Takrarishta (Ayurvedic Fermented Buttermilk Formulation)
Takrarishta is an ayurvedic classical formulation based on buttermilk. Its main action is observed on digestive system including stomach, intestines and liver. It is carminative, astringent, stool binder and appetizer. Takrarishta is mainly used for chronic diarrhea and bowel disturbances including irritable bowel syndrome. A unique formulation described in ARSHA Chikitsa by Charaka is also used in the treatment of piles or hemorrhoids.
Ingredients (Composition)
The Charaka has described two separate formulations of Takrarishta –
- ARSHA Chikitsa, Chapter 14, Verse 72 to 75
- GRAHANI Chikitsa, Chapter 15, Verse 120-121
The following formulation of Takrarishta is described in Charaka Samhita (ARSHA Chikitsa).
| Ingredient Name | Ratio (In %age) | Quantity (In Grams) |
| Buttermilk – Takra | 84.21% | 3.072 liter |
| Carum Roxburghianum – Celery Seeds (Ajmoda) | 1.32% | 48 grams |
| Trachyspermum Ammi – Ajwain | 1.32% | 48 grams |
| Plumbago Zeylanica – Chitrak | 1.32% | 48 grams |
| Piper Longum Roots – Pippali Mool | 1.32% | 48 grams |
| Piper Longum – Pippali | 1.32% | 48 grams |
| Coriander (Coriandrum Sativum) – Dhania | 1.32% | 48 grams |
| Pothos Scandens – Gaja Pippali | 1.32% | 48 grams |
| Hedychium Spicatum – Kapoor Kachri | 1.32% | 48 grams |
| Carum Carvi – Caraway – Kala Jeera | 1.32% | 48 grams |
| Cuminum Cyminum – Cumin – Jeera | 1.32% | 48 grams |
| Nigella Sativa – Kalonji | 1.32% | 48 grams |
| Juniperus Communis – Hapusha | 1.32% | 48 grams |
The following formulation of Takrarishta is described in Bhaishajya Ratnavali and Charaka Samhita (GRAHNI Chikitsa). This formulation is commonly available in the market. It is also called Takrasava.
| Ingredient Name | Ratio (In %age) | Quantity (In Grams) |
| Buttermilk – Takra | 79% | 3.072 liter |
| HERBS | ||
| Trachyspermum Ammi – Ajwain | 3.7% | 144 grams |
| Emblica officinalis – Amla | 3.7% | 144 grams |
| Terminalia Chebula – Haritaki | 3.7% | 144 grams |
| Piper Nigrum – Black Pepper (Maricha) | 3.7% | 144 grams |
| FIVE SALTS | ||
| Rock Salt – Saindhava Lavana (Sendha Namak) | 1.23% | 48 grams |
| Sea Salt – Samudri Namak | 1.23% | 48 grams |
| Vida Lavana | 1.23% | 48 grams |
| Sauvarchala Lavana – Sochal Salt | 1.23% | 48 grams |
| Romaka Lavana – Sambhar Salt | 1.23% | 48 grams |
- Mix all ingredients in 3 litres buttermilk.
- Put the mixture in earthen pot/vessel.
- Keep the mixture in under sun for 21 days.
- After that strain the mixture, separate the liquid, and discard residues.
- Keep the liquid in glass bottles. It is Takrarishta.
Medicinal Properties
Takrarishta has following healing properties.
- Aam Pachak (Detoxifier)
- Stool Binder
- Appetizer & Digestive Stimulant
- Carminative
- Astringent action
- Acidic
- Pungent and sour taste
Mechanism of Action
Takrarishta increases digestive juices secretion and stimulates appetite. The main property of Takrarishta is stool binding. It binds the stool and reduces the frequency of loose stools.
According to ayurveda, it mainly acts on KAPHA and VATA. Thus, it is more effective in loose stools with mucus content or passing stools with gas. It may also be beneficial in SAMA PITTA in which person passes foul smelly stools with mucus content.
Takrarishta also has increases digestive juices, so it may not beneficial in people with NIRAMA PITTA with symptoms like burning sensation, heartburn, acidity and epigastric tenderness.
