The Kuppaimeni plant offers incredible health benefits and medicinal uses. It can help with everything from removing unwanted hair to treating colds, coughs, and various skin problems. In my opinion, if there’s one herb we should all incorporate into our daily lives for its numerous health advantages, it’s Kuppaimeni.
Kuppaimeni Botanical Name:
It is known as Acalypha Indica in scientific terms, and belongs to the Euphorbiaceae family and the Acalypha genus.
Kuppaimeni Common Names:
It is called “Indian Nettle” in English, Indian Acalypha, Kuppameni in Malayalam, Kuppigida in Kannada, Kuppikhokli in Hindi, Haritamanjari in Sanskrit, Kuppi Chettu in Telugu, Khajoti in Marathi, Herbechate in French, Kuppameniya in Sinhalese and Mukhtajhuri in Bengali.
The plant is called “Kuppaimeni Keerai | குப்பைமேனி” in Tamil because it grows everywhere like a weed and requires no maintenance. It’s also known as “பூனை வணங்கி | பூனை மயக்கி” in Tamil due to its strong effect on cats.
Kuppaimeni Plant Description & Distribution:
Kuppaimeni Plant Description & Distribution:The Kuppaimeni plant is an annual herb that can grow up to three feet tall and features catkin-like inflorescence. Its unique inflorescence makes it easy to identify. Kuppaimeni is commonly found in countries like India, Africa, and Pakistan. In India, you can often see this plant growing abundantly along roadsides and in wastelands.
Kuppaimeni Chemical Constituents:
Some of the bioactive compounds in Kuppaimeni that contribute to its amazing medicinal uses include 9-Tricosene, Phytol, MOME inositol, Dihydroactinidiolide, Loliolide, Docosanol, 1-Eicosanal, 1-Triacontanol, Octocosanal, and Tricosane. Kuppaimeni is rich in alkaloids, catechols, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins, and steroids. Among these, Phytol, Dihydroactinidiolide, and Loliolide are the main compounds found in large amounts.
Kuppaimeni Medicinal Uses:
1. Anti Inflammatory Properties:
Kuppaimeni has impressive anti-inflammatory properties. When applied externally, it can effectively reduce inflammation. We often use a Kuppaimeni poultice on wounds, which quickly reduces inflammation and aids in healing.
2. Analgesic Properties:
Kuppaimeni is also effective at quickly reducing pain. In our village, we apply a paste of the plant as a poultice on wounds to help reduce both inflammation and pain. We also make a wound wash with it, which I have shared below. You can read the study that proves this claim here.
3. Antibacterial Properties:
Kuppaimeni has incredible antibacterial and antifungal properties, making it an excellent ingredient for skincare. We make Kuppaimeni oil at home to treat various skin issues like acne and eczema. In our village, we also use Kuppaimeni powder in face packs; we grind fresh Kuppaimeni leaves with rice water and apply it as a pack to treat different skin problems.
4. Wound Healing Properties:
5. Larvicidal & Ovicidal Properties:
The leaf extract is effective against the malaria-causing mosquito, Anopheles Stephensi, and can be used as a mosquito repellent spray. To make the spray, boil the leaves in water, strain the mixture, and add a few drops of thyme or clove essential oil. You can read the study that proves it here.
Kuppaimeni Traditional Uses:
Traditionally, Kuppaimeni is used to remove unwanted hair and treat skin issues such as pimples, psoriasis, and eczema. With the arrival of the rainy season, Kuppaimeni plants start growing abundantly. Due to continuous rain, our entire farm is now filled with these plants. In our village, Kuppaimeni has been a key ingredient in skincare for ages. We use it in bath powders, face packs, and massage oils to address various skin problems.
Kuppaimeni Side Effects & Toxicity:
Even though kuppaimeni has anti-ulcer, anthelmintic, and anti-diabetic properties, it is best not to consume it internally. There have been reported cases of toxicity in individuals with G6PD deficiency. For instance, a 40-year-old Sri Lankan woman and her 8-year-old son were hospitalized with symptoms like dark urine, faintness, body aches, shortness of breath, and abdominal cramps.
They had eaten a stir-fry made from kuppaimeni leaves and coconut to treat nasal congestion, 24 hours before the symptoms appeared. Blood tests showed that they had red blood cell destruction and a blood disorder, revealing their G6PD deficiency. This condition usually remains symptom-free until exposed to oxidative stress.
While G6PD deficiency is common worldwide, kuppaimeni poisoning has only been reported in countries like Sri Lanka, South India, Malaysia, and Thailand, where it is commonly consumed. I knew it affected people with the deficiency, but I was surprised to learn that kuppaimeni itself can cause temporary G6PD deficiency, which returns to normal once you stop consuming it. Therefore, it’s best not to consume this herb.
Additionally, kuppaimeni has anti-fertility properties, so if you are planning a pregnancy, you can read the supporting study here. In our village, we only use kuppaimeni for external applications and never consume it.
Kuppaimeni Powder:
If you can’t find fresh Kuppaimeni plants, you can use Kuppaimeni powder instead. This powder is available in all herbal shops in Tamil Nadu and can also be easily ordered online. If you have access to fresh Kuppaimeni plants, you can make your own powder by sun-drying the leaves until they are crisp, then grinding them in a dry mixer. Sieve to get a fine powder and store it in an airtight bottle.
