Kuchla is an evergreen plant with several medicinal properties. The most used part of this plant is its seed, known for its strong odor and sour taste.
Kuchla is acknowledged for many therapeutic properties. One is that it helps to prevent constipation and proves to be beneficial for enhancing appetite. It achieves this by boosting intestinal mobility and intensifying gastrointestinal functions. Due to the presence of certain compounds that help to minimize blood sugar levels, Kuchla is assumed to be good for controlling diabetes as well. It also helps in lowering stress and keeps the brain calm, thus, becoming a natural and organic sedative for people who have insomnia. Its diuretic attributes help control and moderate several urinary problems, such as burning sensations or itching during urination, usually stemming from infections.
History of Kuchla
Kuchla has been deemed beneficial from a medicinal point of view, historically as well. According to Ayurveda, Kuchla has been purified before use throughout history. The purification or shodhana was considered of paramount importance and had to be done using specific substances only. Cow's urine (gomutra), cow's milk (go dugdha) or cow's ghee (go ghrita) were considered suitable to be used for the purification of Kuchla.
Purified Kuchla is known as Sudha Kuchla. It is known to deal with sexual problems such as erectile dysfunction. This benefit can be attributed to its Vajikarna or aphrodisiac properties.
The application of Kuchla oil on the joints is also an old practice. It helps to gain relief from joint pain and inflammation related to rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Other Names for Kuchla
Scientifically known as 'Strychnos nux-vomica,' Kuchla is known by a wide range of other names. Some of them are as follows - Visatindu, Kakatinduka, Ajraki, Habbul gurab, Kucila, Kuchila Poison-nut tree, Nux vomica, Konchala, Jher Kochla, Zer Kochalu, Kuchala, Kuchila, Bish tendu, Kanjihemushti, Manjira, Hemmushti, Ittongi, Kasarkayi, Kajjl, Kanniram, Kajra, Yettimaram, Kakotee, Ettikottai, Ettikkai, Mushti, Mushini, Azaraqi, Kupilu.
Treating Diseases/Health Issues Using Kuchla
Kuchla can be used to treat several medical problems. It can also be used in several forms. Some of them are listed below.
• Erectile Dysfunction
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate and confirm the role of Kuchla in treating erectile dysfunction.
According to Ayurveda, Sudha Kuchla, or purifies, Kuchla is known to manage erectile dysfunction efficiently.
Erectile dysfunction is a condition in which the male partner cannot sustain an erection that is a prerequisite for sexual intercourse.
Due to the Vajikarna or aphrodisiac properties of Sudha Kuchla, it helps overcome erectile dysfunction and ensure satisfactory sexual performance by the male partner.
• Anaemia
According to modern science, Kuchla is considered to be useful in remedying anaemia. However, not much scientific data is available to substantiate and confirm its role for the same.
• Depression
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate and confirm the role of Kuchla in treating or reducing depression.
According to Ayurveda, the Vata completely governs the nervous system. An imbalance in Vata causes depression.
Sudha Kuchla or purified Kuchla is known to manage and reduce the symptoms of depression as it helps to regain the balance of Vata, thereby nipping the source issue in the bud.
• Migraine
According to modern science, Kuchla is considered to be useful in remedying migraine. However, not much scientific data is available to substantiate and confirm its role for the same.
• Appetite Stimulant
According to modern science, Kuchla is an effective appetite stimulant. It is known to increase gastrointestinal activity and intestinal mobility, preventing constipation and keeping the digestive system clear and efficient. Hence, Kuchla proves to be extremely helpful in enhancing one's appetite.
• Asthma
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate and confirm the role of Kuchla in treating or reducing asthma.
Sudha Kuchla is known to relieve breathlessness and help alleviate issues related to asthma.
According to Ayurveda, asthma develops as a result of the imbalance in Vata and Kapha doshas. These two imbalances combined to obstruct the air passage to the lungs and cause difficulty in breathing.
Sudha Kuchla contains some certain compounds which have Kapha balancing properties. This imparts decongestant, bronchodilator, and expectorant properties to Sudha Kuchla, which helps resolve breathing problems and alleviate asthmatic conditions.
• Heart Disease
According to modern science, Kuchla is considered to improve blood circulation, which proves to be useful in managing and controlling heart diseases. However, not much scientific data is available to substantiate and confirm its role for the same.
• Anxiety
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate and confirm the role of Kuchla in treating or reducing anxiety.
According to Ayurveda, imbalances in Vata dosha leads to and promotes anxiety in people.
Sudha Kuchla is known to help manage and control anxiety issues due to its Vata balancing properties. This helps reduce anxiety symptoms to a great extent.
• Eye Disorders
According to modern science, Kuchla is considered to be useful in remedying eye disorders. However, not much scientific data is available to substantiate and confirm its role for the same.