Therapeutic Indications
Takrarishta has main three indications:
- Loose stools – diarrhea
- Bowel disturbances including Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Piles (Formulation described in ARSHA Chikitsa By Charaka is useful)
Secondarily, Takrarishta may also be useful for –
- Increasing appetite
- Intestinal weakness
- Flatulence
- Abdominal distension
- Heaviness in the abdomen
- Edema
- Urinary disorders
Benefits & Medicinal uses
Takrarishta is mainly effective in Hemorrhoids and Digestive ailment.
Hemorrhoids
According to ayurveda, Takrarishta is effective in VATA and KAPHA dominating ARSHA. According to Charaka Samhita, patients with low digestive fire should only use Buttermilk or its formulation. Takrarishta is more effective in reducing inflammation of anal area, anal itching, and pain due to piles. It reduces internal pressure that causes swelling of the veins. Takrarishta also increases appetite and treats anorexia.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is comparable with ancient term GRAHNI ROGA. In ayurveda, GRAHNI has several types. However, Takrarishta is effective in all types, but is most likely helpful in VATA and KAPHA dominant GRAHNI. The main action of Takrarishta is to increase digestive fire. It helps digest and eliminate the AMA, which is the main underlying cause of digestive ailment, according to ayurveda.
Dosage & Administration
The general dosage of Takrarishta is as follows.
| Infants | NOT RECOMMENDED |
| Children | 2.5 to 5 ml * |
| Adults | 10 to 20 ml * |
| Pregnancy | NOT RECOMMENDED |
| Geriatric (Old age) | 5 to 10 ml * |
| Maximum Possible Dosage (per day or in 24 hours) | 40 ml (In Divided Doses) |
* Twice a day with water
How to Take
Mix Takrarishta in recommended dosage in equal amount of water and drink it immediately after meal.
Note: In most cases, equal water is not sufficient and Takrarishta may cause burning sensation, so 100 to 200 ml water should be used.
Safety Profile
Takrarishta is POSSIBLY SAFE & TOLERABLE in most people in the dosage described above.
Side Effects
The common side effect of Takrarishta is burning sensation. It generally occurs in people with previous history of acidity, heartburn, gastritis or ulcer. Other possible side effects are –
- Heartburn
- Burning sensation in abdomen
- Aggravation of epigastric pain (upper abdominal tenderness)
- Burning sensation during bowel movement
- Mouth ulcer (rare)
Toxicity
Takrarishta should be prepared with traditional classical methods. Inappropriate preparation and raw Takrarishta may cause food poisoning due to contamination with microbes. The following symptoms may occur:
- Nausea & Vomiting
- Watery diarrhea
- Abdominal cramps or pain
- Fever
Allergic Reactions
People with buttermilk allergy should not use Takrarishta.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Takrarishta should not be used in pregnancy because of some ingredients present in it, which may increase uterine contractions.
Good information and thank you
But one thing sir, please also include information for different types of ARSHA, and GRAHANI i.e. VATAJA, PITTAJA, KAPHAJA and SANNIPATAJA for which type Takrarishta is useful.
Updated Article – Read Here – Benefits & Medicinal Uses
Dear Doctor, What exactly is buttermilk (Takra). This could not be the buttermilk in my German supermarket. Please help others and me in order to know what Takra really is and how we can produce Takra.
Thank you
Michael Wissemeier
Takra has certain types. In Indian Villages, the most traditional type of Takra used is fatless buttermilk. The Takra is actually remained liquid portion after churning the milk cream while making butter. This is actual buttermilk or Takra explained in ayurveda. It has all those properties, which are described in Charaka Samhita, ayurvedic ancient text. It is perfect for making Takrarishta.
If this type of Takra is not available, then the second method will be most appropriate. In second method, it can be prepared using yogurt and water. This type of Takra consists of 1 part of Yogurt and 2 parts of water. Yogurt with water is churned for 3 to 5 minutes to make Takra. However, the added water can vary in Takra, but for making Takrarishta, above ratio will be perfect. This type of Takra is heavier as compared to the traditional buttermilk (remained liquid portion after churning milk cream for making butter).