Bakuchi
Bakuchi is famed for its outstanding medicinal uses, both for external application and internal consumption for various ailments. With the botanical name Psoralea corylifolia, bakuchi belongs to the Fabaceae family of plants that thrive in humid environments. It is an erect annual herb that reaches heights of upto 1 m with branched stems covered with thin white hair-like projections. Light purple bud into one-seeded fruits. The seeds of bakuchi one shaped like kidneys.
Ayurvedic Indications –
• Rochya – For anorexia
• Kushtaghana- Treat skin disorders
• Keshya – Improve hair growth
• Jwarhara – Remedy for fever
• Shwashara – Treat asthma
• Mehahara – Rectify urinary tract infection
Properties –
• Anti-inflammatory
• Anticancer
• Anti-diabetic
• Decongestant
• Antimicrobial
• Wound healing
• Rejuvenative traits
Chemical compounds –
Bakuchi seed contains coumarin,volatile oil, flavones, phenols, lipids and stigmasteroids.
• The volatile compounds present in its seeds oil are limonene, terpin-4-ol, B-caryophyllene, linalool and geranyl acetate.
• The essential medicinal components of bakuchi oil are psoralen, psoralidin, isopsoralen, isopsoralidin, bavacoumestan A and corylidin.
Effects on Doshas –
It actively balances the pitta and kapha dosha and often an excess of it can aggravate the vata dosha.
Useful Part-
Seeds are its useful part taken for the treatment of various ailments.
Dosage –
Bakuchi is widely available in the form of churnas, kashayams, besides oil for external application.
• Churna/Powder – 1/2 tsp of powder twice aday with warm water and added honey.
• Tablet/Capsule – 1 to 2 tablets/capsules twice a day after meals.
Therapeutic Uses-
• For skin health
It is highly beneficial for treating skin conditions like acne, pimples, psoriasis, scabies, eczema, vitiligo, blemishes, wrinkles, dark circles, cracked heels and many more.
• Nourish hairs
Applying bakuchi oil regularly on hair and scalp improves hair textures, thickness, removes dandruff, controls hair fall and even helps in preventing premature greying of hair strands.
• Promotes digestion
Bakuchi reduces the flatulence, bloating, constipation, gastritis and abdominal distension.
• Remedies kidney stones
The bio-active component in bakuchi reduces accumulation and deposition of calcium and magnesium which ultimately leads to stones in the kidneys and ureter. Being a potent antispasmodic agent, it also allows the already formed kidney stones to easily pass through the urinary system with less pain.
• Rectifies respiratory problems
It is beneficial for treating asthma, bronchitis, sore throat, cold and other pulmonary conditions.
• Prevents ulcers
The anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer properties of the bakuchi seeds holds high significance in treating different types of ulcers like ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcer, mouth ulcers etc.
• Accelerates weight loss
The formulation containing bakuchi when taken regularly, help satiate sudden hunger pangs and prevent overeating and hence play a roll in reducing weightloss.
• Prevents cancer
It’s powder has a beneficial component in managing benign as well as malignant tumors, especially ovarian and uterine cancers.
• Promotes heart health
It manages irregular cardiac rhythm because of having cardio-tonic properties and also reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart blocks, heart attacks, blood clots etc. The potent vasodilatory action of the herb manages high blood pressure as well
Formulations –
• Avalgujadi lepam
• Somraji tailam
• Mahamanjistadi kashayam
• Panch nimba churna
• Khadirarhishta
• Bakuchi or babchi oil
Side effects –
Excessive doses of bakuchi can hamper kidney, liver health and even change in colour of the urine and stood into orange or brown.
It shows anti-platelet action also, so should be taken cautiously if you are taking anti-coagulant medication.
Pregnant and lactating mothers should avoid its use or take in only medical supervision.
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