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Kaunch beej
Kaunch beej
Kaunch beej or Cowhage is widely known as “The magic velvet bean”. It is a leguminous plant and is a good source of protein..
Kaunch beej increases sexual desire as well as the quality and quantity of sperm due to its aphrodisiac property. It helps in the management of nervous disorders like Parkinson's diseases and controls the symptoms of arthritis. The most effective way of consuming Kaunch beej powder is with milk. It might also help reduce the risk of breast cancer[1-3].
External exposure to the hair of the Kaunch beej pod or the seed itself can cause severe itching, burning and rashes[13].
Kaunch beej increases sexual desire as well as the quality and quantity of sperm due to its aphrodisiac property. It helps in the management of nervous disorders like Parkinson's diseases and controls the symptoms of arthritis. The most effective way of consuming Kaunch beej powder is with milk. It might also help reduce the risk of breast cancer[1-3].
External exposure to the hair of the Kaunch beej pod or the seed itself can cause severe itching, burning and rashes[13].
What are the synonyms of Kaunch beej?
Mucuna pruriens, Banar Kakua, Cowhage, Kavach, Kaucha, Kewanch, Kaunch, Nasugunne, Naikuruna, Khajkuhilee, Baikhujnee, Tatgajuli, Kawach, Poonaikkali, Doolagondi, Duradagondi, Kanwach, Konch, Kapikacchu
What is the source of Kaunch beej?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kaunch beej
Modern Science View
Kaunch beej works as an aphrodisiac and helps in increasing sexual desire. It helps to improve sperm count and motility. It also helps to increase the production and quantity of semen. Apart from this, Kaunch beej helps reduce physiological stress and improves semen quality. This is due to its antioxidant property.
Some studies state that Kaunch beej improves sexual performance by delaying the time of ejaculation[4][5].
Some studies state that Kaunch beej improves sexual performance by delaying the time of ejaculation[4][5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Kaunch beej is widely used for enhancing sexual power. It also improves the quality and quantity of semen because of its Guru (heavy) and Vrushya (aphrodisiac) properties.
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
2. Mix with honey or 1 cup lukewarm milk.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking food.
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
2. Mix with honey or 1 cup lukewarm milk.
3. Swallow it once or twice a day after taking food.
Modern Science View
Kaunch beej powder might be beneficial in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
In Parkinson’s disease, there is a decline in the number of dopamine-producing neurons. A drop in the level of dopamine in the brain leads to the symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as tremor, stiffness in movement and imbalance. Kaunch beej has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. These seeds contain L-dopa which gets converted to dopamine and restores its level in the brain. As a result, this helps in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease[1][2].
In Parkinson’s disease, there is a decline in the number of dopamine-producing neurons. A drop in the level of dopamine in the brain leads to the symptoms of Parkinson's disease such as tremor, stiffness in movement and imbalance. Kaunch beej has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. These seeds contain L-dopa which gets converted to dopamine and restores its level in the brain. As a result, this helps in managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease[1][2].
Ayurvedic View
Kaunch beej powder helps to control the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. A disease condition 'Vepathu' described in Ayurveda may be correlated with Parkinson's disease. It is caused by vitiated Vata. Taking Kaunch beej powder balances Vata and controls the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
Tip:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
b. Mix with 1 teaspoon honey or 1 cup lukewarm milk.
c. Have it preferably after lunch and dinner.
Tip:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
b. Mix with 1 teaspoon honey or 1 cup lukewarm milk.
c. Have it preferably after lunch and dinner.
Modern Science View
Kaunch beej powder might be beneficial in the management of arthritis. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. These properties help to reduce pain and swelling in the joints[1][2][4].
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, the bones and joints are considered a site of Vata in the body. Pain in the joints is mainly due to Vata imbalance. Taking Kaunch beej powder helps in balancing Vata, thereby reducing bone and joint pain.
Tip:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
b. Mix with 1 teaspoon honey or 1 cup lukewarm milk.
c. Have it preferably after lunch and dinner for managing bone and joint pain.
Tip:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
b. Mix with 1 teaspoon honey or 1 cup lukewarm milk.
c. Have it preferably after lunch and dinner for managing bone and joint pain.
