Introduction:

Cow dung is serious stuff in India and to ‘recycle’ the cow’s waste as medicine may sound ridiculous. Cow dung is mentioned in British folk medicine from the early times, so it is not just confined to Asian cultures.

The Indians had used cow dung as medicine for centuries in Ayurveda, Extensive research has been done in Ayurveda and the healing properties and health benefits of cow dung are documented in several Hindu texts.

It is widely believed that diabetes, cancer, arthritis and even AIDS can be cured with a mixture of cow dung and cow urine.

Medical uses of Cow dung:

Cow dung medicine dispensing is either in liquid or powder form, and it could be in capsule or tablet. The use of cow dung does not just stop at medicine. You can make soap made from cow dung, which is claimed to be good for dandruff, skin disease, and rid body of bad odors and to make the skin soft.

Other uses of Cow dung:

Cow dung can be used as patties for cooking. It is also used as a fertilizer. It is said to have natural antiseptic properties. Cow dung is mixed with neem leaves and smeared on the skin and cures boils and heat rash. Cow dung is also a smoke producer and smoldering cow patties can keep mosquitoes away. The anti-bacterial properties of cow dung have been highlighted, where its use as a disinfectant has been mentioned and the use of dung is not restricted to just plastering floors and walls. Cow dung is popularly used as a body pack to detoxify the body.

Before the advent of toothpastes and soaps, cow dung was popularly used in various forms to meet these requirements. The ash produced from cow dung was used to clean the teeth and is also known to strengthen the gums.

Conclusion:

The cow is considered to be a sacred animal and for thousands of years its milk, urine and dung have been used in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic physicians consider it an invaluable tool in Ayurvedic medicine.