Krauncha
Common Name:
Cowhage (Eng.)
Sanskrit Name:
Kapikachchhu- Means its stellate hair cause itching over skin when come in contact with any body part
Aatmagupta- As its fruit is covered by stellate hair as if making protective cover over itself
Markati- Because it looks like a monkey due to stellate hair over it
Kandura- As it causes kandu (Itching) when comes in contact with skin
Shookashimbi- Means its seeds are like cereals in structure
Krauncha
Lt. Name:
Mucuna pruriata- Leguminosae
Bio energetics:
Rasa (Taste)- Madhura (Sweet); Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (Characteristics)- Guru (Heavy); Snigdha (Unctuous)
Veerya (Potency)- Ushna (Warm)
Vipaka (Post digestion effect)- Madhura (Sweet)
Effect on Tridosha (Three bio humors):
Pacifies Vata and increases Kapha and Pitta i.e. useful in management of diseases resulting from aggravation of air part of body and decrease of water and fire part of body
Actions according to Ayurveda:
Balya- Increases the strength of body
Vrishya- Increases sexual desire
Bruhamna- Increases the bulk of body giving it a healthy look
Vatahari- Useful in management of all the diseases involving the nervous system
Bajikara- Means it is recommended therapy for male infertility and impotence as well as female infertility. It serves as good aphrodisiacs and induces an immediate sense of pleasurable excitement, along with increased fertile seminal secretions even in an ageing person.
Medicinal value:
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The pharmacological action of Krauncha is due to action of levodopa on the brain. Evidence indicates that symptoms of Parkinson's disease are related to depletion of stratal dopamine activity in basal ganglia. The seed powder of the leguminous plant, Mucuna pruriens has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic Indian medicine for diseases including parkinsonism.
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Levodopa is metabolic precursor of dopamine and unlike dopamine can cross the blood-brain barrier. Once in the brain it is decarboxylated to form dopamine.
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Krauncha improves all the signs and symptoms of parkinsonism. Bradykinesia responds first followed by rigidity and tremors. Improvement of these primary neurological symptoms is accompanied by similar improvement in overall functional ability. Secondary motor symptoms such as disturbance in posture, gait, associated movements, facial expression, speech, handwriting, swallowing and respiration are also prominently improved.
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Krauncha also favorably influences the psychic behaviors producing a sense of well-being, an increased interest in self and surroundings. After initial treatment regimen, the beneficial effects of Krauncha can be maintained for prolonged periods by smaller maintenance dose.
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The clinical studies with mucuna seed powder suggests that this natural source of L-dopa might possess advantages over conventional L-dopa preparations in the long term management of Parkinson's disease. (J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2004)
Useful part:
Seeds; Root
Doses:
Powder of seeds- 3-6gm; Decoction of roots- 50-100 ml
Useful combinations with Krauncha:
Vanari gutika; Mashabaladi pachana;
Some special notes about Krauncha :
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Decoction of roots of Mucuna when allowed to stand for some time in vagina, it causes vagina to constrict.
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Krauncha is the best herb for pacifying Vata - the bio humor that controls the workong of nervous system; besides this it is also a great aphrodisiac.
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