Modern Science View
Prolactin hormone is required to maintain lactation in breastfeeding mothers. Overproduction of prolactin hormone can increase the risk of breast cancer. The presence of L-dopa present in Kaunch beej inhibits the overproduction of prolactin hormone. This helps to prevent the growth of cancer cells. It further induces DNA damage and apoptosis (cell death) in these cells. Thus, Kaunch beej slows down the spread of breast cancer by managing the levels of prolactin hormone[2][3].
How effective is Kaunch beej?
Likely effective
Increasing sexual desire
Insufficient evidence
Arthritis, High levels of prolactin, Muscle pain, Parkinson's disease, Worm infections
Precautions when using Kaunch beej
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
1. Ingestion of hairs from Kaunch beej pod or the seed itself can result in significant mucosal irritation and should be avoided[13].
2. Kaunch beej may increase acid secretion. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Kaunch beej if you have peptic ulcer[2].
2. Kaunch beej may increase acid secretion. So it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Kaunch beej if you have peptic ulcer[2].
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Kaunch beej if you already have hyperacidity and gastritis as it has Ushna (hot) potency.
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor before taking Kaunch beej if you are breastfeeding[2].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Important
Modern Science View
Kaunch beej may interact with CNS drugs. So, it is generally advisable to consult your doctor while taking Kaunch beej with CNS drugs[2].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Kaunch beej may lower the blood sugar. So, it is generally advisable to monitor your blood sugar while taking Kaunch beej if you have low blood sugar[2].
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Kaunch beej may lower the blood pressure. So, It is generally advisable to monitor your blood pressure while taking Kaunch beej if you have low blood pressure[2].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Consult your doctor before taking Kaunch beej during pregnancy[2].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Headache
2. Confusion
3. Agitation
4. Hallucinations[2].
2. Confusion
3. Agitation
4. Hallucinations[2].
Recommended Dosage of Kaunch beej
- Kaunch beej Churna - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
- Kaunch beej Capsule - 1 capsule twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
- Kaunch beej Tablet - 1 tablet twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
How to use Kaunch beej
1. Kaunch beej Churna or Powder
A. With Honey
i. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
ii. Add honey to it.
iii. Have it preferably after lunch and dinner.
iv. Replace honey with lukewarm water or milk if you are diabetic.
B. With Milk
i. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
ii. Mix with 1 cup milk and boil it for 3-5 minutes.
iii. Have it once or twice a day after taking food.
2. Kaunch beej Capsule
a. Take 1 Kaunch beej capsule twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
3. Kaunch beej Tablet
a. Take 1 Kaunch beej tablet twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
A. With Honey
i. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
ii. Add honey to it.
iii. Have it preferably after lunch and dinner.
iv. Replace honey with lukewarm water or milk if you are diabetic.
B. With Milk
i. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
ii. Mix with 1 cup milk and boil it for 3-5 minutes.
iii. Have it once or twice a day after taking food.
2. Kaunch beej Capsule
a. Take 1 Kaunch beej capsule twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
3. Kaunch beej Tablet
a. Take 1 Kaunch beej tablet twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
Benefits of Kaunch beej
1. Insect Bite
Kaunch beej powder helps to reduce the poisonous effect of insect bite. This is because of its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
b. Mix it with milk and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area.
d. Leave till symptoms subside.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
2. Wound healing
Kaunch beej powder helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Kaunch beej powder with Coconut oil helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
b. Mix it with milk and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area.
d. Let it dry.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
f. Repeat this for quick healing of wound.
Kaunch beej powder helps to reduce the poisonous effect of insect bite. This is because of its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
b. Mix it with milk and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area.
d. Leave till symptoms subside.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
2. Wound healing
Kaunch beej powder helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Kaunch beej powder with Coconut oil helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
b. Mix it with milk and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area.
d. Let it dry.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
f. Repeat this for quick healing of wound.
Precautions when using Kaunch beej
Allergy
Important
Modern Science View
External exposure to the hair of the Kaunch beej pod or the seed itself can cause severe itching, burning and rashes[13].
Ayurvedic View
Use the paste of Kaunch beej with milk or rose water on the skin as it is Ushna (hot) potency.
