Kachnar
Kachnar is also known as Mountain Ebony or Rakta Kanchan is an ornamental plant planted in gardens, parks, and roadsides in many warm temperate and subtropical regions. All parts of the plant (leaves, flower buds, flower, stem, stem bark, seeds, and roots) possess medicinal benefits.
Kachnar leaves are beneficial in managing diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels and improving lipid profile due to the presence of antioxidants. Kachnar stem might help manage weight by improving metabolism.
As per Ayurveda, consuming Kachnar powder along with honey or lukewarm water helps manage the thyroid due to its Tridosha balancing and Deepan (appetizer) properties.
Kachnar helps in wound-healing by inducing the formation of new skin cells due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In Ayurveda, applying Kachnar powder mixed with honey helps manage skin problems such as acne, pimples due to its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
Overconsumption of Kachnar should be avoided as it might cause constipation.[2][3][11-13].
Kachnar leaves are beneficial in managing diabetes by reducing blood glucose levels and improving lipid profile due to the presence of antioxidants. Kachnar stem might help manage weight by improving metabolism.
As per Ayurveda, consuming Kachnar powder along with honey or lukewarm water helps manage the thyroid due to its Tridosha balancing and Deepan (appetizer) properties.
Kachnar helps in wound-healing by inducing the formation of new skin cells due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. In Ayurveda, applying Kachnar powder mixed with honey helps manage skin problems such as acne, pimples due to its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
Overconsumption of Kachnar should be avoided as it might cause constipation.[2][3][11-13].
What are the synonyms of Kachnar?
Bauhinia variegata, Kancanaraka, Kancan, Kanchan Kanchana, Rakta Kanchana, Mountain Ebony, Champakati, Kanchnar, Kachanar, Kanchanar, Keyumandar, Kanchavala, Kalad, Chuvanna Mandharam, Kanchana, Raktakancana, Kachana, Kaniara, Sigappu mandarai, Sihappu mantarai, Deva Kanchanam, orchid-tree, poor-man’s orchid, camel's foot, Napoleon's hat[1][2].
What is the source of Kachnar?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kachnar
1. Wound healing
Kachnar helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. Boiled water of Kachnar helps can be used to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tip to use Kachnar to promote Wound healing-
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Kachnar powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water to it and bring to a boil.
c. Wait 5-10 minutes or till the water is reduced to 1/2 cup.
d. Take 3-4 teaspoon (or as per your requirement) of this Kachnar decoction.
e. Add water to the decoction as per your requirement.
f. Use it to clean the wounds once or twice a day to promote healing.
2. Acne & Pimples
A person with Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type can be prone to Acne and Pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha increases sebum production which clogs the pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. An aggravation of Pitta also causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Kachnar is useful for removing oil and dirt due to its Kashaya (astringent) nature. It also balances aggravated Pitta due to its Sita (cold) property, thus preventing Acne and Pimples.
Tip to use Kachnar to prevent Acne and Pimples -
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Kachnar powder.
b. Add honey to it and make a paste.
c. Apply the paste evenly on the affected area once a day.
d. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of Acne and Pimples.
Kachnar helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. Boiled water of Kachnar helps can be used to promote wound healing and reduce inflammation due to its Ropan (healing) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tip to use Kachnar to promote Wound healing-
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Kachnar powder.
b. Add 2 cups of water to it and bring to a boil.
c. Wait 5-10 minutes or till the water is reduced to 1/2 cup.
d. Take 3-4 teaspoon (or as per your requirement) of this Kachnar decoction.
e. Add water to the decoction as per your requirement.
f. Use it to clean the wounds once or twice a day to promote healing.
2. Acne & Pimples
A person with Kapha-Pitta dosha skin type can be prone to Acne and Pimples. According to Ayurveda, an aggravation of Kapha increases sebum production which clogs the pores. This results in the formation of both white and blackheads. An aggravation of Pitta also causes red papules (bumps) and inflammation with pus. Kachnar is useful for removing oil and dirt due to its Kashaya (astringent) nature. It also balances aggravated Pitta due to its Sita (cold) property, thus preventing Acne and Pimples.
