Ayurvedic classics refers buttermilk (tākra) to Amṛta, the divine nectar that grants immortality to the gods—suggesting it offers similar rejuvenating effects for humans. Revered as a sacred elixir, it supports longevity, strength, and immunity.
Buttermilk’s Therapeutic Power: More Than Just Yogurt
Buttermilk, or Takra, is a revered Ayurvedic drink known for balancing Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas when prepared properly. It’s light and easily digestible, making it effective in treating digestive disorders, fatty liver, ascites (characterised by a visibly large belly), piles, urinary infections, especially among Indian women and children and low appetite. It helps counter nutritional deficiencies and supports gut health and hydration, particularly for those adapting to UK lifestyles.
How to Make Buttermilk at Home
- Start with live-culture yogurt or Full fat yogurt (available from Goldenacre Minimarket or your local supermarket).
- Churn thick yogurt with water or milk until smooth, For standard buttermilk, mix 400ml curd + 100ml water.
- Churn or shake using ladle until smooth and frothy.
- Adjust texture depending on desired type.
- Optionally, stir in spices—fresh ginger, roasted cumin, or coriander—for enhanced effects.
Types & Ayurvedic Indications of Buttermilk (Tākra)
1. Ghola (no water) – luxurious, creamy; ideal for calming Vāta and Pitta, nourishing weak individuals.
2. Mathita (full-fat, no water) – rich and grounding; helps strengthen digestion in those with low appetite.
3. Udasvita (¼ water) – moderately light; supports digestion and mild detox in Kapha imbalance.
4. Tākra (½ water) – classic watery buttermilk; the most digestible for general health, appetite stimulation, and cold-season use.
Combine with Herbs for Specific Conditions
- Ascites / Swelling: Add fenugreek water or bitter gourd juice.
- Piles / Hemorrhoids: Use buttermilk with a dash of asafoetida and rock salt.
- Urinary Tract Infections: Incorporate jaggery for soothing effects.
- Anaemia / Low Appetite: Mix buttermilk with jaggery and dried grapes to boost nutrition and taste.
- Skin / Pitta Disorders: Blend with Triphala to aid detox and soothe the gut-skin axis.
Preparation & Usage Guidelines
- Use buttermilk daily for 1–30 days: start with small doses, gradually increase, then taper off.
- Best taken in winter, when its warming nature soothes Vāta–Kapha.
- Avoid during summer (Ayurveda doesn’t accept having buttermilk in summer). Also if you’re weak, dizzy, overheated, bleeding disorders, lactose intolerant or in Pitta flare.
- Consult your Ayurvedic physician before using for therapeutic purposes—especially for long-term use, chronic conditions, or skin disorders.
Buttermilk (Tākra) Benefits
- Aids digestion and strengthens digestive fire.
- Reduces swelling (ascites), hemorrhoids, toxins, and indigestion
- Helps kidney and urinary health, eases UTI symptoms; addresses anaemia and lack of appetite .
- Packed with probiotics, lactic acid, B-vitamins, calcium—beneficial for gut, immunity, and cholesterol .
- External Takradhara therapy shows strong results in calming stress and improving psoriasis—reducing cortisol and softening plaques
Recent Research on Buttermilk
- Ascites & Fatty Liver: Ayurvedic protocols recommend buttermilk over plain water in ascites treatment to manage fluid balance and support liver function
- Scalp Psoriasis (Takradhara): A 2020 clinical study using medicated buttermilk in Takradhara showed significant reduction in scales and stress in scalp psoriasis patients.
- Gastrointestinal Disorders: A 2021 review confirmed tākra acts as a natural probiotic, improving gut flora and alleviating IBS and diarrhoea .
- Neuro–Gut Axis: A 2024 study found whey and buttermilk formulas reduce gut-driven neuroinflammation in colitis models ResearchGate+2pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov+2Wisdom Library+2.
- Takradhara in Psychosomatic & Skin Disorders: A 2018 review reported apparent benefits in psoriasis, hypertension, insomnia, and stress via buttermilk head-pouring therapy.
Buttermilk is an Ayurvedic superfood: nutritious, probiotic-rich, easy to make, and ideal for strengthening digestion, reducing swelling, aiding urinary and skin health, and balancing doshas.
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