Kanchanara (Bauhinia variegata)
Kanchanara - Bauhinia variegata
Kanchanara, commonly known as Camel’s foot, is a small tree found throughout India. The name Kanchanara indicates that the flowers of the plant is golden yellow in color. Kanchanara also known as Mountain ebony due to it’s abundance in hilly areas. The species name ‘variegata’ means that the plant is variegated with patches of different colors. Kanchanara is one of the most commonly used herb in Ayurveda.
Dr.Gupta’s IAFA conducted various studies in Kanchanara to find out the therapeutic actions of the herb. Our experts have successfully proven the activities like Antiinflammatory , Anthelmintic, Haemostatic, Antimitotic, Antitumor, Antioxidant, Rejuvenative and Antiallergic property of Kanchanara. The ethanolic extract of Kanchanara showed nephroprotective activities on researches. The aqueous extract of the plant have antioxidant and antihyperlipidemic activities. Our experts are also conducting experimental studies to prove the hepatoprotectiveactivities of the plant and found positive results.
Kanchanar Guggulu
Action of Kanchanara - Bauhinia variegatain Allergies
IAFA experts are putting continuous efforts to prove the antiallergic property of Kanchanara. The plant contains phytoconstituents like hentriacontane, octacosanol, sitosterol and stigmasterol which aids in the antiallergic property of the plant. The paste prepared from the bark of Kanchanara can be used effectively in skin allergic conditions caused by aggravation of Kapha and Pitta doshas.
Vernacular Names and Botanical Classification
| Botanical Name | Bauhinia variegata |
| Family | Caesalpinaceae |
| Native Names | |
| Sanskrit Name | Kanchanara |
| Hindi Name | Kachnar |
| English Name | Camel’s foot |
| Malayalam Name | Mandharam |
| Kannada Name | Kempumandara |
| Marathi Name | Raktakanchan |
Ayurveda reference of Kanchanara - Bauhinia variegate
Morphology of Kanchanara - Bauhinia variegata
- Small sized tree
- Stem is woody, erect
- Leaves are alternate, long and hairy
- Inflorescence is panicle cyme
- Flowers are pink colored
- Fruits are legume or pods
Geographical distribution of Kanchanara - Bauhinia variegata
Found throughout India commonly in road sides. Due to it’s beautiful flowers, it is cultivated in gardens.
Phytoconstituents of Kanchanara - Bauhinia variegata
The plant contains phytoconstituents like hentriacontane, octacosanol, sitosterol and stigmasterol etc
Parts used of Kanchanara - Bauhinia variegata
- Stem bark
Dosage of Kanchanara - Bauhinia variegata
- Powder(churna)- 3-5 g
- Decoction (Kwatha)-40-80 ml
Medicinal Properties of Kanchanara - Bauhinia variegata
- Kushtaghna-relieves skin disorders
- Sophahara – relieves swelling
- Swasahara – relieves asthma
- Rasayana – rejuvenative
- Krimighna – useful in worm infestations
- Kandughna- relieves itching
- Vishaghna – useful in poisoning
- Vranahara – useful in wounds
- Kasahara-relieves cough
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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)
Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®
Home remedies of Kanchanara - Bauhinia variegata
From ancient times itself Ayurveda is widely used in India. Kanchanaraisreadily available herb. Due to its high medicinal value it is used in treating many diseases like,
- In Goitre (Gandamala) – Decoction is prepared with Kanchanara and Zingiber officinale powder. It is then taken at a dose of 60 ml twice per day.
- In Pox (Masurika) – Decoction prepared from the bark of Kanchanara added with copper pyrite powder and taken orally.
- In Cough (Kasa) – Freshly collected bark of Kanchanara is made in to decoction by adding 4 times water. It is then orally.
- In Skin disorder (Kushta) – The stem bark of Kanchanara is dried and powdered well. It is then mixed with ghee and applied over skin.
- In Worm infestation (Krimiroga) -Decoction made with stem barks of Kanchanara is taken internally at a dose of 60 ml.
- In Skin ulcers (Vrana hara) – Paste prepared from stem bark is mixed with honey and applied over the skin.
- As a Carminative (Deepana) – Drinking solution prepared by adding stem bark of Kanchanara in water can act as carminative.
- In Fever (Jwara) – Decoction made with stem bark of Kanchanara can cure Fever.
Article Written By: Dr. Sahil Gupta, Ayurvedic Allergist
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