diease

KACHNAR


WHAT IS KACHNAR

It is an important medicinal plant that is used in the treatment of various ailments. The botanical name for kachnar is Bauhinia variegata which belongs to the Fabaceae family. It is considered a beautiful tree in the world. The common name of this kachnar includes mountain ebony, poor man’s orchid, butterfly ash, camel’s foot tree, orchid tree. It is an ornamental tree that attracts hummingbirds.


What are the other names of KACHNAR in various languages

Latin- Bauhinia variegate

English- Buttergy ash

Hindi- Kachnar

Bengali- Kachnar

Kannada- Basavanpada

Malayalam- Koral, Kanchan

Manipuri- Chingtharo

Marathi- Kovidara, Kanchana

Oriya- Borodu

Tamil- Manthari

Telugu- Devakanchanamu

French-Arbe de saint Thomas

Burmese- Bwechin

Urdu- Kachnal


ORIGIN AND SOURCE OF KACHNAR

Kachnar is originated from India and China. It is widely distributed in India at ascending altitude of 1300mt in Himalayan and extended to Assam, eastern, central, and south India. It is also found in Nepal, Pakistan, Burma, and Srilanka. It is a deciduous tree that grows at a height of 15mt. The outer bark is smooth and scaly and it is brownish-grey and the inner bark is pinkish. The leaves of this plant look like a camel’s hoof print. Flowers have 5 overlapped and irregular petals with yellow and pinkish-purple colors. Fruit is strap-shaped with 15-30cm long. This plant has anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic properties.

Parts used: Stem bark, Flowers, Leaves, Seeds

Taste: Astringent

Potency: Cold


CHEMICAL COMPOUNDS IN KACHNAR

On chemical compound analysis of the kachnar, it includes

Aerial part: Ombuin, kaempferol 7,4-dimethyl ether-3-O-β-D-2 glucopyranoside, triterpene, kaempferol-3-O- β-D-2 glucopyranoside, hesperidin, and isorhamnetin-3-O-β-D-2 glucopyranoside

Stem bark:

ACTION:

  • Anti-inflammatory
  • Anti-diabetic
  • Cytotoxic effect
  • Anti-tumours
  • Anti-carcinogenic
  • Antibacterial
  • Anti-ulcer
  • Hepatoprotective
  • Anti-microbial
  • Anti-cataract
  • Nephroprotectivity
  • Wound healing


TRADITIONAL AND MODERN VIEW OF KACHNAR

  • The bark and buds of this tree used as an astringent
  • The decoction of this bark is used in the treatment of leprosy, ulcer, and scrofula
  • In the treatment of scrofulous enlargement of the cervical gland, the bark powder is used along with the dried ginger powder and rice water
  • The decoction of flowers and buds is used to treat bleeding disorders such as bleeding piles, blood in urine, and mucosal surface bleeding
  • The flowers of this plant have laxative action and the leaves of this plant have anti-diabetic property 


DOSAGE OF KACHNAR

The dose of the drug used according to physicians

Bark powder: 1-3gm

Decoction- 40-80ml

Flower extract- 10-20ml


PRECAUTIONS WHILE USING KACHNAR

  • It is not advisable to use this herb while you are pregnant because the use of kachnar increase the menstrual flow which leads to abortion
  • Kachnar should be administered with caution during breastfeeding

  • No information is available regarding the use of this herb in patients with diabetes and heart disease kindly consult with the doctor before taking the kachnar


CONTRAINDICATIONS WHEN USING KACHNAR

It is contraindicated in patients who are allergic to the composition of the kachnar


BENEFITS OF KACHNAR

Hypothyroidism:

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough amount of thyroid hormones. According to Ayurveda, hypothyroidism occurs due to lifestyle modification that leads to an imbalance of the digestive fire and metabolism, and it also imbalance Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. The use of Kachnar improve the digestive fire and balance the imbalance of Vata, Pitta, and Kapha by its Deepan (appetizer) property

Take the required amount of kachnar powder and consume it with lukewarm water or honey to control hypothyroidism

Piles:

According to Ayurveda, Piles is called Arsh, It usually occurs due to an unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Piles occur due to the imbalance of Vata this imbalance leads to weak digestive fire and results in constipation. Kachnar improves the digestive fire by balancing the Vata and prevent constipation

Take the required amount of kachnar powder and consume it with lukewarm water or honey. Use to get relief from symptoms of piles

Menorrhagia:

Menorrhagia is also known as Raktapradar (increase secretion of menstrual blood). This occurs due to the imbalance of Pitta dosha. The use of kachnar regulate the heavy bleeding by balancing the imbalance of Pitta dosha by its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) activities

Take the required amount of kachnar powder and consume it with lukewarm water or honey. Use to get relief from symptoms of menorrhagia

Diarrhea:

According to Ayurveda, Diarrhea is called Atisar. Usually, diarrhea occurs due to mental stress, improper food, water, environmental toxins. Diarrhea occurs due to the imbalance of Vata. This brings the fluid into the intestines and mixes it with stool which leads to diarrhea. Kachnar absorbs the fluid and control diarrhea by its Grahi (absorbent) and Kashaya (astringent) activity.

Take the required amount of kanchar powder and add 2 cups of water and allow it to boil for 5-10 minutes. Take this kachnar decoction and add the same amount of water into it and drink this after your meals. Use this remedy to manage diarrhea.

Wound healing:

Kachnar helps to heal the wound quickly by decreasing the swelling and bring the skin texture into normal. Due to its Ropan (healing) activity boiled water of kachnar helps to heal the wound and decrease the inflammation

Take the required amount of kanchar powder and add 2 cups of water and allow it to boil for 5-10 minutes. Take this kachnar decoction and add the same amount of water into it and apply this to an affected area to relieves wound healing

Acne and Pimples:

According to Ayurveda, increased production of sebum and clogging of pores cause white and blackheads due to the imbalance of Kapha. Kachnar helps to remove the dirt by its Kashaya (astringent) property.

Take the required amount of kachnar powder and add honey into it and make it as a paste. Apply this paste on the affected area to treat acne and pimples


HOW CAN YOU ADD KACHNAR IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

The Kachnar comes in various formulations includes

Kachnar powder paste:

Take the required amount of kachnar powder and mix it with honey and make it as a paste. Apply the paste to the affected area. Use this remedy to treat skin diseases.

Take the required amount of kanchar powder and add 2 cups of water and allow it to boil for 5-10 minutes. Take this kachnar decoction and add the same amount of water into it and drink this after your meals. Use this remedy to manage diarrhea.

Take the required amount of kachnar powder and consume it with lukewarm water or honey to control hypothyroidism


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON KACHNAR

Is Kachnar powder available in the market?

Yes, it is available in the market and it can be brought from online websites or ayurvedic medical stores.

How to store Kachnar powder?

It should be stored in an airtight container and keep the medicines away from the heat and light and Do not keep the medicines reaching out to children

Can Kachnar be used in snake bites?

Yes, Kachnar act as an antidote in snakebite. It neutralizes the snake venom

What happens if I use expired Kachnar?

If you use the expired Kachnar it may cause side effects such as seizures, heart problems, and allergies. Kindly avoid the expired Kachnar.