (useful in abdominal tumors)</li><li>Atisara-hara (useful in diarrhea)</li><li>Shula-nashana (relieves colic pain)</li><li>Pleeha-hara (useful in splenic disorders)</li><li>Udara-roga-hara (useful in abdominal diseases / ascites)</li></ul>
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.