Here is a complete guide on how to prepare Trivrit Lehya (Trivrut Leham) for Virechana, along with dosage details.
What is Trivrit Lehya?
Trivrit Lehya is a classical Ayurvedic semi-solid formulation (avaleha/lehya) made primarily from Trivrit root (Operculina turpethum, also called Indian Jalap). It is the most commonly used medicine for Rooksha Virechana (dry-type purgation), especially when Pitta dosha is associated with Kapha dosha.
The reference for this formulation is Ashtangahrudayam - Kalpasthana 2/9.
The Sanskrit shloka describing it:
"Trivritkalkakashayabhyam sadhitam sasito hima | Madhutrjatasanyukto leho hridyam virecanam ||"
Ingredients and Quantities
| Ingredient | Botanical Name | Quantity |
|---|
| Trivrit (root powder for decoction) | Operculina turpethum | 25 grams |
| Water | - | 400 ml |
| Trivrit root powder (fine) | Operculina turpethum | 25 grams |
| Sugar (Sita / Mishri) | - | 50 grams |
| Honey (Madhu) | - | 25 ml |
| Cinnamon (Twak) fine powder | Cinnamomum zeylanicum | 5 grams |
| Cardamom (Ela) fine powder | Elettaria cardamomum | 5 grams |
| Cinnamon leaf (Patra / Tejpata) fine powder | Cinnamomum tamala | 5 grams |
(Cinnamon + Cardamom + Cinnamon leaf together are called Trijata)
Step-by-Step Method of Preparation
Step 1 - Prepare the Kashaya (decoction):
- Take 25 grams of Trivrit root and add it to 400 ml of water
- Boil it on a medium flame and reduce it down to 100 ml
- Filter the decoction and set aside
Step 2 - Add Trivrit powder and sugar:
- To the 100 ml filtered kashaya, add:
- 25 grams of Trivrit fine powder
- 50 grams of sugar (mishri)
- Mix well and heat gently until it reaches a semi-solid (avaleha) consistency
- Remove from flame and allow it to cool completely
Step 3 - Add honey and Trijata:
- Once cooled, add:
- 25 ml honey (honey must NEVER be added to hot mixtures in Ayurveda)
- 5 grams each of cinnamon powder, cardamom powder, and cinnamon leaf powder
- Mix all thoroughly
Step 4 - Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place
Dosage for Virechana
| Purpose | Dose | Timing |
|---|
| Virechana (purgation) | 20 to 30 grams (single dose) | Between 9 AM - 11 AM (Kapha kala), after Snehana and Swedana |
| Daily laxative use | 5 to 10 grams | After dinner |
| Skin diseases / maintenance | 3 to 6 grams | Once or twice daily after food |
- Administered with warm water, honey, or milk
- After taking the Virechana dose, the patient should drink hot water frequently to encourage purgation
- If purgation does not start, the abdomen is gently fomented with warm palms
Important: Virechana must be performed only under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician. It is done only after Poorvakarma (Snehapana for 3-7 days + Abhyanga + Swedana for 3 days).
Number of Purgation Bouts Expected
According to classical texts, the degree of purification (Shuddhi) is judged by number of evacuation bouts:
- Heena Shuddhi (low) - 10 bouts
- Madhyama Shuddhi (medium) - 20 bouts
- Uttama Shuddhi (high) - 30 bouts
Manufactured By
- Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal (sold as "Trivrilleham")
- AVN Ayurveda Formulations
- Nagarjuna (sold as "Thrivruthu Lehyam")
- Venkateswara Ayurveda Nilayam
Here is a YouTube video specifically on Trivrit Lehyam and its use in Virechana Panchakarma:
Side effects note: Slight overdose can cause severe diarrhea. Avoid in diabetic patients unless blood sugar is well-controlled. Do not use for more than a few weeks without medical supervision as it can become habit-forming. -
Ashtangahrudayam Kalpasthana 2/9