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Severe Itching
2. Burning
3. Swelling[2].
2. Burning
3. Swelling[2].
Recommended Dosage of Kaunch beej
- Kaunch beej Powder - 1/2-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Kaunch beej
1. Kaunch beej Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
b. Mix it with milk and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area.
d. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
f. Use this remedy for quick healing of wound.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
b. Mix it with milk and make a paste.
c. Apply evenly on the affected area.
d. Let it sit for 5-7 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with fresh water.
f. Use this remedy for quick healing of wound.
Frequently asked questions
Ayurvedic View
Yes, you can take Kaunch beej powder with milk. Kauch beej has Ushna (hot) potency so milk is good to balance and make it easily digestible.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Kaunch beej is good for woman’s health especially to get relief from all types of Vata disorders like joint pain. But it is advisable to consult your doctor while taking Kaunch beej (seeds) during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Ayurvedic View
1. Kaunch beej Powder
A. With Honey
i. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Kaunch beej.
ii. Add honey to it.
iii. Have it preferably after lunch and dinner.
B. With Milk
i. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
ii. Mix with 1 cup milk and boil it for 3-5 minutes.
iii. Add sugar as per your requirement.
iv. Have it once or twice a day after taking food.
2. Kaunch beej (seeds) Capsule
i. Take 1 Kaunch beej capsule twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
ii. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
3. Kaunch beej (seeds) Tablet
i. Take 1 Kaunch beej tablet twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
ii. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
A. With Honey
i. Take ¼-½ teaspoon of Kaunch beej.
ii. Add honey to it.
iii. Have it preferably after lunch and dinner.
B. With Milk
i. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
ii. Mix with 1 cup milk and boil it for 3-5 minutes.
iii. Add sugar as per your requirement.
iv. Have it once or twice a day after taking food.
2. Kaunch beej (seeds) Capsule
i. Take 1 Kaunch beej capsule twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
ii. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
3. Kaunch beej (seeds) Tablet
i. Take 1 Kaunch beej tablet twice a day or as prescribed by the doctor.
ii. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, a mixture of Ashwagandha, Kaunch beej powder and Shatavari powder is good to enhance overall stamina and strength. You can take it preferably with milk for better results.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kaunch beej powder is available online on various e-commerce platforms.
Ayurvedic View
Kaunch beej powder or churna can be taken either with honey, milk or lukewarm water.
A. With Honey
i. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
ii. Add honey to it.
iii. Have it preferably after lunch and dinner.
iv. Replace honey with lukewarm water or milk if you are diabetic.
B. With Milk
i. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
ii. Mix with 1 cup milk and boil it for 3-5 minutes.
iii. Have it once or twice a day after taking food.
A. With Honey
i. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
ii. Add honey to it.
iii. Have it preferably after lunch and dinner.
iv. Replace honey with lukewarm water or milk if you are diabetic.
B. With Milk
i. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Kaunch beej powder.
ii. Mix with 1 cup milk and boil it for 3-5 minutes.
iii. Have it once or twice a day after taking food.
Ayurvedic View
Kaunch Pak is an Ayurvedic preparation which helps to improve sexual stamina and boost immunity to fight against infections or other health ailments. You can take 1 teaspoon Kaunch Pak with milk once or twice a day or as directed by the doctor.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kaunch beej works as an aphrodisiac. It helps to increase the sperm count and movement. It also helps to increase the production and quantity of semen. Some studies state that Kaunch beej improves sexual performance by delaying the time of ejaculation[4][5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Kaunch beej powder is widely used for enhancing sexual power. It also improves the quality and quantity of semen because of its Guru (heavy) and Vrushya (aphrodisiac) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kaunch beej has a role in diabetes. Kaunch beej (seeds) contain d-chiro-inositol. D-chiro-inositol mimics the action of insulin. This helps in glucose metabolism. Kaunch beej has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This reduces the risk of diabetes-related complications[1].
Ayurvedic View
In diabetes, weakness is one of the common symptoms and Kaunch beej plays an important role in reducing weakness. This is because of its Balya (strength provider) property. Kaunch beej also helps reduce the risk of diabetes complications.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kaunj beej is used for prophylaxis (preventive action) in the case of snake venom poisoning. Snake venom contains a number of toxins. Kaunch beej helps to improve the immune response. It stimulates the production of antibodies that bind to the proteins in the snake venom. They inhibit the proteins in the snake venom. Thus, Kaunch beej has anti-snake venom activity[1].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kaunch beej powder is useful to facilitate the growth of beard. This is because it helps to convert testosterone to DHT (dihydrotestosterone) by an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase. DHT is the primary hormone that stimulates facial hair follicle for rapid growth of beard. Secondly, Kaunch beej boost testosterone level. So more the testosterone, the more conversion of DHT. Lastly, Kaunch beej also has a role in activating androgen receptors. This ensures that DHT is utilized more efficiently. Together, it helps improve the growth of beard[7-10].
