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Bakuchi /Psoralia corylifolia

Benefits of Bakuchi, Medicinal Uses, Dosage, and side effects

Bakuchi is known for its several medicinal properties since the time is immemorial. This herb works both for external application on hair as well as skin and also for internal consumption to treat a lot of health ailments related to the respiratory, circulatory, and digestive systems. It is a well-known herb for its effectiveness against skin diseases including leucoderma. One of the most attractive features of this herb is that it’s every single part is useful because of its various medicinal properties. The most useful part is seeds which treat several disorders as these are antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, astringent, aphrodisiac, cytotoxic, diuretic, and cardio tonic.

———Shloka—————

Bakuchi Shloka

Meaning of shloka-

This shloka means that synonyms of bakuchi are Avalguja, Bakuchi, Romaraji, Suparnika, Shashilekha, Krishnaphala, Soma, Pootiphalini, Somavalli, Kalmeshi, and Kushtaghni. It is of sweet and bitter taste, pungent taste after digestion, cold in potency, improves taste, treats diarrhea, Kapha, and blood-related disorders. It is dry, good for the heart, and treats cough, skin diseases, fever, and worm infestation.

(Reference- Bhavaprakasha nighantu- haritkyadi varga- page no. 119 and shloka no. 206-208)

Botanical name- Psoralia corylifolia

Family- Papilionaceae

Names in different languages

  • Hindi name- Bavachi
  • English name- Psoralea seeds
  • Tamil name- Karpokarishi
  • Telugu name- Bavanchalu
  • Bengali name- Habuch
  • Punjabi name- Babchi
  • Malayalam name- Kaurkolari, Karkokil
  • Gujarati name- Babichi, Babacha
  • Assam name- Habucha
  • Oriya name- Bakuchi
  • Urdu name- Babechi
  • Kannada name- Bavachige, Bavanchi
  • Sinhala name- Bodi-ata

Synonyms in the Sanskrit language

  • Pootiphali- its fruit has a foul smell
  • Kushtaghni- treats skin diseases
  • Bakuchi- it balances Vata dosha
  • Krishnaphala, Avalguja- its fruits are of black color

Other synonyms are

Kalameshi, Suparnika, Somaraji, Somavalli

Categorization according to classical books

According to-

Acharya Charaka- Tikta Skanda (a group of herbs having a bitter taste).

Aacharya Sushruta- Katu Varga- herbs having a pungent taste.

Bhavprakash nighantu- Haritkyadi Varga.

Morphological characteristics

Bakuchi is an erect, small, and annual herb that grows up to the height of 60 to 120 cm. The leaves of this herb are simple, inciso-dentate, elliptic, and white hairs on both surfaces. Its flowers are bluish-purple or yellow with axillary long peduncle heads. Fruits are simple, round, and kidney-shaped with a bitter taste and unpleasant odor. Seeds are smoothed and adhere to the pericarp.

Habitat- Bakuchi is native to tropical and subtropical regions throughout the globe. It is found in China, South Africa, and India. In India, it is found in various parts like the eastern part of Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan. It is also widely distributed throughout the Himalayan regions.

Chemical constituents present in it

Psorolen, Isopsoralen, methyl 4- hydroxybenzoate, Psoralidin, Dehydriopsoralidin, Corylin, and Bavachalcone.

Varieties of Bakuchi-

Shweta bakuchi and Krishna bakuchi

Medicinal properties of Bakuchi-

Rasa (taste)- Tikta (Bitter) and Katu (pungent)

Guna (Quality)- Rooksha (dry) and Laghu (light to digest)

Veerya (Potency)- Ushna (Hot)

Vipaka (undergoes taste conversion after digestion)- Katu (pungent)

Karma (effect on tridosha)- Balances vata and kapha dosha

Health benefits of Bakuchi-

Digestion- Bakuchi shows digestive and carminative properties which help to treat various digestive issues. Its antiflatulent property e reduces gas formation in the alimentary canal does reduce constipation, abdominal bloating, and distension. Bing an antacid also helps in the accumulation of formation of excessive acid in the stomach that causes gastritis, ulcers, indigestion, etc.

Skin health- Bakuchi works as an anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant which show that it treats various skin diseases like acne, vitiligo, psoriasis, etc., and their related symptoms. As a natural blood purifier, it eliminates toxins from the blood and treats skin infections also. This herb also reduces the risk of signs of aging like ok fine lines, blemishes, wrinkles, dark circles, etc.

Kidney stones- The organic acids present in bakuchi treat kidney-related disorders like kidney stones. The deposition of calcium and magnesium results in stones in the ureter and kidneys which leads to various kidney diseases. The active compound present in Kochi reduces this accumulation and keeps the kidney healthy e and allows the kidney stones to pass easily through the urinary system.

Heart health- Bakuchi has the cardiotonic property that plays a great role in various heart diseases. It can manage irregular cardiac rhythm by acting as a calcium channel blocker. This herb also prevents the accumulation of lipids in the blood vessels does facilitate this smooth flowing of blood in the body.

Respiratory issues- Bakuchi is considered the best traditional herb for treating various respiratory disorders because of its powerful anti-asthmatic and anti-inflammatory property. This herb splits out the excessive mucus by loosening the particles within the chest and nose. Thus eases breathing and helps to get rid of the accumulated mucus.

Diarrhea- Bakuchi works as a natural antidiarrheal by killing bacteria in the intestine which causes diarrhea and various intestinal diseases. This not only e eliminate toxins but also reduces the frequency of stools during diarrhea.

Bakuchi benefits for hair

For hair growth, bakuchi e is the best traditional herb because it stimulates the growth of hair roots ie., Follicles. Regular application of bakuchi oil on the scalp and hair improves the thickness and texture of hair. It not only e keeps the hair thick but also controls hair loss and prevents premature greying of hair. Being a natural antifungal it also treats dandruff and other related issues like the flaky and itchy scalp.

Bakuchi seeds benefits

  • Sara- it promotes the natural movement of fluids in the body.
  • Jwarahara- Treats fever
  • Mehahara- Treats diabetes mellitus
  • Ruchya- treats anorexia and improve the taste
  • Hrudya- works as a cardiotonic
  • Shwashara- treats chronic respiratory problems like asthma, dyspnoea
  • Krumipranut- treats worm infestation

These are the various Ayurvedic benefits of bakuchi seeds that are mentioned in classical texts.

Part used

Seeds, Fruits, Leaves, Roots, Flowers

Dosage of Bakuchi

1 to 3 grams (powder)

Side effects of Bakuchi-

Bakuchi oil is very strong so use it with caution as it may cause skin discoloration.

Conclusion:

From this article, it is concluded that bakuchi is the best herb for treating skin and hair-related issues. Its seeds are very useful but seed oil should be used in a proper dosage otherwise it may cause skin discoloration.

Note: Our purpose is to serve useful information related to bakuchi ’s benefits, dosage, and other properties. It is advised to the patients not to consume this on the basis of this information. Before taking it as a medicine it is better to have an expert opinion because dosage and treatment vary from patient to patient depending on their symptoms and medical history.

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About Dr. Ranjana Kaushal

Dr. Ranjana Kaushal (MD Ayurveda) has 11 years of experience in the field of Ayurveda. Right now she is working as an Ayurveda consultant with Life Aveda. She has immense knowledge about herbs, their uses, and formulations. She has published articles related to many herbs and diseases in an international journal. She is also a degree holder in yoga and naturopathy. Read More..

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