Overview
Kapikacchu is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for weakness & debility. This broad-bean-sized seed is a superb restorative to the reproductive system. Like many seeds it has the ability to potentiate the reproductive tissue as well as the nervous system. It is also used to treat tremors and spasms. The surface of the seed-pods is ‘velvety’ like a monkey’s skin. It is also an allergenic which causes an itch, hence the name ‘one who scratches like a monkey’. A-tmagupta- means ‘secret self’ referring to its therapeutic seed concealed within the irritating bean pod.
How Kapikacchu Helps with Weakness & Debility
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Kapikacchu has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing weakness & debility:
- Potency (Virya): Hot
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Sweet
- Taste (Rasa): Sweet, bitter
- Qualities (Guna): Heavy, unctuous
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet, bitter
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy, unctuous
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet
- Dosha Effect
- Dos.aHIIHFW93ï.
- Key Constituents
- Amino acid Levodopa (L-dopa, L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) Alkaloids Mucinine, mucunadine TriterpenesշVLWRVWHURO stigmasterol Fatty acids Oleic, linoleic, linolenic, lecithin (Paranjpe 2001, Williamson 2002)
- Dhatu
- All tissues, especially nerve, reproductive
- Srotas
- Nervous, reproductive, digestive
Safety & Precautions
Contraindications: High ama and congestion. Acute; conditions
Safety: Enhances effect of levodopa.
Other Herbs for Weakness & Debility
See all herbs for weakness & debility on the Weakness & Debility 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.