Advised Dosage of Kuchla
1. Sudha Kuchla Powder
60 – 125 mg is the advised dosage for Sudha Kuchla powder.
2. Sudha Kuchla Tablet
1 tablet once or twice a day is the advised dosage for Sudha Kuchla tablet.
How to Consume Kuchla?
1. Sudha Kuchla Powder
It is always recommended to consult a doctor before consumption.
2. Sudha Kuchla Tablet
It is always recommended to consult a doctor before consumption.
How Effective is Sudha Kuchla?
Even though Sudha Kuchla is considered medically helpful, there is not enough scientific evidence to substantiate and confirm its role in treating or reducing the following ailments – Anaemia, Anxiety, Appetite Stimulant, Asthma, Depression, Erectile Dysfunction, Heart Disease, Migraine, and Eye Disorders.
Precautionary Expert Advice
Even though consumption of Sudha Kuchla produces a lot of health benefits in people, irrespective of age, it is essential to keep a few points in mind concerning its safe consumption, which can become problematic if not adhered to.
• Patients Who Breastfeed
According to modern science, it is considered best to avoid the consumption of Sudha Kuchla during the period of breastfeeding.
• Patients Suffering from Diabetes
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate whether or not the consumption of Sudha Kuchla is advisable if you are already taking anti-diabetic medicines. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid or consume Sudha Kuchla under the expert advice of a doctor only in such a scenario.
• Patients Suffering from Heart Disease
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate whether or not the consumption of Sudha Kuchla is advisable if you are already taking anti-hypertensive medicines. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid or consume Sudha Kuchla under the expert advice of a doctor only in such a scenario.
• Patients Who Are Pregnant
According to modern science, it is considered best to avoid the consumption of Sudha Kuchla during the period of pregnancy.
• Other Expert Advices
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
It is considered best to avoid the consumption of Sudha Kuchla if you have any liver problems.
It is considered best to avoid the consumption of Sudha Kuchla if you are already taking antipsychotic medicines.
It is considered best to consume Sudha Kuchla under medical supervision as high doses of the same have been known to be poisonous.
It is recommended to use Kuchla after purification only for external application, i.e., Sudha Kuchla. Due to its Ushna or hot nature, Kuchla can cause rashes and skin discomfort if applied directly without purification.
Side Effects of Sudha Kuchla
Although consumption of Sudha Kuchla produces a lot of health benefits in people, irrespective of age, it is essential to keep a few points in mind concerning its consumption as it is known to cause the following side effects.
1. Restlessness
2. Anxiety
3. Dizziness
4. Neck and back pain
5. Spasms of jaw and neck muscles
6. Convulsions
7. Breathing problems
8. Liver failure
Frequently Asked Questions
Some frequently asked questions are answered below to help with better understanding and to clarify common doubts.
1. What are the forms of Kuchla available in the market?
Kuchla is available in the market for buying in the form of various products. Some of the common ones are as follows –
a. Raw herb
b. Sudha Kuchla Powder
c. Sudha Kuchla Oil
d. Sudha Kuchla Tablet
2. How to purify Kuchla or how to make Sudha Kuchla?
According to Ayurveda, the purification or shodhana of Kuchla is considered of paramount importance and had to be done using specific substances only. Cow’s urine (gomutra), cow’s milk (go dugdha) or cow’s ghee (go ghrita) are considered suitable to be used for the purification of Kuchla. Purified Kuchla is known as Sudha Kuchla.
Kuchla can be purified by following the given steps –
a. Keep Kuchla seeds immersed in gomutra or cow’s urine for 7 days straight.
b. The urine has to be substituted for fresh urine each day.
c. After the 7 days’ time period is over, the Kuchla seeds have to be removed and thoroughly washed with water.
d. The freshly washed Kuchla seeds then have to be boiled in cow’s mils or go dugdha in a dolayantra or an Ayurvedic instrument for 3 hours continuously.
e. After the 3 hours’ time period is over, the Kuchla seeds have to be carefully peeled and properly fried in cow ghee or go ghrita.
f. Finally, the seeds are then to be powdered and stored in dry and airtight containers.
3. What is Shudh Kuchla?
Kuchla, as such, is known to contain a few constituents that can prove to be harmful or poisonous. Therefore, Kuchla seeds are usually processed or purified before use to obtain Shudh Kuchla, which is considered to be safer for use. According to Ayurveda, Kuchla is purified to obtain Shudha Kuchla using cow's urine (gomutra), cow's milk (go dugdha), or cow's ghee (go ghrita).
4. Is Kuchla good for acid reflux?
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate and confirm the role of Kuchla in treating or reducing acid refluxes.
According to Ayurveda, Sudha Kuchla is known to prevent constipation and correct digestive problems by enhancing appetite increasing gastrointestinal activity, and improving intestinal mobility.