Modern Science View
Kaunch beej might help improve the level of testosterone due to the presence of L-dopa. L-DOPA stimulates secretion of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which ultimately activates the pituitary gland to secrete FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone). This increase in the level of FSH and LH increases synthesis of testosterone by Leydig cells of the testis[11][12].
Modern Science View
Stress increases the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which in turn increases the cortisol levels (stress hormone) in the body. Kaunch beej reduces the level of cortisol and helps to reduce stress and stress-related problems due to its antioxidant property[11].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kaunch beej might help improve energy levels due to the presence of L-dopa in it. L-dopa gets converted to dopamine which helps elevate energy levels in the body[11].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Kaunch beej helps in boosting energy and improve stamina because of its Guru (heavy) and Vrishya (aphrodisiac) properties. Kaunch beej powder also helps improve libido which is due to low energy level.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, you can take Kaunch beej to gain weight. This is due to its Guru (heavy) and Balya (strength provider) properties.
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Kaunch beej powder.
2. Mix with milk and have it once or twice a day.
Tip:
1. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Kaunch beej powder.
2. Mix with milk and have it once or twice a day.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kaunch beej helps in wound healing. It has good antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. The phytoconstituents in Kaunch beej help in wound contraction and closure. It helps in the formation of collagen and new skin cells. It also reduces the risk of infection in the wound. Thus, Kaunch beej promotes wound healing[6].
Ayurvedic View
It is advisable to consult a doctor before applying Kaunch beej powder on the skin. Also, avoid the direct skin contact of the shell of Kaunch beej as it can cause itching and a burning sensation. This is due to its Ushna (hot) potency.
References
- Lampariello LR, Cortelazzo A, Guerranti R.The Magic Velvet Bean of Mucuna pruriens.J Tradit Complement Med.2012; 2(4): 331–339.
- WebMD.Cowhage: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Sinha S, Sharma S, Vora J, et al. Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC chemo sensitize human breast cancer cells via downregulation of prolactin-mediated JAK2/STAT5A signaling. J Ethnopharmacol.2018;217:23-35.
- Kumar P, Saha S. An updated review on taxonomy, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology of Macuna pruriens. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry.2013;2(1):306-314.
- Chauhan NS, Sharma V, Dixit VK, et al. A review on plants used for improvement of sexual performance and virility. BioMed Research International.2014.
- Toppo FA, Pawar RS. Appraisal on the wound healing activity of different extracts obtained from Aegle marmelos and Mucuna pruriens by in vivo experimental models. Niger J Clin Pract.2016;19:753-760.
- Thornton MJ, Laing I, Hamada K, et al.Differences in testosterone metabolism by beard and scalp hair follicle dermal papilla cells. Clinical Endocrinology.1993;39(6):633-639.
- Grino PB, Griffin JE, Wilson JD.Testosterone at high concentrations interacts with the human androgen receptor similarly to dihydrotestosterone.Endocrinology.1990.;126(2):1165-72.
- Gupta A, Mahdi AA, Ahmad MK, et al.A proton NMR study of the effect of Mucuna pruriens on seminal plasma metabolites of infertile males.J Pharm Biomed Anal. 2011.15;55(5):1060-6.
- Shukla KK, Mahdi AA, Ahmad MK, et al.Mucuna pruriens improves male fertility by its action on the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis.Fertil Steril.2009;92(6):1934-40.
- Shukla KK, Mahdi AA, Ahmad MK, Pyari S, et al.Mucuna pruriens Reduces Stress and Improves the Quality of Semen in Infertile Men.Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2010; 7(1): 137–144.
- Singh AP, Sarkar S, Tripathi M, Rajender S.Mucuna pruriens and Its Major Constituent L-DOPA Recover Spermatogenic Loss by Combating ROS, Loss of Mitochondrial Membrane Potential and Apoptosis.PLoS One. 2013; 8(1): e54655.
- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
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.