Panchagavya orpanchakavyam is a mixture used in traditionalHindu rituals that is prepared by mixing five ingredients. The three direct constituents arecow dung,cow urine, andmilk; the two derived products arecurd andghee. These are mixed and then allowed to ferment. TheSanskrit wordpanchagavya means "five cow-derivatives". When used inAyurvedic medicine, it is also calledcowpathy.[1]
Proponents claim thatcow urine therapy is capable of curing several diseases, including certain types ofcancer, 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 significantside effects, including convulsion, depressed respiration, and death.[4] Cow urine can also be a source of harmful bacteria and infectious diseases, includingleptospirosis.[5]
Panchgavya is used as afertilizer andpesticide 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, and that it increases the production of milk in cows, increases the weight of pigs, and increases the egg laying capacity of poultry.[8] It is sometimes used as a base in cosmetic products.[9]
It was reported by the Indian Antiquary in June 1895 (pages 168-169)[10] 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 ancientMahabharata epic relates thatShri, the Hindu goddess of fortune and prosperity, invisibly resides in the urine and dung of cows.[12][13]
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.
