Kachur: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

Kachur is a plant-based flower or a tree that is known by several names like Curcuma zedoaria, Dravida, Katuri, etc. It is typically a natural herb, and the dried rhizomes of this plant are used for its medicinal properties. Kachur helps improve the appetite as it maintains the digestive functions and increases metabolism. Moreover, it is also beneficial in the management of signs of epilepsy as it prevents any damage to brain cells, which occurs due to free radicals since it has antioxidant properties. Kachur can also be useful in managing the sign of arthritis as it reduces the pain and swelling caused due to arthritis. Additionally, Kachur helps in dental-related problems like plaque, toothache, gingivitis (bleeding gums), etc. because it has antiseptic and analgesic properties. If we chew Kachur (rhizome), it can help prevent bad or foul smell as it kills the bacteria that is accountable for creating bad breath because of its antibacterial property.

As per Ayurveda, Kachur is also beneficial for respiratory problems because it has Kapha balancing property. If a person inhales the steam, which consists of 2-3 drops of Kachur oil, it will lower the nasal blockage and manage the cough.

The use of Kachur oil and an equal amount of coconut oil can be used for healing wounds. Moreover, Kachur can also be used to induce hair growth and lower excessive dryness because of its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.

Perquisites of Kachur

• For Wound- Kachur can be used to manage pain and inflammation due to wound as it has Ropan property.
• For Nasal Congestion- Kachur helps manage respiratory problems like nasal congestion as it has Kapha balancing property.

Tip- Take 2-3 drops of Kachur oil in lukewarm water and boil it. Use the steam of the boiling water to lower the nasal block and cough.

• For Hair Loss- Kachur is beneficial in preventing hair loss because of dandruff or any other infection as it has Tikshna (sharp) and Kashaya (astringent) property.
• For Arthritis- Kachur is used to lowering the excessive pain, swelling, and inflammation caused due to arthritis and ease the mobility as it has Vata balancing property.
• Use Kachur along with sesame oil on the area where the pain is high.

Measures to be taken while using Kachur

Usage of Kachur

• Kachur Churna-

1. Have ¼- ½ teaspoon of Kachur churna.
2. Mix either milk or honey in this churna and take in after having your lunch or dinner.

• Kachur Capsule-

1. Have 1-2 capsules of Kachur.
2. Take it with normal water after taking your lunch or dinner.

• Kachur Herbal Tea-

1. Have ¼- ½ teaspoon of the powder of Kachur.
2. Mix 1 cup of water into it and boil for 5-7 minutes on a low flame
3. Drink it after straining.

• Kachur Powder-

1. Have ½-1 teaspoon of Kachur powder.
2. Mix milk in the powder and make a paste.
3. Apply the paste on your skin.
4. Leave it for 15-20 minutes.
5. Wash it off with normal water.

• Kachur Oil-

1. Have 2-3 drops of Kachur oil.
2. Add coconut oil to it, mix and use it to apply on scalp and hair.
3. Try this method at least 2-3 times a day to help manage dandruff and hair fall.

• Kachur fresh paste-

1. Have ½-1 teaspoon of Kachur paste.
2. Mix milk in it and use the paste to apply on the skin.
3. Leave it for at least 15-20 minutes.
4. Wash it off with normal water.

The ideal dosage of Kachur

• Kachur Churna- Have ¼- ½ teaspoon of Kachur Churna two times a day.
• Kachur Capsule- Have 1-2 capsules of Kachur two times a day.
• Kachur oil- Have 2-5 drops of Kachur oil or as much required by you.
• Kachur Powder- Have ½-1 teaspoon of Kachur powder or as much required by you.

FAQs about Kachur

What are the chemical ingredients present in Kachur?

According to the scientific view, Kachur consists of 36 compounds, including essential oils, 17 terpenes, 13 alcohols, and 6 ketones. If we use the Kachur powder, it can be helpful in treating the digestive track as it cleans it and helps in the stability of the digestive system. 

How much is the price of Kachur Powder?

According to the scientific view, price of the Kachur powder is very nominal. It typically ranges between Rs. 50 to Rs. 100 for 100 gm. You can easily get Kachur powder from your market as it is available in the market under various brand names and prices differ according to brands. Moreover, you can also purchase the Kachur powder on the basis of your requirement and needs.

How can we store Kachur powder?

According to the scientific view, Kachur powder must be stored in a tight container and at room temperature. Additionally, it should be kept away from sunlight. If we talk about the minimum shelf life of Kachur powder, it is 1 year, and if it is kept in an airtight jar, then the life of Kachur powder can extend.

Will using Kachur be helpful in epilepsy?

According to the scientific view, there is not enough explanation out there yet, which could support the importance of Kachur in epilepsy.

Can we use Kachur in lung inflammation?

Are there any benefits of Kachur for spleen problems?

According to the scientific view, there is not enough explanation to support the importance of Kachur in treating spleen problems. Even though the Kachur rhizome can be useful in treating spleen enlargements, it might help spleen problems.

Will Kachur be useful in treating piles?

Can we use Kachur to treat bad breath?

Are there any health-related benefits of Kachur?

Can Kachur be beneficial in diabetes?

Can using Kachur lead to skin rashes?

According to Ayurveda, yes, if a person who is consuming Kachur has sensitive skin, he/she might be prone to skin rashes after using kachur because of its Ushna (hot) property.

Can Kachur be used in treating dental problems?

According to the scientific view, yes, the oil of Kachur is useful in the management of dental problems like toothache, bleeding. It contains antiseptic and analgesic properties, which reduces swelling and pain.