Bakuchi is an Ayurvedic herb with the known medicinal properties of being anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. The plant of Bakuchi is small and stands straight in the mud. The herb's average height is 60 cm, and the maximum can be up to 120 cm the leaves are aligned beautifully on the top, and the seeds are brownish-black in color. The kidney-shaped seeds are foul to odor. The plant grows flowers in yellow-bluish color. The herb bears fruits of about 5 millimeters.
Bakuchi has been used from ancient times as an herb to cure several conditions and illnesses. It has mainly been used to treat skin problems for centuries. There are many other benefits spoken of in the article about Bakuchi.
How Did the Word Bakuchi Originate?
Bakuchi is derived from a Sanskrit word Vakuciwhich refers to the Psoraleacorylifolia (Malaysian scurfpea). In Bengali, the herb is known as Hakucā or Somrāj. Marathis know it by the name Bābacī and the Gujurati as Bāvcī. In Telugu, it is called Bāpungā, and in Tamil as Karporgam.
Historical uses of Bakuchi
From ancient times, the Bakuchi plant has been used as a medicine to cure several problems. Our ancestors have used almost all the parts of the herb to their benefit. Even today, it is as useful.
It has a bitter taste and a pungent smell and has been used to cure constipation. It has been used to control heart disease, asthma, diabetes, fever, etc. The properties of Bakuchi is used to rid of the Kapha and Vata Dosha.
Benefits of Bakuchi in Ayurvedic Treatment
There have been many studies conducted that have shown the benefits of Bakuchi to health. Bakuchi has been used for skin problems and curing stomach, heart, and even common cold problems.
Here is a list of the Bakuchi plat's treatments and how to use it to initiate the treatment.
Treating diseases/health problems using Bakuchi
● Bakuchi for Vitiligo
Science |
Ayurveda |
Due to anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, applying Bakuchi to the skin has proven to reduce and control the problems. Bakuchi controls spotting on the skin due to Vitiligo and also shrinks the white patches. It has been seen even in the experiments conducted that there have been visible changes as a result of the herb. |
Bakuchi balances the Vata Dosha, which is said to result in skin problems. The Kusthaghna and Rasayana properties of Bakuchi have been solving a lot of skin problems, even the major ones. It controls the whitening of the skin due to Vitiligo and also reduces the already existing spots. |
● Bakuchi for Skin disease
Science |
Ayurveda |
Bakuchi helps in treating various skin problems. It has effectively reduced the itchy sensation due to papules, eczema, and ringworm, rough and discolored dermatosis. It has anti-inflammatory properties that reduce the swelling and redness and anti-bacterial properties that prevent the disease's spread. Applying Bakuchi has proven to cure skin related problems. |
Bakuchi has Raktashodakaproperties, which means that it acts as a blood purifier. Skin problems are related to the flow and circulation of blood to the areas. Bakuchi purifies blood, ridding the Vata Dosha and curing the skin allergies, wounds, and other problems. |
● Bakuchi for Indigestion
Science |
Ayurveda |
Bakuchi has the properties of being an anti-oxidant. It helps in digesting food by regulating the enzymes. As the enzymes act, the digestion process and the food break down process becomes quicker and easy. |
Digestive problems are caused due to Kapha Dosha. Bakuchi cures the Kapha Dosha when taken in the right way. It has Ushna properties, meaning hot potent that drives the digestive fire and makes the digestion process quicker. |
● Bakuchi for Worm Infestation
Science |
Ayurveda |
Bakuchi is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. As a result of these properties, Bakuchi treats worm infections and gives quick results. |
Bakuchi has Krimigha property. In Ayurveda, it means that the herb does not let worms survive in a host. The intake of Bakuchi kills the worm, curing the worm infection. The Anti-inflammatory properties then cure the effect of worm on the skin. |
● Bakuchi for Cough
Science |
Ayurveda |
Being anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-bacterial, Bakuchi has been proven to be effective on the respiratory tract related diseases. It eases up the cough. Not only that, but it has also been used to cure asthma and bronchitis. |
Bakuchi has been used to cure the Kapha Dosha for ages. Kapha causes cough and problems related to the respiratory tract. It has UshnaVirya, meaning hot potent that helps in controlling cough, asthma, and bronchitis. Bakuchi reduces the formation of cough in the throat and hence cures cough and bronchitis. |
Forms and Dosage of Bakuchi
Bakuchi is available in the market to be bought and used. You can find it in the following forms:
- Churna
- Capsule
- Tablet
The Bakuchi powder is recommended to be used twice a day, the quantity being quarter or a half spoon and not more than that.
