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Ayurvedic View By
BAMS
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MD (Pharmacology), MBBS
Last updated
29 Aug 2022 | 04:38 PM (IST)

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Bakuchi

Bakuchi
Bakuchi is an important herb that is used for its medicinal properties. The seeds of Bakuchi are kidney shaped, having a bitter taste and a very unpleasant odor.
Bakuchi oil is an effective home remedy for skin. Applying Bakuchi oil mixed with coconut oil helps reduce inflammatory reactions on skin due to anti-inflammatory property. It’s application also helps reduce boil and skin eruptions due to its strong healing property. According to Ayurveda, Bakuchi powder help improves hair growth and controls dandruff when applied externally due to its Keshya property .
As per Ayurveda, Bakuchi helps control Vitiligo spots due to its Kusthagna and Rasayana properties as it helps in shrinking the white patches. Consuming Bakuchi powder along with honey prevents the destruction of pigment forming cells due to its immunomodulatory activity. It’s consumption can also be used for the management of respiratory diseases due to its antiviral activity. Bakuchi also helps manage liver injury by preventing further hepatic cell damage due to its antioxidant property.
As per Ayurveda, It is advisable to take Bakuchi in small amounts since high doses may cause hyperacidity and gastritis[1-4][5][7][8].

What are the synonyms of Bakuchi?

Psoralea corylifolia, Babchi, Babacha, Babichi, Habchu, Karkokil, Kaurkolari

What is the source of Bakuchi?

Plant Based

Benefits of Bakuchi

1. Vitiligo
Bakuchi controls vitiligo spot because it helps in shrinking the white patches, the darker area slowly covers all white skin area, which leads to visible skin changes due to its Kusthaghna and Rasayana properties.

2. Skin disease
Bakuchi helps to treat various skin problem like itching red papules, itching eruptions, eczema, ringworm, rough and discolored dermatosis, dermatosis with fissures due to its Raktashodaka(Blood Purifier) properties.

3. Indigestion
Bakuchi helps to improve digestion due to its Ushna(hot) potency which promotes digestive fire and digest food quickly.

4. Worm infestation
Bakuchi treats worm infestation due to its Krimighna (anti worms) property.

5. Cough disordes
Bakuchi has the property of balancing Kapha as well as has Ushna Virya (hot in Potency) so it can help control asthma, cough and bronchitis.

Precautions when using Bakuchi

Advice from Experts
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Bakuchi should be taken in recommended dose and duration since high dose and prolonged usage can cause hyperacidity and gastritis.
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Some products like curd, pickles, fish etc. should be avoided in case of vitiligo treatment with Bakuchi churna beacause these are Apathya with treatment.
Breastfeeding
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Bakuchi should be used only under medical supervision during breast-feeding.
Pregnancy
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Bakuchi should be used only under medical supervision during pregnancy.

Recommended Dosage of Bakuchi

  • Bakuchi Churna - ¼-½ twice a day.
  • Bakuchi Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
  • Bakuchi Tablet - 1-2 tablets twice a day.

How to use Bakuchi

1. Bakuchi Churna
a. With honey
i. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Bakuchi Churna.
ii. Add 1 teaspoon honey.
iii. Have it after lunch and dinner.

2. Bakuchi Capsule
Take 1-2 Bakuchi Capsule swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.

3. Bakuchi Tablet
Take 1-2 Bakuchi Tablet swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.

Benefits of Bakuchi

1. Vitiligo
Bakuchi controls vitiligo spot because it helps in shrinking the white patches, the darker area slowly covers all white skin area, which leads to visible skin changes due to its Kusthaghna property. It also helps to quick healing when applied externally on affected area due to its Ropan (healing) nature.

2. Hair Loss
Bakuchi powder improves hair growth and removes dandruff when applied externally due to its Keshya (hair growth enhancer) property.

3. Wound
Bakuchi helps to the quick healing of wound when applying on affected area because of its Ropan(healing) properties. Because of this property, Bakuchi accelerated the wound healing process.

Precautions when using Bakuchi

Advice from Experts
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Bakuchi seed paste should be used with milk, rose water or any cooling substance if your skin is hypersensitive since it is Ushna Virya (hot in potency).
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Bakuchi oil also can cause mild skin irritation and burning sensation when applied externally. So use it with coconut oil or with your moisturizing lotion.

Recommended Dosage of Bakuchi

  • Bakuchi Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
  • Bakuchi Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.

Frequently asked questions

Q. How to apply Bakuchi (Babchi) seed oil on the face and body?

scientific
Modern Science View
Bakuchi seed oil can be applied to face and body in combination with coconut oil by the following method:
1. Take a few drops of Bakuchi oil (as per your requirement).
2. Add an equal quantity of coconut oil to it.
3. Apply it on the affected area 4-5 times a day.

