What are the benefits of Chakramard
Nature has always offered powerful solutions to everyday health issues, and Chakramard—a lesser-known but a powerful herb—is one such natural healer. Traditionally used in Ayurvedic and folk medicine, this plant has deep roots in Indian culture and continues to offer therapeutic value even today. The seeds are often used as a substitute for coffee in some cultures (hence another name: “Coffee pod”).It’s commonly confused with Cassia occidentalis, but Cassia tora has fewer leaflets and smaller stature. The plant is a good nitrogen fixer and soil stabilizer.
Latin Name: Casia torra
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Chakvad, Panvaad
- Bengali: Chavuka
- Tamil: Tahgrai
- Telugu: Tagirise, tantepu
- Kannada: Sojanku
- Malayalam: Takara
- Marathi: Takla
- Gujarati: Kuvadiyo
- Punjabi: Kikkar
- English : Sickel senna, Sickel pod, torra
Sanskrit Name:
Kharjugna, Dadrughana: Cures ring worm
Meshakshi kusuma : The flowers and leaves resemble eyes of Mesha means sheep.
Drudabeej : The seeds are hard
Pamaghati: Useful in skin diseases.
Avartaka, Chakrika, Chakrahava , Edagaja, Andagaja, Gajakhya, Andahasti
Chakramard benefits & Ayurvedic Description
Cassia tora is an annual herbaceous plant or shrub that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It is commonly found as a wild weed in fallow fields, roadsides, and forest margins. The plant typically grows upto 30 to 90 cms( 1-3 feet) in height. Chakramard complete its life cycle in one season. The leaves are compound, pinnate with two or three pairs of leaflets. Shape of leaves are oblong and are bright green color on top. Flowers are bright yellow in color and in groups. The fruits (pod) are slender, flat,slightly curved pods resembling a sickle, hence name sicklepod. Fruits are green when unripe and turns brown at maturity. Seeds Numerous, dark brown, rhomboid, hard and glossy
Ras ( Taste)
- Katu (Pungent)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna(Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Katu (Pungent)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Classical Categorization
Bhavprakash nighantu – Haritakyadi varga ( group)
Kaiyadev Nighantu – Aushadi varga ( group)
Dhanvantari Nighantu- Karaveeradi varga
Charak Samhita : Shaka varga ( leafy vegetable group of herb)
Benefits of Chakramard
Anti-inflammatory
Chakrmarda contains phyto nutrients such as stigmasterol which is having anti inflammatory property. Stigmasterol appears to play an important role in diminishing inflammation, which may be due to the presence of chemical compound precursors that can limit inflammatory processes.
It is also having Vata balancing property and as a result of this it is effective in management of inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and osteoarthritis.
Corrects the Liver function
The chemical constituents of cassia torra seeds helps in improving liver function. It’s astringents quality can remove toxins in the body created by indigestion. Moreover, it enhances metabolism, makes the intestine stronger.
Useful in Skin problems
Chakramard can heal different skin issues, including itching, flakiness, and dryness. It also contains antiseptic and antifungal properties to cure different dermatological conditions. Moreover, it is very effective in treatment of fungal infection.
Reduces cholesterol
One of the chakramard benefits is reducing the cholesterol levels in the blood.
Helps Diabetes management
Chakramard contains flavanoids like quercetin which is having antioxidant property and is useful in preventation and treatment of many chronic diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancers.
Advantages of Chakramard in Ayurveda
Hrudya : chakramard benefits in improving heart function. It acts like a cardiac tonic.
Kantikara: Improves skin glow and complexion.
Pittanilahara: Balances pitta and vata dosha.
SrushtaVit mutra : Increases volume of urine and feaces
Medohara: Reduces fat and cholesterol levels.
Kushta : Treats skin problems
Krumi : Useful in worm infestation.
Soukumaryakara: imparts softness to skin and make it look young
Chemical composition
The leaves of Cassia tora are rich in bioactive phytochemicals, particularly known for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids- Kaempferol. Quercitin, Luteolin. Anthraquinones- Emodin, chrysophanol. Glycosides- Cassiatorin, Tora glycosides. Tannins- Condensed and hydrolyzable tannins. Phenolic compounds- Gallic acid, Ferulic acid Alkaloids- Cassine Saponins Steroids B-sitosterol Proteins- Present in minor amounts Essential oils- Small traces found in fresh leaves
The leaves show antioxidant, antimicrobial, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory activity.
The Seeds contains Anthraquinone derivatives- chrysophanol, Emodin, Rhein. Flavonoids- Luteolin ,Quercetin Napthoquinones- Cassia napthopyrone Glycosides- Obtusifolin, Chryso-obtusin Polysaccharides- Mucilage content Proteins , Lipids- fatty acid such as linoleic acid, oleic acid. Fixed oils – present in significant quantity ( used as seed oil) Tannins and Alkaloids.
Seeds exhibit purgative, hepatoprotective, anti-diabetic, and antimicrobial activities.
The roots are less commonly used than leaves and seeds, but still possess valuable phytoconstituent like Anthraquinones- chrysophanol, Aloe emodin Phytosterols- Stigmasterol, B-sitosterol Tannins Phenolic acids- Caffeic acid,p-coumaric acid Resins- Found in minor amounts Carbohydrates- Basic sugars and starch.
How to use Chakramard
Chakramard can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Chakramard seed: This form can be taken directly by making powder from the seeds. 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of this powder with water two times after meals.
- Leaf juice: 5 to 10 ml of freshly prepared juice.
- Part Used : Seeds, leaves, root
What are the side effects chakramard
Like any other Ayurvedic herb chakramard is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects as well they include
Nausea
Excessive consumption of chakramard can lead to digestive discomfort including nausea. The strong, active compounds in it can irritate the stomach lining and cause a feeling of unease and a tendency to vomit.
Allergic Rashes
If someone is sensitive to chakramard they may see skin rashes or redness and itching. In this condition it is advisable to discontinue the use .
Precautions
Avoid taking chakramard if you are experiencing constipation, as its astringent properties can worsen the condition by further reducing bowel movements.
During brest feeding avoid consuming Chakramard.
Avoid consuming chakramard during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use chakramard in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre existing medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using chakramard. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Don’t use chakramard continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store chakramard in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Home Remedies of Chakramard
How to Use: Crush fresh leaves and apply the paste on affected areas. Leave for 30 minutes and rinse.
Frequency: Twice daily for a week.
How to Use: Dry the seeds, powder them, and take 1/4 teaspoon with warm water at bedtime.
Effect: Acts as a gentle laxative.
How to Use: Mix 2 pinches of seed powder with honey and give once daily for 3–5 days.
How to Use: Boil 1 tsp of seed powder in 1 cup of water, reduce to half, strain and drink.
Frequency: Once daily during cough episodes.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic 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 Chakramard take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly Chakramard powder benefits are seen.
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 seeds ?
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 contain Cassia torra
Chakramard is the main ingredient in following medicines
Edagajadi lep : It is used for external application in skin problems
Dadrughan vati: It is used in fungal infection.
Conclusion
Chakramard is one of those underappreciated herbs that has stood the test of time in traditional medicine. With its ability to combat skin diseases, support digestion, and purify the system, this wild plant deserves a place in every herbal enthusiast’s toolkit.
Sometimes, the most powerful remedies grow right under our feet—literally!
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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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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