Kanchnaar in Ayurveda

Botanical Name: Bauhinia variegata

Family: Fabaceae

Description: Kanchnaar is a medium-sized, deciduous tree that grows up to 10-12 meters in height. It has smooth, brownish bark, unique bilobed leaves resembling a cow’s hoof, and large, fragrant flowers in pink, purple, or white, which bloom in the spring. The tree produces pods containing multiple seeds. Due to its appealing flowers, Kanchnaar is often used as an ornamental tree and is highly valued in Ayurveda for its medicinal properties.

Occurrence: Native to India, Kanchnaar grows widely in the Himalayas, plains, and tropical regions across the country. It also thrives in Southeast Asia and is cultivated for ornamental and medicinal purposes.

Chemical Constituents:

• Flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol)
• Tannins
• Alkaloids
• Phytosterols
• Glycosides
• Saponins

Guna (Properties):

• Rasa (Taste): Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter)
• Virya (Potency): Ushna (heating)
• Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (pungent)
• Guna (Qualities): Ruksha (dry), Laghu (light)

Uses:

1. Lymphatic Support: Beneficial for treating lymphatic swellings and glandular enlargements.
2. Tumor and Cyst Treatment: Commonly used for managing uterine fibroids, ovarian cysts, and benign tumors.
3. Detoxifying: Supports the body in removing toxins, often used for balancing Kapha disorders.
4. Skin Health: Effective for acne, eczema, and skin irritations.
5. Thyroid Health: Supports healthy thyroid functioning, balancing thyroid hormones.

Mode of Action: Kanchnaar’s astringent and bitter qualities help reduce Kapha dosha, making it effective in breaking down cysts and masses. Its heating potency (Ushna Virya) assists in drying excess fluids and stimulating metabolic function, especially in the thyroid gland, promoting lymphatic health and clearing toxins.

Home Remedies:

1. For Thyroid Support: A decoction made from Kanchnaar bark (10 g) boiled in water can be taken daily.
2. For Skin Conditions: Make a paste from the bark powder and apply it to acne or eczema-affected areas.
3. For Uterine Fibroids: Combine Kanchnaar bark powder with guggul for effective detoxification.

Dosage:

• Powder: 3-6 grams with warm water, twice daily.
• Decoction: 50-100 ml, once or twice daily.

Caution:

1. Pregnancy and Lactation: Avoid during pregnancy and lactation unless advised by a practitioner.
2. Excessive Heating: Due to its heating nature, it may aggravate Pitta when used in high doses.
3. Gastrointestinal Sensitivity: Those with sensitive stomachs should use with caution, as it may cause dryness or discomfort.