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Kantakari: Health Benefits, Uses, Dosage and Side Effects

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By NS Desk 17-Dec-2020

Kantakari

Kantakari is a medicinal herb that is also known as Indian nightshade or yellow-berried nightshade. The taste of this medicinal herb is bitter and pungent. Kantakari herb is used for many medicinal treatments of various health issues such as respiratory problems like cough or asthma, as the herb has an expectorant property that is beneficial for the treatment of respiratory problems.
 
Moreover, you can consume kantakari powder and honey, and water to improve the digestive system as it has deepan and pachan properties that balance the pachak Agni. Furthermore, kantakari paste is good for getting rid of joint pain as it helps in balancing the Vata of the body due to its Vata balancing properties. You can also use kantakari juice mixed with water for preventing hair fall and promoting hair growth. 
 
Properties of Kantakari:
Kantakarihas so many beneficial properties that may help in the treatment of various health problems. Some of these properties of the kantakari herb are as follows:
• Antioxidant property
• Antibacterial property 
• Antimicrobial property
• Kapha balancing property
• Vata balancing property
• Diuretic property
 
So these are some of the properties of kantakari. All these properties are beneficial for the overall health of a person. 
 
Historical uses of Kantakari: 
Kantakari is one of the most beneficial medicinal plants that is used for many ayurvedic treatments. For many years, people have used the kantakari herb for their ayurvedic treatments. The use of this medicinal herb dates back to hundreds of years as it is highly effective when it comes to treating health problems. Some of the health issues that can be treated using this medicinal herb are as follows:
• Helps in the treatment of the symptoms of cough and cold.
• Helps in the treatment of respiratory issues such as asthma
• Helps improve the digestive system.
• It helps in preventing hair fall.
• Helps promote hair growth. 
• Helps treat joint pain. 
 
So these were some of the health problems that can be treated with the help of this medicinal herb called kantakari. 
 
Benefits of Kantakari in Ayurvedic Treatment:
Kantakariis highly valued for ayurvedic treatments. Kantakari has so many health benefits and has useful healing properties. Check out all the benefits ofkantakari in the treatment of health problems. 
 
1. Helps in the treatment of cough and cold
The reason for cough is due to the Kapha disorder and because of excess mucus build up in the respiratory tract. Kantakari has Kapha balancing properties that are beneficial for the treatment of cough and cold by reducing the amount of mucus in the respiratory tract and providing relief. 
 
Tips for consuming kantakari herb for the treatment of cough and cold
If you are suffering from cough and cold, then you can consume kantakari powder by following these steps.
a. You could take about ¼-1/2 teaspoon of kantakari powder in a glass. 
b. Then you could add honey or water to the glass and mix well.
c. You could then consume this two times a day after having light meals. 
d. You can continue this procedure until you feel relief from cough and cold. 
 
2. Helps in controlling asthma 
Asthma is a breathing problem caused by an imbalance of Vata and Kapha in the body that hinders proper breathing by blocking the respiratory tract with excess mucus. However, kantakari has Vata and Kapha balancing properties that are beneficial for controlling the problem of breathlessness by removing the accumulation of mucus from the lungs, thereby providing relief from the problem of asthma.  
 
Tips for consuming kantakari herb for controlling the symptoms of asthma
If you have asthma, then you can consume kantakari powder by following these steps.
a. You could take about ¼-1/2 teaspoon of kantakari powder in a glass. 
b. Then you could add honey or water to the glass and mix well. 
c. You could then consume this two times a day after having light meals. 
d. You can continue this procedure until you feel relief from breathing problems. 
 
3. Helps promote proper digestion 
Improper digestion or indigestion is a problem of a weak digestive system that is due to the aggravated Kapha in the body and an imbalance of pachak Agni. The problem of indigestion can be treated with the help of kantakari herb as it helps in improving the pachak Agni which thereby improves the digestive system. Kantakari herb has deepan and pachan properties that help in the proper digestion of food. 
 
Tips for consuming kantakari herb for improving the digestive system
If you are suffering from indigestion, then you can consume kantakari powder by following these steps.
a. You could take about ¼-1/2 teaspoon of kantakari powder in a glass. 
b. Then you could add honey or water to the glass and mix well. 
c. You could then consume this two times a day after having light meals for treating indigestion.
 
4. Helps in the treatment of osteoarthritis 
The reason for arthritic joint pain is because of an imbalance of Vata in the body. However, using kantakari herb can help in reducing bone and joint pain as kantakari herb has Vata balancing properties, which balances the Vata that thereby helps reduce joint pain. Therefore, for treating joint and bone pain, you could apply kantakari powder on the affected area for relief.
 