However, due to its Ushna or hot nature, Sudha Kuchla is also known to cause acidity and acid refluxes on consumption. Hence it is recommended to consume Sudha Kuchla only under medical supervision.
5. Is Kuchla good for constipation?
Sudha Kuchla helps to prevent constipation and proves to be beneficial for enhancing appetite. It achieves this by boosting intestinal mobility and intensifying gastrointestinal functions. Hence, according to modern science, Sudha Kuchla proves to be quite effective in treating and reduce constipation.
6. Is Kuchla good for headaches?
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate and confirm the role of Kuchla in treating or reducing headaches. However, according to modern science, Sudha Kuchla is considered useful to treat and reduce pain related to migraine and occipital headaches or headaches that originate and slowly spreads from the back of the head.
7. Can I take Kuchla or its supplements without consulting a doctor?
No. It is considered best to consume Sudha Kuchla or its supplements under medical supervision as high doses of the same have been known to be poisonous.
8. What are the benefits of Kuchla?
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
According to modern science, Sudha Kuchla is considered medically beneficial to some extent.
Due to the presence of certain constituents that impart an antidiabetic property, Sudha Kuchla is known to bring blood sugar levels under control.
Sudha Kuchla is also used as an antidote to snake poisoning.
Due to its antioxidant properties, the activities of some of the compounds in Sudha Kuchla may prevent liver cell damage.
According to Ayurveda, Sudha Kuchla helps to treat and reduce some specific conditions such as diabetes or weak digestion, which occur due to the imbalances in certain doshas. Sudha Kuchla proves to be effective in these cases due to its property of balancing the Vata and Kapha doshas.
Sudha Kuchla also helps to enhance appetite by improving digestion due to its Ushna (hot), Deepan (appetizing), and Pachan (digestive) properties.
It also helps to treat erectile dysfunction due to its Vrishya or aphrodisiac properties and ensures satisfactory performance by the male partner.
9. Can Kuchla (nux vomica) be used in pregnancy?
No. According to modern science, it is considered best to avoid the consumption of Sudha Kuchla during the period of pregnancy and breastfeeding.
10. Is Kuchla good for pain and inflammation?
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
Sudha Kuchla is known to contain certain compounds that prevent the activity of some constituents responsible for causing pain, such as cyclooxygenase.
It also helps to gain relief from joint pain and inflammation related to rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
Therefore, Sudha Kuchla is considered good for treating and reducing pain and inflammation.
According to Ayurveda, due to its Vata and Ushna balancing properties, Sudha Kuchla is considered effective in treating and reducing pain and inflammation, especially those related to rheumatism.
11. Can Kuchla (nux vomica) be used as a natural antidote in viper snake poisoning?
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
The anti-inflammatory properties of Sudha Kuchla help prevent the free radical cell damage and neutralize the harm caused by a viper as well as cobra venom. Therefore, it is considered effective as an antidote for the same according to modern science.
According to Ayurveda, due to its Vata and Ushna balancing properties, Sudha Kuchla is considered effective in treating and reducing pain and inflammation, even those concerned with viper or cobra bite venom. Hence, it is considered effective as an antidote for the same.
12. Is Kuchla useful in motion sickness?
There is not enough scientific evidence available to substantiate and confirm the role of Kuchla in treating or reducing motion sickness.
13. Is Kuchla good for urinary problems?
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
According to modern science, the diuretic attributes of Sudha Kuchla help control and moderate several urinary problems, such as burning sensations or itching during urination, usually stemming from infections.
According to Ayurveda, due to its Vata balancing properties, Sudha Kuchla is considered effective in treating and reducing urinary problems. Its Mutral or diuretic properties are also helpful in getting rid of excessive toxins accumulated in the body.
14. Can Kuchla be used for insomnia?
Modern Science View
Ayurvedic View
Sudha Kuchla helps in lowering stress and keeps the brain calm, thus, becoming a natural and organic sedative for people who have insomnia.
According to Ayurveda, due to its Vata balancing properties, Sudha Kuchla is considered effective in treating and reducing insomnia, ensuring sound sleep and a relaxed brain.
15. Can Kuchla help to reduce joint pain?
According to Ayurveda, the application of Kuchla oil on the joints is also an old practice. It helps to gain relief from joint pain and inflammation related to rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
16. Can you apply Kuchla based oil directly to the skin?
According to Ayurveda, it is recommended to use Kuchla after purification only for external application, i.e., Sudha Kuchla. Due to its Ushna or hot nature, Kuchla can cause rashes and skin discomfort if applied directly without purification.
17. What is the use of Kuchla oil?
According to both modern science and Ayurveda, the application of Kuchla oil on the joints or the affected areas is known to relieve pain and inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties.
