Herb × Condition

Kachnar for Inflammation

Sanskrit: कांचनार | Bauhinia variegata Linn.

How Kachnar helps with Inflammation according to Ayurveda. Classical references, dosage, preparation methods, and what modern research says.

Overview

Kachnar is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata), known as Mountain Ebony, is described as a medium-sized tree with characteristic twin-lobed leaves and beautiful orchid-like flowers. Multiple species are described: B. variegata (white/pink flowers), B. purpurea (purple flowers), and B. tomentosa (yellow flowers). The bark is the primary medicinal part used, particularly famous for treating Gandamala (cervical lymphadenitis/scrofula) and Granthi (glandular swellings including goiter). The flowers are edible and used as a vegetable. The bark decoction is astringent and used in diarrhea, dysentery, and skin diseases. It is one of the principal herbs in Kanchanara Guggulu, a classical formulation for thyroid disorders and tumors. The text describes its action as primarily Kapha-reducing and Granthihara (dissolving abnormal growths).

How Kachnar Helps with Inflammation

According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Kachnar has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:

  • Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
  • Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
  • Taste (Rasa): Kashaya (astringent)
  • Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Tannins, Flavonoids, Sterols
Also Known As
English: Mountain Ebony, Orchid Tree
Sanskrit: कांचनार, काञ्चनाह्व, युग्मपत्रक, गण्डारि
Hindi: कचनार, कांचनार

Other Herbs for Inflammation

⟶
Agastya Flowers Sesbania grandiflora Linn.
⟶
Arani Premna integrifolia Linn.
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Alexandrian Laurel Ochrocarpus longifolius Benth. & Hook. f.; Calophyllum inophyllum Linn.
⟶
Amla Phyllanthus emblica Linn.
⟶
Ashwagandha Withania somnifera Dunal
⟶
Bael Aegle marmelos Corr.
⟶
Vamsha Bambusa arundinacea Willd.
⟶
Barleria Barleria prionitis Linn.

See all herbs for inflammation on the Inflammation page.

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.