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, cow 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 urine can also be a source of harmful bacteria and infectious diseases, including leptospirosis.[5]
Non-medicinal applications
Panchgavya is 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]
^Oyebola, D. D.; Elegbe, R. A. (June 1975). "Cow's urine poisoning in Nigeria. Experimental observations in mice". Tropical and Geographical Medicine. 27 (2): 194–202. PMID1179485. 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.
