Cow dung is a useful material made of indigestible plant matter that has been expelled from a cow’s intestine. Faeces, whether excreted by a human or animal, is normally not a subject of discussion; however, learning about the significance of cattle manure is still necessary. They are resourceful material that benefits us in many ways. When a resource that is so abundant and renewable is wasted, it is unfortunate. In this article, we will learn about several uses of cow dung cakes, as well as some of their major advantages.
Introduction
In Hindi, cow dung cakes are also referred to as kande or gobar ke uple. Cow dung cake are a traditional Ayurveda[1]recipe produced from pure desi cow dung and have been utilised by Indian households for several purposes for many years. Organic cow dung cakes are typically made by hand from cow dung that is 100% pure and can be utilised for pujas, daily hawan, and other religious rituals. In India, they have long been utilised as fertilisers in the fields and as fuel for cooking in the Chulha, a traditional home fireplace.
Cow dung cakes, which are produced using desi cow dung, are said to have several health and economic advantages in Ayurvedic texts. You must be aware that the priest always utilises it for Agni Jyoti during religious pujas, hawans, and even weddings. Because cows are revered as Gods in India, employing cow dung cake, and cow ghee makes the occasion pure and holy. People have even utilised countdown cakes as energy purifiers and air purifiers for decades. The fact that it burns and releases oxygen into the air makes it a traditional substitute for dhoop and agarbatti. Cow dung cakes are used as fertilisers and insecticides because they maintain soil health and kill insects, weeds, and microbes. Let’s start reading about its important uses.
Uses of Cow Dung Cakes
As we already understand the significance of cow dung, let’s learn about some of the many users of cow dung cake:
Uses as Disinfectant: If you have ever been to a village or heard your grandparents reminisce about the time when they used dried cow dung cakes to keep mosquitoes away and disinfect the area, you would about know what we are talking about. It has been discovered that the smoke produced by cow dung cake contains disinfectant properties. As a result, cow dung is now purposefully utilised as an insect repellent, often for killing bugs and mosquitoes. Additionally, a lot of households still use wet cow dung as a natural and organic disinfectant by smearing it on their walls and floors and letting it dry. Whether it has greater disinfectant properties than other chemical properties will depend on scientific studies.
In Indian Rituals: We’ve noticed that the priest always lights a fire with dry cow dung cakes at religious events in our households. Using cow dung and cow ghee makes the religious ceremony even more pure and sacred because Indians have always regarded cows as deities. Cow dung is burned during the pujas because it is thought to contain antiradiation and anti-pollutant properties that help to purify the air.
As A Fertilizer: Cow manure is an excellent fertiliser since it is full of nutrients, including potassium, phosphate, and nitrogen. Additionally, it is a 100% organic, affordable fertiliser that is well known for being readily available. Utilizing cow dung manure aids in the soil’s texture and strength maintenance. For fertilisation, one can just spread it out evenly around the area, but there are a few considerations to make. The cow manure on the field should only be removed or added in the proper amount because it emits methane, a greenhouse gas. Additionally, cow dung cake eliminate undesirable insects and weeds and even increase the soil’s capacity to hold water.
Biogas and Fuel: Cow dung cakes remain one of the best sources of fuel and biogas. Cow dung is collected and dried in rural regions so that it can be used as fuel later. It creates other gases like nitrogen and hydrogen, as well as 30% carbon dioxide and 55% methane when used as biogas. Later, all of the collected cow dung is used as feedstock to create more biogas. It is created when cow manure decomposes anaerobically. It is easy to create biogas from cow dung. Create a bio-digester, supply it with water, and leave it alone. Using recycled waste to create an eco-friendly atmosphere is made possible by cow dung.
To Make High-Quality Paper: Yes, shocking, isn’t it? Cow dung cake are a rich source of fibre that can be used to make thick, high-quality paper. To create paper, these fibres are compressed to a specific degree. It is a highly natural and environmentally friendly product that deserves recognition. Greater environmental security can be provided by switching to paper made from cow dung rather than paper from trees.
Benefits of Cow Dung Cake
Cow dung cakes are said to be both a germicide and a healer in Ayurveda. Cow dung is described several times in ancient Indian literature for its benefits.
Let’s start by reading about the numerous economic and medicinal advantages of cow dung cake:
The antibacterial qualities of cow dung cake make it a useful all-natural disinfectant. A fresh cow dung paste is applied to the floor and allowed to dry in the sun to sterilise an area. In many rural Indian households, this custom is practised. It is also claimed that burning cakes of dried cow dung will keep insects and mosquitoes away.
Additionally, disinfecting soaps are created using it. Some Ayurveda doctors also treat skin conditions using cow dung.
There are other claims that cow dung cake, when burned, might improve mood. It contains the bacteria Mycobacterium vaccae, which is in charge of stimulating the serotonin-producing neurons. One neurotransmitter that helps people feel cheerful is called serotonin.
Even the ash created by gobar ke uple is useful. This ash is supposed to balance the overall acidity of the water and control pH levels when poured into pond water. Dry ash is often used as a cleaning product because it can absorb oil and fat.
Cow dung-based Ayurveda medications are also effective at treating indigestion. Additionally, it is known to enhance blood flow and prevent the spread of diseases.
It is mentioned in ancient Ayurveda texts as a means of performing religious ceremonies. The celebration is made more holy and pure as it releases pure oxygen when burned.
Conclusion
We’ve read extensively about the purposes and advantages of using cow dung cake; therefore, we’re curious about your thoughts. One natural and eco-friendly substance that can assist us humans in preserving trees, soil, and water is cow dung. Along with its many uses, we are now aware of its many benefits, which cleanse our bodies and the air around us. What is keeping you from switching to 100% organic, hand-made, and reasonably priced cow dung cake in place of your fertiliser, insect repellent, agarbattis, and other products? Products obtained from cows, such as milk, a2 ghee, paneer, cow dung, cow urine, and other byproducts, are beneficial. Keep reading our blogs for more insightful and interesting topics.