Trijata

Article By Dr. Shilpa Ramdas

The combination of 3 aromatic medicinal herbs, Tvak – Cinnamon,  Patra – Bay leaf and Ela – Cardamom is known as Trijata. It is also known as trisugandhi, Trisamyuktam and Trigandhakam. The collective term ‘Trijata’ is not explicitly described in the Brihat Trayi Samhitas. The nomenclature is clearly encountered in the Nighantu literature, particularly in the Dhanvantari Nighantu, where Tvak, Ela, and Patra are grouped under the name Trijata.

The collective term 'Trijata' is not employed by Vagbhata in the Ashtanga Hridaya. However, its constituent drugs—Tvak, Ela, and Patra—are repeatedly prescribed together in Chikitsa Sthana, particularly in the management of Kasa, Shwasa, Rajayakshma, Grahani, and Chardi.

The skin and the leaf are described as three species. (Dhanwantari Nighantu)

Twak – Cinnamomum zeylanicum
Patra – Eletteria cardamomum
(Patra – Cinnamomum tamala)

Sanskrit Shloka
The three-scented Trijataka is made of boar’s leaves and kailas.
It is composed of three fragrant substances and is composed of four kinds of hair.
It is three-scented, four-grained, sharp, hot, pleasant and light.
It is bitter, astringent to bile and fire, and destroys phlegm, wind and poison. (KN Oshadhi class)

Synonyms
Trisugandhi – Because of its aromatic smell
Trisamyuktam – It’s a combination of three
Trigandhakam – Group of three aromatic herbs

Trijata, when combined with Nagakesara (Iron Mesua), forms the classical Ayurvedic formulation known as Chaturjata.

Qualities
Taste – Pungent (Katu) and Bitter (Tikta)
Karma – Rochana, Mukha dourgandhya hara, Agni vardhaka, Varnya, Vishapaha
Rogaghnata – Indicated in Kasa, Swasa – Respiratory disorders
Guna – Ruksha (Dry) Tikshna (Penetrating), Laghu-Light to digest,
Virya – Ushna
Dosha Action – Increase pitta, pacify vata and Kapha dosha
Action on Agni – Increase agni
Action on Skin – Varnyam – Enhance complexion

The skin of the gelatin tree is equal to the leaves of the tree and is fragrant.
It is called Chaturjataka and is composed of serpent hair.
Voice differences destroy breathing, coughing and mouth evils.
The testicles are strong and worthy of yoga, and the four kinds of chemistry are the same. (DN 7 Misrakadi Varga)

According to the references in Dhanwantari Nighantuit is indicated in respiratory disorders such as cough, asthma, and hoarseness of voice, as well as in diseases affecting the oral cavity.
Trijata forms an important ingredient of the classical Ayurvedic preparation Chaturjata Rasayanamknown for its aphrodisiac and rejuvenative properties that help enhance strength and vigor.

The skin of the gelatin leaves is equal to the three fragrant trijatakas.
It is called Chaturjataka and is composed of serpent hair.
That substance is pleasant, bitter, pungent, hot and destroys the odor of the mouth.
It is light in bile and fire and is a destroyer of phlegm, wind and poison. (BP Purvakhandam Misrakaprakaranam – Karpooradi Vargam)

It helps to improve appetite, digestive fire, light to digest, hot and pungent reduce excess mucosal secretion, pacify kapha and vata dosha, and Varnya – promote complexion.

It is used as an ingredient in several classical Ayurvedic formulations. Some examples include:

1. Chaturjata Rasayanam – Used as a rejuvenative, aphrodisiac, and strength-promoting preparation.
2. Sitopaladi Churna – Commonly used in cough, other respiratory disorders.
3. Talisadi Churna – Indicated in cough, asthma, anorexia, and digestive disturbances.
4. Eladi Churna – Used in digestive and respiratory ailments.
5. Lavangadi Churna – Beneficial in throat disorders, cough, and hoarseness of voice.
6. Kalyanaka Ghrita – Used in neurological and psychiatric disorders.
7. Mahatiktaka Ghrita – Employed in chronic skin diseases and systemic disorders.
8. Sukumara Ghrita – Used in gynecological and gastrointestinal conditions.

Trijata possesses significant antimicrobial activity, which supports its role as a preservative and justifies its inclusion as a Prakshepa Dravya in various medicinal formulations.

The verse Pepper, skin, gelatin, leaves and saffron. Honey and sugar… is explained in Ashtanga Hridaya Chilitsa Sthana^rd chapter while Describing Amrutaprasa Ghrita.