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
Bleeding |
Women should consume Kachur only after consulting with a doctor because Kachur can result in excessive bleeding if you are consuming Kachur for a very long time or in high dosage. |
Gastric |
If you have any gastric or hyperacidity problem, avoid consuming Kachur on an empty stomach. |
Breastfeeding |
It is highly recommended to consult with a doctor before consuming Kachur in breastfeeding. |
Pregnancy |
It is highly recommended not to consume Kachur during pregnancy since it can result in abortion due to its Ushna (hot) property. |
Using Kachur powder |
Since Kachur is hot, you should use its powder and any other cool substance or oil because it has Tikshna (sharp) and Ushna (hot) properties. |
External use |
If you are using Kachur oil to apply externally, you should keep in mind mixing it with coconut oil before applying since it is very hot due to its Ushna property. |
Usage of Kachur
- Kachur Churna-
- Have ¼- ½ teaspoon of Kachur churna.
- Mix either milk or honey in this churna and take in after having your lunch or dinner.
- Kachur Capsule-
- Have 1-2 capsules of Kachur.
- Take it with normal water after taking your lunch or dinner.
- Kachur Herbal Tea-
- Have ¼- ½ teaspoon of the powder of Kachur.
- Mix 1 cup of water into it and boil for 5-7 minutes on a low flame
- Drink it after straining.
- Kachur Powder-
- Have ½-1 teaspoon of Kachur powder.
- Mix milk in the powder and make a paste.
- Apply the paste on your skin.
- Leave it for 15-20 minutes.
- Wash it off with normal water.
- Kachur Oil-
- Have 2-3 drops of Kachur oil.
- Add coconut oil to it, mix and use it to apply on scalp and hair.
- Try this method at least 2-3 times a day to help manage dandruff and hair fall.
- Kachur fresh paste-
- Have ½-1 teaspoon of Kachur paste.
- Mix milk in it and use the paste to apply on the skin.
- Leave it for at least 15-20 minutes.
- 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?
Scientific view |
Ayurvedic view |
According to the scientific view, there is not enough explanation out there yet to explain the importance of Kachur in treating lung inflammation even though it can be beneficial in reducing inflammation because it has anti-inflammatory properties. |
According to Ayurveda, yes, Kachur can be beneficial and used in treating lung inflammation since it lowers down the signs of various diseases that are related to the lungs, such as coughing. Kachur consists of Kapha and Vata balancing property, which is useful in removing large amounts of mucus to ease breathing and, thus, lowers down inflammation in the lungs. |
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?
Scientific view |
Ayurvedic view |
According to the scientific view, yes, Kachur is beneficial in managing piles of signs like bleeding, pain, discomfort, and swelling. All of these factors can be a sign of piles. Moreover, it consists of certain ingredients like curcumenol and furanodiene, which contains analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, these properties help in lowering the pain caused in the affected areas and can be useful in giving relief and ease in the pain and sign of piles. |
According to Ayurveda, yes, Kachur is beneficial in lowering down the signs of piles because it helps in the improvement of the digestion system. The main cause of the occurrence of piles is poor digestion. So, if a person consumes Kachur in his diet, it can improve and reduce poor digestion problems since it contains Deepan (appetizer) property, which further reduces the pain and swelling caused due to piles. |
Can we use Kachur to treat bad breath?
Scientific view |
Ayurvedic view |
According to the scientific view, yes, Kachur is beneficial in controlling foul breath problems. It is known as halitosis, and Kachur can reduce it by constraining the volatile Sulphur compound (VSC), which is the main cause of bad breath. Moreover, it can occur because of antifungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which can cause bad breath. |
According to Ayurveda, kachur can be used in controlling bad breath as you can chew it. Kachur helps in fighting against the bacteria, which causes bad breath. Moreover, Kachur contains a pleasant scent, which can also be used to control bad breath. |
Are there any health-related benefits of Kachur?
Scientific view |
Ayurvedic view |
According to the scientific view, Kachur is used for various different health benefits. It helps in the prevention of any infection or fungal infection to the body because of its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Additionally, it also consists of antioxidant property, which helps protect the body by fighting against all the damaged cells that occur due to free radicals. |
According to Ayurveda, Kachur is a magnificent herb that can treat symptoms of many diseases. It helps in the prevention of cold and cough due to its Kapha balancing property. Moreover, it is also useful in improving digestion problems as it manages indigestion along with the loss of appetite as it contains Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties. |
Can Kachur be beneficial in diabetes?
Scientific view |
Ayurvedic view |
According to the scientific view, yes, Kachur is used in managing diabetes as it contains antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, it is also beneficial in preventing the damage of pancreatic cells and increases insulin secretion. Hence, it reduces the level of blood sugar. |
According to Ayurveda, yes, Kachur is useful in managing the signs of diabetes because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Tikta (bitter) properties. Moreover, these properties can lower down the aggregated Ama (toxins left in the body due to poor digestion), which is the main cause of diabetes and manages digestive fire. |
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.