Tips for using kantakari paste for joint pain
If you are suffering from arthritic pain, then you could use kantakari powder by following these steps. 
a. You could take about 1/2 -1 tablespoon of kantakari powder in a bowl.
b. Then you could add water to the bowl to make a thick paste. 
c. Start applying this paste on the affected area and let it stay for about 1-2 hours. 
d. After 1-2 hours, you can wash off the area with water. 
e. You can repeat this process for getting relief from arthritic joint pain. 
 
5. Helps prevent hair loss
The reason for hair loss is the aggravated Vatadosha in the body that leads to dryness or flaky hair, which thereby leads to hair fall. However, kantakari herb is beneficial for preventing hair fall and promoting the growth of new hair as it has Vata and dosha balancing properties that help to make your scalp and the roots of the hair strong and healthy. You can apply the juice of kantakari on your scalp and hair for preventing hair fall. 
 
Tips for using kantakari for preventing hair loss
If you are suffering from excess hair fall, then you can use kantakari juice by following these steps. 
a. You could take about 4-6 teaspoons of kantakari juice in a bowl, or you could take the juice as per your hair length.  
b. Now add an equal amount of water to the bowl and mix them well. 
c. Start applying this mixture on your scalp and hair and let it stay for about 2-3 hours.
d. After 2-3 hours, you can shampoo your hair and wash it as usual. 
e. You could repeat this process1-2 times a week for better results. 
 
Dosage of kantakari recommended by doctors:
The quantity of kantakari recommended by doctors is as follows:
• Kantakari powder- You could take about ¼- ½ teaspoon of kantakari powder or take as required by you twice a day.
• Kantakari juice- You could take about 4-5 teaspoons of kantakari juice once or twice a day, or you can also consume it according to your requirement.  
• Kantakari tablet- You could take about 1-2 tablets of kantakari once or twice a day. 
 
Usage of kantakarifor ayurvedic treatment:
Kantakari herb can be consumed and used for ayurvedic treatment; check out how you can consume and use kantakari herb for your treatments. 
 
1. Kantakari powder with honey or water
You could consume kantakari powder along with honey or water by following these steps. 
a. You could take about ¼-1/2 teaspoon of kantakari powder in a glass. 
b. Then you could add honey or water to the glass and mix well. 
c. You could then consume this two times a day after having light meals. 
 
2. Kantakari tablets with lukewarm water 
If you consume kantakari tablets with lukewarm water by following these steps. 
a. You could take about 1-2 tablets of kantakari herb.
b. You could swallow these tablets with lukewarm water once or twice a day after having your meals.
 
3. Kantakari juice with honey or water 
You could consume kantakari juice along with honey or water by following these steps. 
a. You could take about 4-5 teaspoons of kantakari juice in a glass.
b. Then you could mix honey or water with kantakari juice for consumption.
c. You could consume these two times a day after having your meals.
 
4. Kantakari juice for preventing hair loss
You can use kantakari juice if you are suffering from hair loss. You can follow these steps.
a. You could take about 4-6 teaspoons of kantakari juice in a bowl, or you could take the juice as per your hair length.  
b. Now add an equal amount of water to the bowl and mix them well. 
c. Start applying this mixture on your scalp and hair and let it stay for about 2-3 hours.
d. After 2-3 hours, you can shampoo your hair and wash it as usual. 
e. You could repeat this process1-2 times a week for better results. 
 
5. Kantakari powder for joint pain
If you are suffering from joint pain, then you can follow these steps for making kantakari powder-paste. 
a. You could take about 1/2 -1 tablespoon of kantakari powder in a bowl.
b. Then you could add water to the bowl to make a thick paste.
c. Start applying this paste on the affected area and let it stay for about 1-2 hours. 
d. After 1-2 hours, you can wash off the area with water. 
e. You can repeat this process for getting relief from arthritic joint pain. 
 
 Precautionary guide for consuming kantakari herb 
Certain precautions must be considered before the consumption of kantakari. 
 
For heart disease patients 
There is not enough evidence to support whether the kantakari herb is harmful to a heart disease patient or not. Therefore, it is advised that you must avoid kantakari, or you can consult your doctor before consumption. 
 
For breastfeeding women 
There is not enough evidence to support whether thekantakari herb is harmful to breastfeeding women or not. Therefore, it is advised that if you are breastfeeding, you must avoid or consult your doctor before consuming the kantakari herb. 
 
For diabetic patients 
There is not enough evidence to support whether thekantakari herb is harmful to diabetic patients or not. Therefore, it is advised that if you are a diabetic patient, then you must avoid or consult your doctor before the consumption of thekantakari herb. 
 
For pregnant women 
There is not enough evidence to support whether the kantakari herb is harmful to pregnant women or not. Therefore, it is advised that if you are breastfeeding, you must avoid or consult your doctor before consuming the kantakari herb. 
 
FAQ about Kantakari:
 
Q.Is it fine to consume kantakari herb on an empty stomach?
A. According to doctors, it is advised that you cannot consume kantakari herb on an empty stomach as this herb is better absorbed when consumed after a meal. Therefore, you can consume a meal before consuming kantakari.
 