Tip to use Kachnar to prevent Acne and Pimples -
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Kachnar powder.
b. Add honey to it and make a paste.
c. Apply the paste evenly on the affected area once a day.
d. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of Acne and Pimples.
Precautions when using Kachnar
Allergy
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Enough scientific evidence is not available for the use of Kachnar in allergies. So it is advisable to avoid or consult a physician before using Kachnar.
How to use Kachnar
Kachnar Powder Paste
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Kachnar powder.
b. Add honey to it and make a paste.
c. Apply the paste evenly on the affected area once a day.
d. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of skin diseases.
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Kachnar powder.
b. Add honey to it and make a paste.
c. Apply the paste evenly on the affected area once a day.
d. Use this remedy 2-3 times a week to get rid of skin diseases.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Can Kachnar be used in snake bites?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Yes, Kachnar has been used as an antidote for snakebite in the traditional medicine system. It acts as a snake venom neutralizer and helps in alleviating the toxic effects of snake poisoning[4].
Q. How can Kachnar be stored?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kachnar should be stored at room temperature and kept away from direct exposure to heat and light.
Q. What happens if you use expired Kachnar?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
A single dose of expired Kachnar drug may produce adverse reactions such as seizures, heart problems, and skin allergies. So it is generally advisable to avoid taking expired Kachnar.
Q. What are the other commercial uses of Kachnar?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kachnar can be used for the manufacture of the wood wool board, production of gum, and fibers[9].
Q. What is Kachnar called in English?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kachnar is commonly known as Rakta Kanchan in Sanskrit and Mountain Ebony in English.
Q. Is Kachnar flower edible?
MODERN SCIENCE VIEW
Kachnar is a medicinal tree which is used to treat various ailments. It has edible buds and flowers which could be used in cooking meals. It is rich in essential minerals which make it a healthy source of food.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Al-Snafi AE, The Pharmacological Importance of Bauhinia variegata. A Review.International Journal of Pharma Sciences and Research.2013;4(12):160-164. 3.Sahu G, Gupta PK.A review on Bauhinia Variegata.IRJP.2012;3(1):48-51.
- Sahu G, Gupta PK.A review on Bauhinia Variegata.IRJP.2012;3(1):48-51.
- Singh KL, Singh DK, Singh VK.Multidimensional uses of medicinal plant Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata Linn.).American Journal of phytomedicine and clinical therapeutics.2016;4(02):058-072.
- Negi A,Sharma N, Singh MF. Spectrum of Pharmacological activities from Bauhinia variegata: A review. Journal of pharmacy research.2012;5(2):792-797.
- Balkrishna A. Secrets of Indian Herbs for good health.Divya Prakashan;2008.
- Mishra A, Sharma AK, Kumar S, et al.Bauhinia Variegata leaf extracts exhibit considerable antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activities.Biomed Research International.2013;1-10.
- Nariyal V, Sharma P.Kanchnar (Bauhinia Variegata) as a medicinal herb : A systematic review.International Journal of Advanced Research.2017;5(9):587-591.
- Sahu G, Gupta PK. A Review on Bauhinia variegata Linn. International Research Journal of Pharmacy.2012;3(1):48-51.
- Jatav N, Ganeshpurkar A, Gupta N, et al.Nootropic potential of Bauhinia variegata: A systematic study on murine model.Archives of Medicine and Health Sciences.2014;2(1):29-35.
- Kulkarni YA, Garud MS.Bauhinia variegata (Caesalpiniaceae) leaf extract: An effective treatment option in type I and type II diabetes.Biomed Pharmacother. 2016 Oct;83:122-129.
- Balamurugan G, Muralidharan P. Antiobesity effect of Bauhinia variegata bark extract on female rats fed on hypercaloric diet. Bangladesh J Phar-macol. 2010; 5: 8-12.
- Parveen S, Husain SA, Khan N. Bauhinia variegate Linn. : Traditional and Scientific Validation. Adv. Biores., Vol 8 [Spl issue 1] 2016: 78-83.
- Khare P, Kishore K , Sharma DK.Historical aspects, Medicinal uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological review of Bauhinia variegata.Asian Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology 2018; 4(5): 546-562.
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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Last updated 25 Mar 2025 | 03:44 PM (IST)
Introduction
Benefits
Precautions
How to use
FAQs
References