Bakuchi Capsules are also to be taken twice a day, after meals. It is recommended to take 1 capsule with warm water.
Bakuchi Tablet is taken twice a day, after the meals. It is advised to take one or two tablets with warm water.
Types of Ayurvedic Care with Bakuchi
1.Bakuchi Churna
Bakuchi Churna is easy to take and is available in the pharmacies.
Taka quarter to a half teaspoon of the powder and add honey to it.
Mix well.
Take it after meals, preferably, lunch and dinner.
2. Bakuchi Capsules
Bakuchi Capsules are also sold at pharmacies and Ayurvedic care centers. You can take one or two capsules with warm water after light meals, preferably after lunch and dinner.
3. Bakuchi Tablets
Bakuchi tables can also be bought at pharmacies and Ayurvedic care centers. It is to be taken in the dosage of one or two tablets after light meals. You can swallow it with warm water after lunch and dinner.
Side effects of Bakuchi
Bakuchi is always used after being purified. Non-purified Bakuchi can have drastic side effects on a person. It can cause severe vomiting and nausea.
The herb is very strong and thus is never applied undiluted to the skin. It can cause rashes and major infections, and allergies to your skin. Always use diluted Bakuchi or dilute it in your regular oil.
Excessive usage of Bakuchi has been seen to cause skin discoloration. It can also cause hepatitis. Several reports of the same have also been made. If you already have Hepatitis, it is strongly disapproved of using Bakuchi in any form.
Be careful of the dosage of the herb. Do not exceed the prescribed dosage and if you find symptoms of any of the problems mentioned above, visit the doctor immediately.
Precautionary guide while using Bakuchi
● Bakuchi for hypersensitive skin.
Bakuchi is UshnaVirya. It means that it has hot potent and should not be used on sensitive skin. The herb is very strong and can allergies and infections on the skin if not suited.
● Bakuchi for Children
Bakuchi is not good for children to use. It causes nausea and even vomiting in them. It is better not to make children eat forms of Bakuchi or put Bakuchi oil on their skin.
● Bakuchi for ladies who are pregnant or breastfeeding
The effects of Bakuchi has been tested on a pregnant woman or a woman who is breastfeeding. It is better to stay clear of any possible harm to you and your child and not use Bakuchi when you are pregnant or are breastfeeding.
FAQs about Bakuchi
What are the pars of the Bakuchi plant that are used?
- Bakuchi plants can be used overall used. The parts used n Ayurveda are:
a. Seeds
b. Fruits
c. Roots
d. Flower
e. Leaves
What are the types of Bakuchi?
- There are two varieties of Bakuchi:
a. Shweta Bakuchi
b. Krishna Bakuchi
What is the source of Bakuchi?
- Bakuchi is plant-based and is taken into use from the Bakuchi plant or the PsoraleaCorylifolia.
What can Bakuchi oil be used for?
- Bakuchi oil is generally put in a diluted form. If you do not get diluted, Bakuchi oil use a couple of drops of the oil with your regular oil to apply to your skin. It cures infections and cuts off the growth of bacteria and fungus on the skin. The oil is used in the majority of the skin diseased and gives a quick and visible result.
Can Bakuchi be used while on Homeopathic medicines?
- Bakuchi is natural and mostly organic. It can be used with homeopathic medicine and has no side effects on the person.
Can Bakuchi be taken while on Allopathic medicines?
- Generally, the herb can be taken with allopathic medicines. However, it can have a side effect with a few medicines. It is good to seek the doctor’s view and advice before taking Bakuchi in any form while on medication.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Bakuchi?
- Bakuchi is Tikta in Rasa. It means it has a bitter taste.
- UshnaVirya – Bakuchi is of hot potent.
- Laghu, RukshaGuna – it is light and dry in nature.
- KatuVipaka – Bakuchi has a pungent odor after digestion.
What effect doe Bakuchi have when put in hair?
- Diluted Bakuchi oil can be massaged on head and hair. It provides a shine to the hair and reduces hair fall. Bakuchi has been used to improve hair quality and is effective in the same when used.
( Disclaimer : The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or ayurvedic doctor. )