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 View

Bakuchi should be taken in recommended dose and duration since high dose and prolonged usage can cause hyperacidity and gastritis.

Breastfeeding

Ayurvedic View

Bakuchi should be used only under medical supervision during breast-feeding.

Pregnancy

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.

Frequently asked questions

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

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.

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.