Photo: Dinesh Valke from Thane, India / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 2.0
Trivrit त्रिवृत्
Operculina turpethum · Convolvulaceae
Also known as: Nishoth, Turpeth, Nisoth
Part used: Root
Trivrit (Operculina turpethum) is the classical purgative Ayurveda regards as safest among the strong ones. Charaka names it the foremost Virechana drug. The white variety is used medicinally; the black is considered too drastic and is generally avoided.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Operculina turpethum
- Part used: Root
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Root powder 1–3 g for mild effect, higher for therapeutic purgation under supervision.
Trivrit in other languages
Introduction
Trivrit (Operculina turpethum), or Nishoth, is Ayurveda's foremost purgative herb — a controlled, effective Virechana dravya used to cleanse the body of excess Pitta and Kapha through the bowels.
Classification
Of the Convolvulaceae family, Trivrit heads the Virechana (purgative) dravyas. Its pungent-bitter taste, sharp penetrating quality and heating potency mobilise and expel Pitta-Kapha downward.
Uses & benefits
Trivrit is the classical drug of choice for Virechana, described as the safest of the purgatives. It is used in constipation, in skin disease and in Pitta conditions where a downward clearing is wanted, and is preferred over harsher purgatives where the patient is weak.
Trivrit as the preferred purgative
Named the foremost Virechana drug in Charaka — strong enough to be effective, controlled enough to be safe.
Trivrit in Panchakarma
The standard drug for therapeutic purgation, given under supervision as part of formal Virechana.
Trivrit for skin disease
Named among the Kushtaghna drugs on the classical link between the bowel and the skin.
Trivrit for jaundice
Used in Kamala, purgation being the classical route in liver complaints.
Trivrit for abdominal swelling
Used in Udara-roga for distension and fluid accumulation.
Trivrit for piles
Used in Arshas where hard stool aggravates the condition.
Trivrit for gout
Named in Vatarakta, purgation being part of the classical approach.
Trivrit for fever
Used in Jwara with constipation, clearing the bowel as part of fever management.
Trivrit white versus black
Shweta Trivrit — the white variety — is the medicinal one. Krishna Trivrit is considered too drastic and is generally avoided.
Trivrit in Trivrit Lehyam
The classical palatable purgative preparation, easier to take than the powder.
Dosage — how much to take
Root powder 1–3 g for mild effect, higher for therapeutic purgation under supervision. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Trivrit?
The citations held for Trivrit in this catalogue are: Charaka Samhita (Virechana context); Sharangdhara Samhita (Virechana Kalpana).
What does the Charaka Samhita record about Trivrit?
Cited among the best purgatives. Reference: Charaka Samhita — Virechana context.
What does the Sharangdhara Samhita record about Trivrit?
Described as the chief purgative dravya. Reference: Sharangdhara Samhita — Virechana Kalpana.
What is Trivrit traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Trivrit is the classical drug of choice for Virechana, described as the safest of the purgatives. It is used in constipation, in skin disease and in Pitta conditions where a downward clearing is wanted, and is preferred over harsher purgatives where the patient is weak.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Trivrit?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Trivrit classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Trivrit carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Trivrit is used medicinally?
The part used is Root.
How much Trivrit is taken, and how?
Root powder 1–3 g for mild effect, higher for therapeutic purgation under supervision. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Trivrit be avoided?
A purgative — use only in appropriate doses under guidance. Avoid in pregnancy, weakness and dehydration.
Where does Trivrit grow?
Trivrit is a twining perennial vine of hedges and forest edges across India, its root harvested for medicine.
Classical references
- Sharangdhara Samhita — Virechana Kalpana
Described as the chief purgative dravya. - Charaka Samhita — Virechana context
Cited among the best purgatives.
Modern research
-
Antiulcer Activity of Indigenous Plant Operculina turpethum Linn.
(see source). ISRN Pharmacology (2013)
A study reporting ulcer-protective activity of Operculina turpethum (Trivrit), alongside its classical purgative use.
View study doi:10.1155/2013/272134
Safety & precautions
A purgative — use only in appropriate doses under guidance. Avoid in pregnancy, weakness and dehydration.
Where it grows
Trivrit is a twining perennial vine of hedges and forest edges across India, its root harvested for medicine.
Frequently asked questions
What is Trivrit used for?
Therapeutic purgation. Charaka names it the foremost Virechana drug, used for constipation, chronic skin disease, jaundice, abdominal swelling, piles and gout — all through the classical route of clearing the bowel.
What is the dose of Trivrit?
Root powder 3–6 g for purgation, or 1–2 g as a mild laxative. For formal Virechana in Panchakarma the dose is set by a physician and given under supervision.
Why is Trivrit considered safer than other purgatives?
Because it is effective without the violent griping of drugs like Danti and Snuhi. Charaka singles it out for exactly this — it has the widest margin between an effective dose and a harmful one among the strong purgatives.
What is the difference between white and black Trivrit?
Shweta (white) Trivrit is the medicinal variety and the one classical texts prescribe. Krishna (black) Trivrit is considered too drastic and irritant, and is generally avoided in practice.
Who should avoid Trivrit?
Avoid in pregnancy, in children, in the elderly and frail, in dehydration, inflammatory bowel disease and any suspected bowel obstruction. Purgatives are not for habitual use, and this one is not an everyday laxative.
What is Trivrit called in Hindi?
Nisoth or Turbud. In English it is Indian jalap or turpeth root. The botanical name is Operculina turpethum, sometimes given as Ipomoea turpethum in older sources.
Is Trivrit the same as Triphala?
No, and they are quite different in strength. Triphala is a gentle bowel tonic safe for daily use. Trivrit is a therapeutic purgative used for defined courses. Confusing them would produce a very uncomfortable result.
