Takra kalpana for health maintenance- A Scientific Review.

Ayurveda Samhitas are not only the Aushadha Granthas but also the encyclopaedia, as they include everything relevant. In Ayurveda, ‘Ahara Kalpana’ is considered as more competent than the Aushadha Dravya, as it is the basis of both health and disease. That's why Ahara is considered as Prana (life). Ayurveda states that the importance of Agni (digestive fire) through its compendium is to keep the body in healthy condition. Agni, if disturbed, it may create many kinds of disorders. Takra (buttermilk) acts as primary digestive aid for the disease associated with Agni. Takra is one of the Ahara Dravya with lots of medicinal properties. Takra indicated in various diseases like Grahani, Arsha, Atisara etc., as a Pathya, Anupana or single drug. The presence of sphingolipids, lactoferrins, caseins, good qualities of proteins, various vitamins etc., which are easily digestible have been detected in buttermilk. All these explain the mechanism and action of buttermilk. A person who consumes Takra never suffers from any disease and there is no recurrence of disease treated with Takra. It alleviates the hundred disorders. There is no remedy better than Takra for the 80 types of Vataja and 20 types of Kaphaja Vyadhi. Thus, we can call it ‘Panacea’ and ‘Nectar’ for its utility in innumerable diseases. It acts as Rasayana and helps to slow down the ageing process like a magical elixir. "Takra is easily palatable which can be used for prevention as well as treatment of diseases. Hence fulfils the principles of Ayurveda.