Kachur
Kachur
Kachur (Curcuma zedoaria) is a perennial herb and its dried rhizomes are used for their medicinal properties.
Kachur helps to improve appetite by maintaining digestive functions and enhancing metabolism. It might also help manage the symptoms of epilepsy by preventing damage to brain cells caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant properties. Kachur also helps in managing symptoms related to arthritis by reducing pain and inflammation. It also manages inflammation related to lung infections due to its anti-inflammatory property. Kachur might be helpful in dental problems like toothache, plaque, gingivitis (bleeding gums) etc due to its antiseptic and analgesic properties. Chewing Kachur (rhizome) might prevent bad breath by killing the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath due to its antibacterial property.
According to Ayurveda, Kachur is good for respiratory disorders due to its Kapha balancing property. Inhaling steam containing 2-3 drops of Kachur oil helps to reduce nasal blockage and manage cough.
Kachur oil along with an equal quantity of coconut oil can be applied on wounds to promote wound healing. It might also promote hair growth and remove excessive dryness due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties[1][2].
Kachur helps to improve appetite by maintaining digestive functions and enhancing metabolism. It might also help manage the symptoms of epilepsy by preventing damage to brain cells caused by free radicals due to its antioxidant properties. Kachur also helps in managing symptoms related to arthritis by reducing pain and inflammation. It also manages inflammation related to lung infections due to its anti-inflammatory property. Kachur might be helpful in dental problems like toothache, plaque, gingivitis (bleeding gums) etc due to its antiseptic and analgesic properties. Chewing Kachur (rhizome) might prevent bad breath by killing the bacteria responsible for causing bad breath due to its antibacterial property.
According to Ayurveda, Kachur is good for respiratory disorders due to its Kapha balancing property. Inhaling steam containing 2-3 drops of Kachur oil helps to reduce nasal blockage and manage cough.
Kachur oil along with an equal quantity of coconut oil can be applied on wounds to promote wound healing. It might also promote hair growth and remove excessive dryness due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties[1][2].
What are the synonyms of Kachur?
Curcuma zedoaria, Karacura, Karcur, Karacūra, Kaccura, Dravida, Katuri, Sali, Ekangi, Sari, Kachura, Zedoary, Kachuro, Shatakachuro, Kacura, Kachora, Kachalam, Kachoramu, Gandha Sunthi, Kichili, Kizhangu, Kitchiliki Zhangu, Padam Kizhangu, Kachoramu, Kichili Gadda, Zarambad
What is the source of Kachur?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kachur
How effective is Kachur?
Insufficient evidence
Anxiety, Appetite stimulant, Colicky pain, Fatigue, Muscle spasm, Preventing mosquito bites, Stress, Swelling
Precautions when using Kachur
Advice from Experts
Important
Ayurvedic View
Women should consume Kachur after consulting the doctor. This is because Kachur may cause heavy bleeding if taken for a long duration or high dosage.
Ayurvedic View
Avoid taking Kachur on an empty stomach if you have hyperacidity or gastritis.
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Kachur during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Avoid taking Kachur during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Kachur
- Kachur Churna - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Kachur Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
How to use Kachur
1. Kachur Churna
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kachur churna.
b. Add milk or honey and take after lunch and dinner.
2. Kachur Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsule of Kachur.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
3. Kachur Herbal Tea
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kachur Powder (Churna).
b. Add it to 1 cup of water and bring it to boil on a low flame for 5-7 minutes.
c. Strain and drink[4].
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kachur churna.
b. Add milk or honey and take after lunch and dinner.
2. Kachur Capsule
a. Take 1-2 capsule of Kachur.
b. Swallow it with water after lunch and dinner.
3. Kachur Herbal Tea
a. Take ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Kachur Powder (Churna).
b. Add it to 1 cup of water and bring it to boil on a low flame for 5-7 minutes.
c. Strain and drink[4].
Benefits of Kachur
1. Wound
Kachur helps to manage pain and swelling of the wound because of its Ropan property.
2. Nasal congestion
Kachur is good for respiratory disorders due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tip
Use 2-3 drops of Kachur oil in warm water and take the steam to reduce nasal block and manage cough.
3. Hair loss
Kachur helps to prevent hair loss as a result of dandruff and other infections due to its Tikshna (sharp) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
4. Arthritis
Kachur helps to reduce pain and inflammation in joints and ease mobility due to its Vata balancing property.
Tip:
Apply Kachur mixed with sesame oil on the affected area.
Kachur helps to manage pain and swelling of the wound because of its Ropan property.
2. Nasal congestion
Kachur is good for respiratory disorders due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tip
Use 2-3 drops of Kachur oil in warm water and take the steam to reduce nasal block and manage cough.
3. Hair loss
Kachur helps to prevent hair loss as a result of dandruff and other infections due to its Tikshna (sharp) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
4. Arthritis
Kachur helps to reduce pain and inflammation in joints and ease mobility due to its Vata balancing property.
Tip:
Apply Kachur mixed with sesame oil on the affected area.
Precautions when using Kachur
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Kachur powder should be used with oil or any cooling substance due to its Tikshna(sharp) and Ushna(hot) properties.
Ayurvedic View
Kachur oil should be used with coconut oil if used externally due to its Ushna (hot) potency.
Recommended Dosage of Kachur
- Kachur Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement.