Q. How should Bakuchi be used for the treatment of vitiligo or Leucoderma?

scientific
Modern Science View
Bakuchi oil should be applied topically on the skin with a little rubbing. The oil improves pigmentation of the skin which as a result helps in managing vitiligo. It has immunomodulatory property due to which it increases the amount of melanocytes (pigment-forming cells). It also helps to remove toxins from the skin and revitalizes the area[4].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Vitiligo is caused due to imbalance of Pitta in the body. Imbalanced Pitta leads to the formation of Ama (toxin remains in the body due to indigestion), which consequently impairs deeper body tissues. This ultimately causes depigmentation of the skin. Bakuchi helps to manage this condition due to its Deepan (appetizer), Pachan (digestion), and Ropan (digestion) properties. It improves digestive system which helps to digest Ama and heals this condition, thus providing relief. It also helps in skin rejuvenation due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property.
Tips
1. Take Bakuchi oil as per your requirement.
2. Mix it with an equal quantity of coconut oil.
3. Apply this mixture on the affected area and expose it to morning sunlight.
4. Repeat daily for better results.

Q. Can Bakuchi be used for respiratory diseases?

scientific
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Bakuchi in respiratory diseases.
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Bakuchi can be used in respiratory diseases like cough which occurs due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. This leads to the formation and accumulation of mucus in the respiratory pathway. Bakuchi manages this condition due to its Kapha balancing and Rasayana (rejuvenation) properties. It reduces the formation of mucus and helps to maintain your overall health.

Q. What are the uses of Bakuchi in diarrhea?

scientific
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Bakuchi in diarrhea.

Q. Is Bakuchi helpful in jaundice?

scientific
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Bakuchi in Jaundice. However, Bakuchi may prevent liver injury due to its antioxidant activity. It fights against free radicals and may prevent hepatic cell damage[7].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Bakuchi might help in jaundice which occurs due to an imbalance of all three doshas which leads to weak digestion or loss of appetite. Bakuchi manages this condition due to its Rasayana (rejuvenation) and Deepan (appetizer) properties. It maintains overall health, improves your digestion, and also enhances your appetite.

Q. What are the side effects of Bakuchi Churna?

scientific
Modern Science View
There are generally no side effects of Bakuchi churna. But, it is generally advised to consult your doctor before taking Bakuchi churna[9].

Q. What are the medicinal uses of Bakuchi oil?

scientific
Modern Science View
Bakuchi oil is useful in infections, as it inhibits the growth of fungi and bacteria due to its antifungal and antibacterial properties. It also prevents inflammation on the skin due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it helps to manage problems like vitiligo, boils, and skin eruptions[5][6][8].
ayurvedic
Ayurvedic View
Bakuchi oil can be used for local application in conditions like vitiligo due to its Ropan (healing) property. It should be used with coconut oil for better results. It helps in healing of the patches which appear due to this condition.
Tips
1. Take a few drops of Bakuchi oil.
2. Add an equal amount of coconut oil in it.
3. Apply it on the affected area.

References

  1. Abeysekera AM, Gunaherath KB, Gunawardena AR,et.al.Studies on the composition and standardization of “Bakuchi oil”, An Ayurvedic medicinal oil prepared from Psoralea corylifolia l. Used in the treatment of Vitiligo.Int. J. Res.Ayurveda Pharm.2012,3(3);411-415.
  2. Wu CS, Lan CC, Wang LF,et al.Effect of psoralen plus ultraviolet a irradiation on cultured epidermal cell in vitro and patients with vitiligo in vivo” Br.Int J Dermatol.2007,156(1):122-9.
  3. Acharya MJ, Singh TR , Patgiri BJ.Antimicrobial activity of different dosage forms of Bakuchi (Psoralea corylifolia Linn.) taila, An Ayurvedic formulation.Int J Ayurveda Res.2015,6(3):232-236.
  4. Hussain I, Hussain N, Manan A, et al. Fabrication of anti-vitiligo ointment containing Psoralea corylifolia: in vitro and in vivo characterization. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2016; 10: 3805–3816.
  5. Alam F, Khan GN, Bin Asad HH. Psoralea corylifolia L: Ethnobotanical, biological, and chemical aspects: A review.Wiley.2017;32(3):1-19.
  6. Khushboo PS, Jadhav PM, Kadam VJ, et al. Psoralea corylifolia Linn.—“Kushtanashini”. Pharmacogn Rev.2010;4(7): 69–76.
  7. Seo E, Oh YS, Kim D, et al. Protective Role of Psoralea corylifoliaL. Seed Extract against Hepatic Mitochondrial Dysfunction Induced by Oxidative Stress or Aging.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2013;1-9.
  8. Khushboo PS, Jadhav PM, Kadam VJ, et al. Psoralea corylifolia Linn.—“Kushtanashini”. Pharmacogn Rev.2010;4(7): 69–76.
  9. Kumar GA, Mahendra P, Meena MS. Effect of Bakuchi on Vitiligo- A case study. IAMJ. 2015;3(1):193-196.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.

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