Kachnar: Uses, Health Benefits & Side Effects

Nature has given us numerous medicinal plants. These plants or their parts (roots, leaves, bark, flowers, etc.) help us address several health issues and get rid of them naturally without any harmful side effects.

Kachnar is one of them. It is highly acknowledged for its beautiful flowers and notable health benefits. Kachnar has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for thousands of years. In this blog post, learn about:

What Is Kachnar?

Kachnar is a flowering plant and belongs to the Fabaceae family. Being native to South and Southeast Asia, it is commonly found in India, China, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Its scientific name is Bauhinia variegata. People call it Orchid Tree and Mountain Ebony in English. 

Health experts know Kachnar for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. In Ayurveda and traditional medicine, experts use its bark, leaves, roots, and flowers to treat varied ailments - hormonal imbalances, diabetes, poor digestion, etc.

Alternative Names of Kachnar

Kachnar is scientifically acknowledged as Bauhinia variegata. People in India and different parts of the world call it by different names. Here are some alternative names of Kachnar for your reference:

• Kachnar Hindi Name - Kachnar, Gurial, Kandan, Gwiar, Khairwal, Kaniar, Koliar, Khawairaal, and Padrian
• Kachnar English Name - Mountain Ebony, Camel's Foot Tree, and Orchid Tree
• Kachnar Sanskrit Name - Kanchanara, Yugapatraka, and Gandari
• Kachnar Tamil - Mandarai
• Kachnar Malayalam - Mantharam
• Kachnar Konkani - Kanchan
• Kachnar Telugu - Deva Kanchanam
• Kachnar Oriya - Kosonaro, Boroda, and Kanjoni
• Kachnar Bengali - Kanchan
• Kachnar Mundari - Burju, Buruju
• Kachnar Kannada - Basavanpada
• Kachnar Urdu - Kachnal
• Kachnar French Name - Bauhinie panache and Arbe de Saint Thomas

Nutritional Value of Kachnar Per 100 Grams

Kachnar contains several nutrients. As per a 2024 study published in Just Agriculture, per 100 grams of Kachnar flowers, buds, or leaves contain:

11 Health Benefits of Kachnar

Consuming the buds, flowers, leaves, or bark of Kachnar is highly beneficial. Here are some science-backed Kachnar benefits for your acknowledgement:

1. Kachnar Helps Improve Fertility in Females

Since ancient times, Kachnar has been used to support females' reproductive health. According to a 2016 study published in the NCBI Research, consuming Kachnar extract or formulations can help manage ovarian cysts, uterine fibroids, and infertility.

Further, it helps improve fertility in women by enhancing blood circulation to the reproductive organs and balancing hormones.

2. Kachnar Enhances Thyroid Function

Ayurvedic experts recognise Kachnar for its effectiveness in treating thyroid issues like goitre and hypothyroidism. A ScienceDirect study states that this herb balances Kapha dosha, which closely relates to thyroid dysfunction and poor metabolism. It is effective in thyroid problems due to its anti-inflammatory effects.

3. Kachnar Supports in Diabetes Management

Kachnar extracts have hypoglycaemic effects that help lower blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

A 2020 study done on animals and published in Springer Link states that Kachnar has anti-diabetic or antihyperglycaemic properties. These properties can enhance insulin sensitivity and improve lipid profiles.

 4. Kachnar Assists in Improving Digestion

Kachnar is rich in dietary fibre, which helps in addressing poor digestion, bloating, and appetite loss. A 2014 NCBI study says that Kachnar enhances digestion by lowering inflammation and stimulating digestive fire (Agni) in the gastrointestinal tract.

5. Kachnar Enhances Immunity

Kachnar carries plenty of antioxidants like phenolics and flavonoids. Due to this, it plays a pivotal role in controlling harmful free radicals that enhance the body’s immune response.

A pilot study conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi, found its anti-inflammatory properties beneficial in improving immunity.

6. Kachnar Makes Wound Healing Faster

Its anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties makes Kachnar enhance the wound healing process. It speeds up tissue regeneration and prevents infections.

7. Kachnar Helps Maintain Body Weight

Kachnar has high protein and low-calorie content. Due to this, it helps regulate thyroid function and enhance metabolism. A 2014 study states that consuming Kachnar extracts for 2-3 months can help lose body weight and make it healthy.

8. Kachnar Might Help Fight Cancer

Kachnar has polyphenols and flavonoids that hold potential to address certain cancers like colon and breast cancers. According to a 2014 NCBI study, it might help prevent tumor growth that could help fight against cancer.

9. Kachnar Helps Strengthen Respiratory Health

Ancient Ayurvedic texts suggest that it has been used to treat several respiratory problems like chronic cough, asthma, and bronchitis for thousands of years. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it helps enhance lung function and lower airway irritation.

10. Kachnar Enhances Kidney Function

Several studies done on animals indicate that Kachnar might help lower kidney inflammation and safeguard the kidneys from any damage caused by toxins. So, it is a beneficial herb for kidney and urinary health.

11. Kachnar Regulates Menstrual Cycles

Consuming Kachnar powder or tea is beneficial for women with heavy periods or irregular menstrual cycles. It helps such females by correcting uterine function and regulating their hormonal imbalances.

How to Use Kachnar

Kachnar extracts are available in various forms. Here are how you can use Kachnar’s available forms:

• Kachnar Powder - Take a half teaspoon of Kachnar bark powder with a glass of warm water and some honey once a day. It will help deal with diabetes, thyroid, and digestion.
• Kachnar Leaves - Take a pan and add a glass of water to it. Add 5-10 Kachnar leaves and boil the water for 10 minutes. Strain the water and take it 1-2 times a day for 3 months to get relief from respiratory issues.
• Kachnar Tea - Place a few dried Kachnar flowers in the pain. Add a glass of water to it. Boil the mix for 5-10 minutes to make tea or decoction. Drink it twice a day to improve your immunity. 

After talking to your doctor, you can take Kachnar tablets, capsules, or supplements. Follow your doctor’s instructions and the recommended dosage while using it to address a particular health problem like thyroid.

Side Effects of Kachnar (Precautions When Using Kachnar)

Knowing Kachnar side effects is essential after being familiar with Kachnar health benefits and Ayurvedic uses. Here are certain side effects and precautions you should know:

• Avoid consuming Kachnar extracts or supplements if you are a pregnant or breastfeeding woman.
• Allergic reactions are possible for highly sensitive people.
• Never take it without consulting your doctor if you are already on medications to address a health issue.
• Overuse may cause you to have stomach upset or low blood sugar, particularly with diabetic people.   

Final Words

Kachnar is a powerful Ayurvedic medicinal herb. The benefits of Kachnar are numerous. Whether you want to balance your hormones, improve immunity, treat thyroid problems, or enhance digestion, consuming Kachnar extracts or supplements will be beneficial.

Apart from being beneficial, it can be harmful to you if you take it excessively. To maximise its Kachnar benefits, consult your doctor before using it.

Disclaimer: This guide on Kachnar’s health benefits is for informational purposes only and not medical advice. Consult a healthcare professional before any treatment, especially in severe cases.

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