Thirikadugam | திரிகடுகம்

🌿 Thirikadugam (Trikatu / Thirikatukam)

🌱 Ingredients

Thirikadugam is a classical Siddha and Ayurveda formulation made from three pungent herbs in equal proportion:

1. Sukku (Dry Ginger) – Zingiber officinale

2. Milagu (Black Pepper) – Piper nigrum

3. Thippili (Long Pepper) – Piper longum

These three together are known as “Trikatu”, meaning three pungents, which powerfully stimulate digestive and metabolic fire.

🌿 Description of the Formulation

Thirikadugam is a fine herbal powder prepared by drying, cleaning, and pulverizing the above three spices. It is aromatic, pungent, and warming in nature. In Siddha texts, it is considered a deepana–pachana medicine (enhances digestion and metabolism).

• Taste (Rasa): Kaarppu (Pungent)

• Potency (Veeryam): Ushna (Hot)

• Post-digestive effect (Vipakam): Madhuram

• Dosha Action: Reduces Kapha and Vata, balances sluggish Agni

🌍 Habitat of Ingredients

• Ginger is cultivated widely across India in tropical regions

• Black pepper grows in humid forest zones of South India (Kerala, Tamil Nadu)

• Long pepper is native to Indian forests and cultivated organically in select regions

🌟 Medicinal Properties

Digestive Health

• Improves appetite and digestion

• Reduces bloating, gas, and indigestion

• Useful in loss of digestive fire (Agni mandyam)

Respiratory Support

• Clears excess mucus from lungs

• Relieves cough, cold, sinus congestion, and asthma (traditional use)

• Acts as an expectorant and bronchodilator

Metabolic Enhancement

• Stimulates metabolism

• Supports weight management

• Improves nutrient absorption

Immune & Circulatory Benefits

• Enhances immunity

• Improves blood circulation

• Reduces cold intolerance

Detoxification

• Helps eliminate Ama (toxic metabolic waste)

• Supports liver and gut detox pathways

🧪 Active Compounds

• Gingerols & Shogaols (from Sukku)

• Piperine (from Black Pepper & Long Pepper)

• Essential oils

• Alkaloids

• Flavonoids

Piperine also enhances bioavailability of other herbs taken alongside Thirikadugam.

🍵 Usage & Dosage

⚠️ Use under guidance for therapeutic purposes

General Digestive Support

• ¼ tsp with warm water or honey

• Once daily after meals

Respiratory Relief

• ¼ tsp with honey, twice daily

• Useful during cold seasons

Metabolic Stimulation

• ⅛–¼ tsp with warm water in the morning

⚠️ Precautions

• Avoid in gastritis, ulcers, or severe acidity

• Not recommended during pregnancy

• Excess intake may cause burning sensation

• Avoid long-term continuous use without supervision

📦 Storage

• Store in airtight container

• Keep away from moisture and heat

• Shelf life: 6–8 months

🌿 Traditional & Ethical Notes

• Use organically sourced spices

• Avoid adulterated or old stock

• Fresh grinding preserves potency