Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia) is a powerful herb in Ayurveda, known for its remarkable healing properties, particularly for skin health. It has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for treating various ailments, especially skin disorders like vitiligo, psoriasis, and eczema. Bakuchi is revered for its ability to purify the blood, stimulate melanin production, and enhance overall skin health.
Latin Name: Psoralea Corylifolia
Vernacular Names
- Hindi: Babchi , Bakuchi
- Bengali: Bakuchi
- Tamil: Karpokarishi
- Telugu: Bavanchalu
- Kannada: Banvanchi
- Malayalam: Karkokil
- Marathi: Bavchi
- Gujarati: Bavachi
- Punjabi: Atis
Sanskrit Name: Bakuchi, Kusthanashini, Bvalguja, Chanderprabha, Sashilekha, Shulotka, Sitavari, Soma, Vejani.
Bakuchi Benefits & Ayurvedic Description
Bakuchi is a important herb in Ayurveda as a (Digestive & carminative), grahi ( absorbent), hrudya ( good for heart) that balances Vata and Kapha . It is especially prized for its effects on the skin and hairs problems .
Ras ( Taste)
- Katu ( Pungent)
- Tikta (Bitter)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Benefits of Bakuchi
Helpful in Vitiligo
Vitiligo also known as leucoderma is a type of skin problem where there is whitish discolouration of skin. This happens because of lack of secretion of melanin hormone.
Bakuchi benefits in vitiligo because if its ability to stimulate melanin secretion .
Useful in Itching
In Ayurveda itching is sign of Kapha imbalance. Bakuchi helps in balancing kapha dosha because of it’s hot potency. Moreover it possesses antimicrobial and antifungal properties, making it effective against itching in fungal infection or in dermatitis.
Immunity & Vitality
The Bakuchi herb benefits in strengthening the immunity by balancing the kapha- vata dosha. In Ayurveda increase in kapha dosha leads to low immunity.
Helpful in Eczema
It is an excellent blood purifier and therefore Bakuchi benefits in skin problems like eczema, psoriasis and pimples.
Good for heart
One The powerful cardio-tonic properties of bakuchi plays a key role in treating a host of heart problems. It manages irregular cardiac rhythm. It prevents lipid peroxidation and accumulation in the blood vessels which in turn reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart blocks, heart attacks, blood clots etc.
Medicinal Qualities of Bakuchi
The seeds of psoralea have following medicinal properties.
Vishtambrit: Helps to relieve constipation.
Ruchya : Improves taste, useful in aruchi (anorexia).
Sara: Promotes natural movement of body fluids .
Sheshmahar : balances kapha dosha
Hrudya : Relives useful in cardiac disorder.
Shwahar : Useful in dysponea, Asthma, Bronchitis .
Kusthaghana: Useful in skin diseases .
Mehahara: Useful in urinary tract disorders and diabetes.
Jwarhara : Useful in fever
Krumipranut : Useful in worm infestation
The fruits of psoralea have following medicinal properties.
Pittala: Increases Pitta.
Kushtahara: Useful in skin diseases.
Kaphanilahara: Balances Kapha and Vata dosha .
Keshya : improves hair quality and luster
Tvachya : Good for skin.
Krumihara : Useful in worm infestation .
Kasahara: Useful in cold and cough .
Amahara: Relieves the state of indigestion .
Medha : Improves intelligence
Ayushkama: Antiageing, Reguvenative
Varieties of Bakuchi
There are 2 types of Bakuchi that are found based on the colour
- White colour ( shveta bakuchi)
- Black colour ( krishn bakuchi)
Bioactive Compound in Bakuchi
Bakuchi comprises vast reserves of plant-based antioxidants that portray strong anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-diabetic, decongestant, antimicrobial, wound healing and rejuvenative traits. Bakuchi seed contains coumarin, volatile oil, flavones, phenols, lipids, and stigmasteroids. The volatile compounds present in Bakuchi oil are limonene, terpin-4-ol, β – caryophyllene, linalool, and geranyl acetate. The essential medicinal components of bakuchi oil are psoralen, psoralidin, isopsoralen, isopsoralidin, bavacoumestan A, corylidin and bavacoumestan. Bakuchiol is a component present in seed oil. The fatty acids of Bakuchi are composed of palmitic, linoleic, and oleic acid with small fractions of lignoceric, stearic, and linolenic acids.
How to use Bakuchi
Bakuchi can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Bakuchi Powder (Churna): Mixed with warm water or honey.
- External Application: Make a paste of Bakuchi powder by adding cow urine or honey and apply this paste on skin.
- Part Used : Seeds
- Dosage : Adults 2 to 3 gms two times a day
- Childrens 1 to 2 gms two times a day
Home Remedies of Bakuchi
In Vitiligo : Take 2 gms of Bakuchi churna add little amount of cow urine or honey to it and make a paste(lep). Apply this paste where ever the white patches are on the body.
For Eczema and psoriasis : Take Bakuchi , Nagarmotha, Sariva, Kutaj, Lodhra 2gms each . Make a decoction by adding water to it and boil it. Take this decoction 10 to 20 ml it will help to reduce itching and reversing the skin disease.
Also read about Ayurvedic treatment for psoraisis
Helpful in Heart problems: Take Bakuchi and Arjun powder 5 gms each add 4 cup of water to it and boil it till it reduces to 2 cup. Consuming this decoction in 2o ml quantity twice a day will help to improve blood circulation to make heart stronger .
Cautions And Contraindications
While Bakuchi(Psoralea corylifolia) has many benefits and is generally safe, excessive consumption may cause:
- Dryness of mouth, heartburn and other Pitta dominance symptoms .
- Allergic reactions in rare cases.
Pregnant or lactating women and those on medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homoepathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina.
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. With western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Bakuchi take to start showing result ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly shatavari work. However it is observed that results are usually visible in 1-2 weeks or even months.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this product.
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains Bakuchi
Bakuchi (Psorelia corylefolia) is main ingredient in following Ayurvedic medicines
Panchnimbadi churna: It is herbal combination of herbs mainly containing bakuchi and is useful in problems related to skin such eczema , psoriasis and urticaria .
Mahamanghistadi kwath: A very famous herbal decoction used in treating skin diseases and as a blood purifying medicine.
Somraji oil : Used for external application in ezxema, dermatitis and vitiligo.
Conclusion
Bakuchi is a one of Ayurvedic herb, revered for its blood purifying and vata kapha balancing properties. Whether for improving leucoderma, relieving itching, or cleansing the blood, Bakuchi continues to be a trusted herb for promoting health and well-being in a natural and holistic way.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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