Unsolved:Panchagavya

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Short description: Mixture used in Hindu rituals

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, 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.[1]

Dangers

Proponents claim that cow urine therapy is capable of curing several diseases, including certain types of cancer, although these claims have no scientific backing.[2][3] 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.[4] Cow's urine can also be a source of harmful bacteria and infectious diseases, including leptospirosis.[5]

Non-medicinal applications

Panchgavya is also used as a fertilizer and pesticide in agricultural operations.[6][7] 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,[8] and that it increases the production of milk in cows, increases the weight of pigs, and increases the egg laying capacity of poultry.[9][10] It is sometimes used as a base in cosmetic products.[11]

See also

References

  1. "Of 'cowpathy' & its miracles". 17 August 2016. https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/of-cowpathy-amp-its-miracles/article8994408.ece. 
  2. Nelson, Dean (11 February 2009). "India makes cola from cow urine To millions of devout Hindus, it's the real thing: a cola made from the urine of India's sacred cows". The Daily Telegraph (London). https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/4592608/India-makes-cola-from-cow-urine.html. 
  3. Andrew Buncombe (21 July 2010). "A cure for cancer – or just a very political animal?". The Independent. https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/a-cure-for-cancer-ndash-or-just-a-very-political-animal-2031253.html. 
  4. Oyebola, DD; Elegbe, RA (1975). "Cow's urine poisoning in Nigeria. Experimental observations in mice.". Trop Geogr Med 27 (2): 194–202. PMID 1179485. "Results of the experiments show that both "cow's urine" and nicotine cause excitement in low doses and cause convulsion and/or death in higher doses. Both also depress respiration.". 
  5. Sharma, S.; Vijayachari, P.; Sugunan, A. P.; Sehgal, S. C. (2003). "Leptospiral carrier state and seroprevalence among animal population – a cross-sectional sample survey in Andaman and Nicobar Islands". Epidemiology and Infection 131 (2): 985–989. doi:10.1017/S095026880300880X. PMID 14596541. 
  6. Dhama K. et al., Panchgavya (Cowpathy): An Overview, International Journal of Cow Science, 2005:vol 1:issue 1
  7. Arvind Kumar (1 January 2005). Environment & agriculture. APH Publishing. pp. 65–. ISBN 978-81-7648-921-8. https://books.google.com/books?id=E7pjZDNbmT4C&pg=PA65. Retrieved 25 March 2011. 
  8. "Modified Panchakavya to boost plant and animal productivity". The Hindu (India). 5 June 2003. http://www.hindu.com/seta/2003/06/05/stories/2003060500180300.htm. 
  9. "Panchagavya: low cost organic input for both crops and animals". The Hindu (India). 4 June 2009. http://www.hindu.com/seta/2009/06/04/stories/2009060450161300.htm. 
  10. "STUDY ON PANCHAKAVYA - AN INDIGENOUS FORMULATION AND ITS EFFECT ON THE GROWTH PROMOTION OF CROSSBRED PIGS". INDIAN JOURNAL OF ANIMAL RESEARCH. Agricultural Research Communication Centre. 2006. http://arccjournals.com/pdf/Animal/40-2-b/ijar1-40-2-015.pdf. [yes|permanent dead link|dead link}}]
  11. "Kishore Biyani to launch Panchagavya cosmetics and health remedy products in Big Bazaar". Economic times (Mumbai, India). 16 September 2011. https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/cons--products/fashion-/-cosmetics-/-jewellery/Kishore-Biyani-to-launch-Panchagavya-cosmetics-and-health-remedy-products-in-Big-Bazaar/articleshow/10000385.cms.