- Kachur Powder - ½-1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Kachur
1. Kachur Powder
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Kachur powder.
b. Add milk to it and make a paste, apply it on the skin.
c. Let it sit for 5-20 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
2. Kachur Oil
a. Take 2-3 drops of Kachur oil.
b. Mix it with coconut oil and apply on the hair and scalp.
c. Use this remedy 2-3 times a day to control dandruff and hairfall.
3. Kachur Fresh Paste
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Kachur paste.
b. Add milk to it and apply on the skin.
c. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Kachur powder.
b. Add milk to it and make a paste, apply it on the skin.
c. Let it sit for 5-20 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
2. Kachur Oil
a. Take 2-3 drops of Kachur oil.
b. Mix it with coconut oil and apply on the hair and scalp.
c. Use this remedy 2-3 times a day to control dandruff and hairfall.
3. Kachur Fresh Paste
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Kachur paste.
b. Add milk to it and apply on the skin.
c. Let it sit for 15-20 minutes.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
It contains 36 compounds such as essential oils, including 17 terpenes, 13 alcohols and 6 ketones. The powdered form of Kachur can be consumed to clean the digestive track and normalize digestive ability.
Modern Science View
The average price of Kachur Powder ranges from Rs 50 to Rs 100 for 100 grams.
It is available in the market under various brands and prices. You can choose it according to your liking and requirement.
It is available in the market under various brands and prices. You can choose it according to your liking and requirement.
Modern Science View
Kachur powder should be stored at room temperature. The average shelf life of the product is 1 year, however storing it in a airtight container may increases the shelf life.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Kachur in case of epilepsy.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Kachur in case of lung inflammation. However, it might help to reduce inflammation due to its anti inflammatory property[3].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Kachur helps to reduce the symptoms of certain problems related to lungs like coughing. Kachur has Kapha and Vata balancing properties that help to remove excessive mucus and reduces the inflammation of the lungs.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available to support the role of Kachur in spleen problems. However, Kachur rhizome might help in cases of spleen enlargement[8].
Modern Science View
Yes, Kachur might help in the management of piles symptoms such as discomfort, bleeding, pain and swelling. It contains certain constituent(Curcumenol,furanodiene) that has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties help to reduce the pain in the inflamed areas and might provide relief in the symptoms of piles[7].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Kachur helps to reduce the symptoms of piles by improving digestion. Poor digestion is a prime cause of piles. Taking Kachur in diet corrects the poor digestion due to its Deepan(appetizer)property and reduce the swelling and pain in piles.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kachur might help to control bad breath (halitosis) by inhibiting the volatile sulphur compounds (VSC) that are responsible for bad breath. This is due to its antifungal, antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties[5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes,Kachur can be chewed to control bad breath as It helps to fight the bacteria which is responsible for bad breath. It also has a pleasant odour that helps to control bad breath.
Modern Science View
Kachur has various impressive benefits. It prevents the body from bacterial and fungal infections due to its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. It also has antioxidant properties that protects the body against cell damage caused by free radicals[3].
Ayurvedic View
Kachur is very useful herb to manage the symptoms of cough and cold because of its Kapha balancing nature. It also helps to improve digestion and manages indigestion as well as loss of appetite because of its Deepan (appetizer) and Pachan (digestive) properties.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kachur might help manage diabetes due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It prevents the damage of pancreatic cells and enhances insulin secretion. Thus, lowers the level of blood sugar[6].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Kachur helps manage the symptoms of diabetes due to its Deepan (appetizer) and Tikta (bitter) properties. These properties reduce the accumulation of Ama (toxic remains in the body due to improper digestion) that is prime cause diabetes and improves digestive fire.
Ayurvedic View
Yes if the skin is hypersensitive towards theat Kachur can cause skin rashes due to its Ushna (hot) potency.
Modern Science View
Yes, Kachur oil is helpful in managing dental problems such as toothache, gingivitis. It has antiseptic and analgesic properties that help to reduce the pain and inflammation on the affected area thereby manages dental problems[6].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Maua JL, Lai JLI, Wang NP,et.al.Composition and antioxidant activity of the essential oil from Curcuma zedoaria.Food Chemistry.2003;82(4):583-591.
- Lobo R, Prabhu KS, Shirwaikar A,et.al.Curcuma zedoaria Rosc. (white turmeric): A review of its chemical, pharmacological and ethnomedicinal properties.J Pharm Pharmacol. 2009;61(1):13-21.
- Tariq S, Imran M, Mushtaq Z,et.al.Phytopreventive antihypercholesterolmic and antilipidemic perspectives of zedoary (Curcuma Zedoaria Roscoe.) herbal tea.Lipids Health Dis. 2016; 15: 39.
- . Farina VH, Lima AP, Balducci I, Brandão AA. Effects of the medicinal plants Curcuma zedoaria and Camellia sinensis on halitosis control. Braz Oral Res. 2012 ;26(6):523-529.
- Handajani J, Narissi DH. The effects of Curcuma zedoaria oil on high blood sugar level and gingivitis. Dental journal. 2015;48(2):69-73.
- Hashempur MH, Khademi F, Rahmanifard M, Zarshenas MM. An Evidence-Based Study on Medicinal Plants for Hemorrhoids in Medieval Persia. J Evid Based Complementary Altern Med. 2017 Oct;22(4):969-981.
- Lakshmi S, Padmaja G, Remani P. Antitumour Effects of Isocurcumenol Isolated from Curcuma zedoaria Rhizomes on Human and Murine Cancer Cells. International Journal of Medicinal Chemistry.2011.
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.