Q.What is the right procedure for storing kantakari?
A. The right procedure for storing kantakari herb is to store it in a tight container away from direct sunlight or heat. It would help if you placed the container in a dry and cool place.  
 
Q.Does kantakari help in the treatment of liver injury? 
A. Kantakari has a liver-protecting activity that is beneficial for the treatment of liver injuries as it also has antioxidants that help in fighting off the bacteria and other certain chemicals that could lead to liver cell damage. Therefore, the kantakari herb is beneficial for protecting the liver cells and promote faster healing. 
 
Q.Is kantakari herb beneficial for the treatment of cough in children?
A. According to scientific studies, there is not enough evidence to support this. However, the kantakari herb works as an expectorant that helps in getting rid of excess mucus from the respiratory tract and helps in better breathing. Therefore, kantakari herb may be beneficial for the treatment of cough in children. 
 
Q.Does kantakari help in the treatment of asthma?
A. Kantakari has anti-inflammatory and cough-relieving properties that are beneficial for the treatment of asthma. Due to the anti-inflammatory property of kantakari, the air passages' inflammation is reduced, helps in getting rid of excess mucus from the air passages, which helps in better breathing. Moreover, the anti-allergic properties of kantakari are also beneficial for preventing allergic asthmatic reactions.  
 
Q. Does consuming kantakari helps in lowering blood sugar levels?
A. There is not enough evidence to support this. However, kantakari may be beneficial for lowering blood glucose levels, which may be good for diabetic patients. But there are chances that the consumption of kantakari may increase insulin secretion from the pancreas. 
 
Q.Can we consume kantakari for treating the discomfort during urination?
A. Kantakari has a diuretic property that is beneficial for treating the discomfort during urination. You can consume kantakari juice along with honey for managing the discomfort or pain at the time of urination. 
 
Q.Does kantakari help in promoting digestion? 
A. Kantakari has antimicrobial and anthelmintic properties that are beneficial for promoting good digestion as it inhibits the growth of bacteria in large intestines and promotes proper digestion of food.  
 
Q.Can we use kantakari for treating arthritic pain?
A. The reason for arthritic joint pain is because of an imbalance of Vata in the body. However, using kantakari herb can help in reducing bone and joint pain as kantakari herb has Vata balancing properties, which balances the Vata that thereby helps reduce joint pain. Therefore, for treating joint and bone pain, you could apply kantakari powder on the affected area for relief.
 
Q.Does kantakari help in the treatment of toothache?
A. Kantakari has anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for the treatment of toothache as it helps to reduce the inflammation from the gums and provide relief from toothache. Therefore, one can use kantakari powder and apply it to the affected area for relief. 
 
Q.Can we consume kantakari for treating fever?
A.

Science

Ayurveda

According to scientific studies, kantakari has antipyretic properties that are beneficial for managing fever as it may help bring down the body's temperature. Moreover, kantakari has antioxidant properties that protect the cells from damage against free radicals. Therefore, one can consume kantakari herb for managing fever.

According to ayurvedic studies, the reason for an increase in body temperature is because of an imbalance of doshas in the body. However, kantakari has pitta and Vata balancing properties that help balance the main doshas, thereby managing fever. Moreover, consuming kantakari herb helps in improving the pachak Agni.

 
Ayurvedic tips for consuming kantakari for managing fever
If you are suffering from a fever, then you could consume kantakari by following these steps.
a. You could take about ¼- ½ teaspoon of kantakari powder in a glass. 
b. Then you could add honey or water to the glass and mix well.
c. You could then consume this two times a day after having light meals. 
 
Q.Can we consume kantakari for managing blood pressure?
A.

Science

Ayurveda

According to scientific studies, dry kantakari fruits are beneficial for managing blood pressure as kantakari has blood pressure-lowering properties. Moreover, the antioxidant property of kantakari helps in relaxing the narrowed blood vessels and managing normal blood pressure. Therefore, one can consume kantakari for managing and lowering high blood pressure.

According to ayurvedic studies, the reason for high blood pressure is due to the imbalance of doshas in the body, which leads to the accumulation of toxic waste in the body known as Ama, which further leads to high blood pressure. However, consuming kantakari is beneficial for managing high blood pressure. It has Vata balancing and diuretic properties that can help lower blood pressure by increasing urine production that helps remove the toxins from the body. Therefore, you can consume kantakari herb for lowering the blood pressure.

 
Q.Does kantakari help in the treatment of pimples?
A. Kantakari has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties that are beneficial for the treatment of pimples. Therefore, you can apply the paste of kantakari herb on the affected area for managing your pimples.
Disclaimer - The aim of the article is just to convey information to you. Use any medicine, therapy, herb or fruit please do it under the guidance of a qualified Ayurveda doctor.