Botanical Name: Mucuna pruriens

Common Name:

English: Cowhage, Cowitch, Mucuna Black Seed, Coucha
Also, known as: Kapikacchu, Markai, Kandura, Sukasimbi, Kapiprabha,Aalkushee, Alkusa, Kaucha, Kavach, Kevanch, Kaunch, Khujanee, Nasukunnee, Nasuganni, Nayisonanguballi, Shoriyanam, Naykkorana, Naykkuran, Khajkuhilee, Baikhujnee Aalkushee, Kavanch, Punaik-Kalee, Punaikkalee, Punaippidukkam, Piliyadugu, Pillee adugu, Kaunch, Aatmaguptaa, Rshabhi, Adhigandhaa, Ajadaaa, Kacchuraa, Laanguli, Rshyaproktaa, Svaguptaa, Shyaamguptaa, Markati, Kanduraa, Kevaanch, Shuukashimbi, Velvet Beans, Velvet Beans Seed.

Origin: India

Harvested: Cultivated & wild

Parts Used: Black Seed

General Information:

Mucuna pruriens is the Latin name for this specific seed that grows all over India. It is mostly harvested in tropical regions of India. Moreover, it can be also found in tropical regions of Africa and the west Indians countries. An herbaceous twining annual found wild almost all over the country and in Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Seed ovoid, slightly laterally compressed, with a persistent oblong, funicular hilum, dark brown with spots; usually 1.2-1.8 cm long, 0.8-1.2 cm wide, hard, smooth to touch, not easily breakable; odour, not distinct; taste, sweetish-bitter. There are many names for Mucuna pruriens refer to a velvet coating or velvet beans of hairs that cover its seed pods and that, if touched, can cause severe itching and irritation of the skin. Mucuna pruriens is well known by two Sanskrit names, Kapikacchu, which means "one starts itching like a monkey" and Atmagupta, which means "secret self," and hints at the therapeutic value of the seed concealed within the allergenic seedpod. There are many different names in different languages around the world. In English, the common name for this plant is Cowhage or Couch beej (Seed)We offer Mucuna pruriens as Kapikacchu. Mucuna pruriens has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for over two thousand years. There are traditional uses for the root and the trichomes but it is the seed of Mucuna pruriens that is most often employed therapeutically. There are actually two varieties of seed one is black and the other one is white.

How to use:

Decoctions are suitable for roots, barks, large seeds & berries, and other dense material. The simple way to make decoction is, in a saucepan, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs to 1 cup of water. Bring the water to boil, reduce heat and simmer for 30-60 minutes. Strain and squeeze out as much as liquid as possible and enjoy!

Tips:

You can sweeten your herbal decoctions with a bit of honey, natural fruit juice, stevia leaves powder and or licorice root powder.

Precautions:

You should consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using any herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing, or on any medications.

All information on this website is for educational purposes ONLY.

This information has not been evaluated by Health Canada.

This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Mucuna Pruriens Seed Whole - Black