SCIENTIFIC NAME: Psoralea corylifolia

 

HINDI NAME: Bakuchi, Babchi

 

ENGLISH NAME: Bakuchi

 

FAMILY:

SHORT DESCRIPTION

Bakuchi seeds are kidney-shaped, bitter in flavour, and contain a potent oil known as bakuchi oil. It is a  blood-purifying herb that tastes sweet, astringent, and bitter, and it is dry and heavy to digest. It is quite potent, having bioactive components that are Kapha-Pitta pacifiers, and an overdose may aggravate the Vata doshas. Bakuchi, due to its intrinsic properties and doshas, has a beneficial effect on numerous body tissues such as plasma and blood.

USES & HEALTH BENEFITS

• Treats vitiligo or white spots
• Has rasayan effect
• Helpful to treat skin conditions like leucoderma, ringworm, psoriasis and acne 
• Improves hair growth and controls hair fall
• Heal mouth and gastric ulcers
• Natural cardiac tonic
• Remedy to anorexia
• Treats respiratory disorders
• Cures urinary tract infection
• Aids indigestion

PRECAUTIONS & SIDE EFFECTS

• Bakuchi should not be used undiluted or in large dosages since it might induce allergic reactions, rashes, and discolouration of the skin.
• Hyperacidity, gastrointestinal discomfort, and fast breathing may result from overdosage.

HOW TO USE

• Apply a paste of seed powder mixed with buttermilk over the affected area in case of scabies and ringworm.
• For chronic skin conditions, take bakuchi as prescribed by an Ayurveda expert, to avoid its overdosage effects.