Kuchla
Kuchla
Kuchla is an evergreen plant and the most used part of this plant are its seeds. It has a pungent smell and a bitter taste.
Kuchla might be beneficial in improving appetite by increasing intestinal motility as well as gastrointestinal functions and also help prevent constipation. It might be good for diabetics due to the presence of certain constituents that help lower blood glucose levels. Kuchla also helps to manage insomnia by controlling the functions of the brain and reducing stress. It is also beneficial in managing urinary problems like burning sensation or irritation during urination due to its diuretic activity.
According to Ayurveda, the administration of Kuchla is recommended only after its purification (shodhana) in different media like cow's urine (Gomutra), cow's milk (Go dugdha) or cow's ghee (Go ghrita). The final purified product is known as Sudha Kuchla. Sudha Kuchla helps to manage sexual problems like erectile dysfunction due to its Vajikarna (aphrodisiac) property.
Kuchla oil can be applied on the joints to provide relief from inflammation and pain associated with rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory property[2][3][5][15].
Kuchla might be beneficial in improving appetite by increasing intestinal motility as well as gastrointestinal functions and also help prevent constipation. It might be good for diabetics due to the presence of certain constituents that help lower blood glucose levels. Kuchla also helps to manage insomnia by controlling the functions of the brain and reducing stress. It is also beneficial in managing urinary problems like burning sensation or irritation during urination due to its diuretic activity.
According to Ayurveda, the administration of Kuchla is recommended only after its purification (shodhana) in different media like cow's urine (Gomutra), cow's milk (Go dugdha) or cow's ghee (Go ghrita). The final purified product is known as Sudha Kuchla. Sudha Kuchla helps to manage sexual problems like erectile dysfunction due to its Vajikarna (aphrodisiac) property.
Kuchla oil can be applied on the joints to provide relief from inflammation and pain associated with rheumatism due to its anti-inflammatory property[2][3][5][15].
What are the synonyms of Kuchla?
Strychnos nux-vomica, Visatindu, Kakatinduka, Ajraki, Habbul gurab, Kucila, Kuchila Poison-nut tree, Nux vomica, Konchala, Jher Kochla, Zer Kochalu, Kuchala, Kuchila, Bish tendu, Kanjihemushti, Manjira, Hemmushti, Ittongi, Kasarkayi, Kajjl, Kanniram, Kajra, Yettimaram, Kakotee, Ettikottai, Ettikkai, Mushti, Mushini, Azaraqi, Kupilu[1].
What is the source of Kuchla?
Plant Based
Benefits of Kuchla
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Kuchla in Erectile dysfunction.
Ayurvedic View
Sudha Kuchla helps to manage sexual problems like Erectile dysfunction. Erectile dysfunction is the condition in which a man is unable to maintain an erection that is required for sexual intercourse. Use of Sudha Kuchla helps in proper functioning of male sexual performance. This is due to its Vajikarna (aphrodisiac) property.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Kuchla may be useful in managing anemia[3][8][9].v
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Kuchla in depression.
Ayurvedic View
Sudha Kuchla helps to manage the symptoms of depression. According to Ayurveda, the nervous system is controlled by Vata and an imbalance of Vata causes depression. Sudha Kuchla helps in balancing Vata and thus controls the symptoms of depression.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Kuchla may be useful in managing migraine[3][11].
Modern Science View
Kuchla plays a role in increasing intestinal motility thereby stimulating gastrointestinal activity. Due to this, Kuchla may be useful in improving appetite[3][5][12].
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available to support the role of Kuchla in Asthma.
Ayurvedic View
Sudha Kuchla helps to manage asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. Sudha Kuchla is useful because of its decongestant, bronchodilator, and expectorant activities. This is due to its Kapha balancing property.
Modern Science View
Kuchla improves blood circulation due to which it may be useful in managing various heart diseases[3][6][7].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Kuchla may be useful in managing disorders of the nervous system such as anxiety and insomnia[2][3][10].
Ayurvedic View
Sudha Kuchla helps to manage anxiety. According to Ayurveda, people with aggravated Vata dosha are more prone to anxiety. Taking Kuchla helps in balancing aggravated Vata and thus reduce the symptoms of anxiety. This is because of its Vata balancing properties.
How effective is Kuchla?
Insufficient evidence
Anemia, Anxiety, Appetite stimulant, Asthma, Depression, Erectile dysfunction, Heart disease, Migraine
Precautions when using Kuchla
Advice from Experts
Important
Modern Science View
Avoid Kuchla if you have Liver problems[2].
Ayurvedic View
Always take Sudh Kuchla under medical supervision as high doses might act as a poison.
Breastfeeding
Important
Modern Science View
Avoid the use of Kuchla during Breastfeeding[2].
Other Interaction
Modern Science View
Avoid taking antipsychotic drugs along with Kuchla[4].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Kuchla if you are on any anti-diabetic drugs. So it is advisable to avoid Kuchla or use only under medical supervision in such a case.
Patients with heart disease
Modern Science View
Not enough scientific evidence is available on the use of Kuchla if you are on any anti-hypertensive drugs. So it is advisable to avoid Kuchla or use only under medical supervision in such a case.
Pregnancy
Important
Modern Science View
Avoid the use of Kuchla during Pregnancy[2].
Side Effects
Important
Modern Science View
1. Restlessness
2. Anxiety
3. Dizziness
4. Neck and back stiffness
5. Spasms of jaw and neck muscles
6. Convulsions
7. Breathing problems
8. Liver failure[2].
2. Anxiety
3. Dizziness
4. Neck and back stiffness
5. Spasms of jaw and neck muscles
6. Convulsions
7. Breathing problems
8. Liver failure[2].
Recommended Dosage of Kuchla
- Kuchla Powder - 60 - 125 mg Sudha Kuchla powder[1].
- Kuchla Tablet - 1 tablet once or twice a day.
How to use Kuchla
1. Sudha Kuchla Powder
Always use Sudha Kuchla powder after consulting a doctor.
2. Sudha Kuchla Tablet
Always use Sudha Kuchla tablet after consulting a doctor.
Always use Sudha Kuchla powder after consulting a doctor.
2. Sudha Kuchla Tablet
Always use Sudha Kuchla tablet after consulting a doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Kuchla is available in the market under various product forms such as:
1. Raw herb
2. Powder
3. Oil
4. Tablet
1. Raw herb
2. Powder
3. Oil
4. Tablet
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, the administration of Kuchla is recommended only after its purification in different media like Cow's urine (Gomutra), Cow's milk (Go dugdha) and Cow's ghee (Go ghrita).
It can be purified by the following method:
1. Kuchla seeds are kept in Gomutra (cow's urine) for 7 days.
2. The urine has to be replaced with fresh urine everyday.
3. Thereafter it is removed and washed with water.
4. It is then boiled in cow’s milk in Dolayantra (Ayurvedic instrument ) for 3 hours.
5. The seeds are peeled and fried in cow ghee.
6. Finally, it is powdered and stored.
It can be purified by the following method:
1. Kuchla seeds are kept in Gomutra (cow's urine) for 7 days.
2. The urine has to be replaced with fresh urine everyday.
3. Thereafter it is removed and washed with water.
4. It is then boiled in cow’s milk in Dolayantra (Ayurvedic instrument ) for 3 hours.
5. The seeds are peeled and fried in cow ghee.
6. Finally, it is powdered and stored.
Modern Science View
Kuchla generally contains certain harmful constituents so it is generally processed before using for medicinal purposes. Ayurveda recommends administration of Kuchla only after purification in different media like cow's urine (Go mutra), cow's milk (Go dugdha), cow's ghee (Go ghrita), Kanji (sour gruel). So this processed Kuchla which is safe to use is known as Shudh Kuchla[17].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Patel K, Laloo D, Singh GK, et al.A review on medicinal uses, analytical techniques and pharmacological activities of Strychnos nux-vomica Linn.: A concise report.Chin J Integr Med. 2017:1-13.
- WebMD.Nux-vomica: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Ulbricht CE.Natural Standard:Herb and Supplement Guide, An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
- Kanui TI, Enbergs H.Effects of Nux vomica D4, D6, D10, nux Vomica homaccord ad us. vet. and atropinum compositum ad us. vet on intestinal motor activity in vitro.1:12.In: Proceedings of a refresher course and annual scientific conference organized by Kenya Society of Anaesthesiologists, World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists and Society of Anaesthesiologists of East Africa 1996 IP (Abs).Elsevier;1996.
- Wang Z, Zhao J, Xing J et al.Analysis of strychnine and brucine in postmortem specimens by RP-HPLC: a case report of fatal intoxication.J Anal Toxicol.2004;28(2):141-144.
- Chen J, Wang X, Qu YG et al. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity and pharmacokinetics of alkaloids from seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica after transdermal administration: effect of changes in alkaloid composition. J Ethnopharmacol. 2012 Jan 6;139(1):181-188.
- Bhati R, Singh A, Saharan VA et al.Strychnos nux-vomica seeds: pharmacognostical standardization, extraction, and antidiabetic activity.J Ayurveda Integr Med.2012;3(2):80-84.
- Kamal A, Kamal YT, Ahmad S et al.Simultaneous HPTLC determination of strychnine and brucine in strychnos nux-vomica seed.J Pharm Bioallied Sci.2012;4(2):134-139.
- Chaurasia S.Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Strychnos nux vomica Linn.Am.-Eurasian J. Sustain. Agric.2009;3(2):244-252.
- Dhalwal K, Shinde VM, Namdeo AG et al.Development and validation of a TLC-densitometric method for the simultaneous quantitation of strychnine and brucine from Strychnos spp. and its formulations.J Chromatogr Sci.2007;45(10):706-709.
- Bhati R, Singh A, Saharan VA et al.Strychnos nux-vomica seeds: pharmacognostical standardization, extraction, and antidiabetic activity.J Ayurveda Integr Med.2012;3(2):80-84.
- Gupta YK, Peshin SS.Do Herbal Medicines Have Potential for Managing Snake Bite Envenomation?Toxicol Int.2012;19(2):89–99.
- Chatterjee I, Chakravarty AK, Gomes A.Antisnake venom activity of ethanolic seed extract of Strychnous nux vomica.Indian Journal of experimental biology.2004:42;468-475.
- Maji AK, Banerji P.Strychnos nux-vomica: A Poisonous Plant with Various Aspects of Therapeutic Significance.Journal of Basic and Clinical Pharmacy.2017;8(1).
- Kushwaha RK, Berval R, Sharma A. The therapeutic and toxicological effect of Kupilu (Strychnos nux-vomica L.) - a review. Ayushdhara [Internet]. 2014 Dec [cited 2025 Mar 24];1(2):[about 6 p.
- Mitra S, Shukla VJ, Acharya R. Effect of Shodhana (processing) on Kupeelu (Strychnos nux-vomica Linn.) with special reference to strychnine and brucine content.Ayu.2011;32(3):402–407.
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.