5 Top Medicinal Uses & Health Benefits Of Kuppaimeni:
1. Kuppaimeni Oil For Skin Diseases:
To make kuppaimeni oil, start by washing fresh kuppaimeni leaves and grinding them into a smooth paste using a mixer. Strain the paste with a strainer. In a pan, mix equal parts coconut oil and a small amount of organic turmeric powder. Heat the mixture until it starts sizzling.
Once the sizzling stops and a pleasant aroma emerges, turn off the heat, let it cool, and strain the oil. Store the oil in a glass bottle and use it regularly to treat eczema, psoriasis, minor skin infections, wounds, scrapes, and cuts.
2. Kuppaimeni For Unwanted Hair Removal:
Kuppaimeni mixed with turmeric powder and korai kizhangu powder works wonders for hair removal. To use, apply the paste to your face and wait until it’s almost dry. Then, gently rub in a circular motion. Regular use will slow down facial hair growth, and over time, existing hair will fall off. The time needed for hair removal varies for each person, depending on the coarseness of the facial hair.
3. Kuppaimeni For Wound Healing:
As mentioned earlier, kuppaimeni is excellent for healing wounds. Since we have kuppaimeni plants growing all around our place, we simply collect the leaves whenever we get hurt. After washing them under running water to remove any dirt, we pound the leaves in a mortar and pestle to create a coarse paste. We then apply this paste to the affected area as a poultice, secure it with a thin cloth, and leave it on for a few hours before removing.
4. Kuppaimeni Wound Wash:
If you prefer not to use a poultice, you can make a plant decoction to use as a wound wash. Simply take a handful of fresh kuppaimeni leaves, wash them well, and boil them in a pot with a cup of water. Let it boil until the water changes color and reduces by half. Strain, let it cool, and use it as a wound wash. While it’s best to make it fresh, you can store the decoction in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. This simple liquid will help wounds heal quickly.
5. Kuppaimeni Face Pack For Acne:
Kuppaimeni is fantastic for skin care due to its powerful antibacterial properties. It works wonders on the skin, and you can use either fresh leaf paste or kuppaimeni powder from the store—both are effective. For a face pack, mix 1 tsp of kuppaimeni powder with 1/4 tsp of kasturi turmeric powder in a bowl. Add enough rice water to form a paste and apply it to your face. Kasturi turmeric and kuppaimeni help treat acne, while rice water soothes inflamed, acne-prone skin. If you suffer from acne, I highly recommend this pack.
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Very Nice and useful recipe. This can be used for any type of skin ailments as a home remedy.
Nice
awesome
sir ,kuppaimeni give vomiting sensation?
The juice of the kuppaimeni leaves above a certain dosage will cause vomiting..
Can this oil be used to remove unwanted hair?
I would suggest using the fresh kuppaimeni leaf paste for unwanted hair removal than the oil….
My daughter aged 7 has facial hairs on upper lip..im applying dried kuppaimeni leaves along with korai kilangu for the past one month..should i include turmeric too with this paste..how long will it take for the facial hair to get rid off?
I would suggest including turmeric too as the combination of these ingredients is very effective. The time it takes depends on the amount of facial hair but I would suggest continuing with the application even if it takes months of regular application as this paste also prevents skin blemishes…
Dear Mam, COuld you please tell me, where can I get this leaves.
Kuppaimeni plant grows abundantly all over Tamil Nadu, once you learn to identify this plant you can easily spot it everywhere. You can also visit a nearby village if you don't find it. You can also use the dried kuppaimeni powder which is easily available in the market…
I AM ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THIS IN THE WILD AND AM SURE TO GET IT FOR USE AS RECOMMENDED FOT PSORIASIS IS ANTI INFECTION OIL PREP
Can the leaves be cooked and eaten like greens? is it beneficial to health??
Hi Aruni, We never use kuppaimeni for eating so I don't know how beneficial it is. But I have read that kuppaimeni leaves are cooked and consumed in Africa…
yes you can use it with moong dal
Can this be appliedfor rashes and face? Atopic dermaitis of child?
Yes you can use this kuppaimeni oil for treating rashes for a child…
Goodmorning madam. I have lots of facial hair…could you please suggest me a homeremedy to get rid of this facial hair. I have tried lots of things…kuppaimeni leaves with turmeric,rawpapaya with turmeric,all methods from google tried..but result nothing. lots of home remedies tried…but facial hair is not getting rid. now im doing threading to get rid of facial hair. please advise how to get rid of this facial hair with homemade products.
Good Morning, As far as I know, there are 2 ways to get rid of facial hair, one is alum powder + rose water mixture and the other is nagarmotha + turmeric paste recipe from the blog. Both these methods work but it takes daily application for months together to see results and the results vary depending the coarseness of the facial hair…
What are alum powder and nagarmotha? where can we find them? doesn't Kuppaimeni and turmeric work for facial hair?
Alum is called padaikaram in Tamil, the white block that is used by men after shaving. Nagarmotha is called korai kilangu and you can find it in herb shops or you can order it online too. Kuppaimeni and turmeric will work well for removing facial hair…
Hello!Thanks a lot for this article! But i wondered about how i can get kuppaimeni leaves or powder in France.Thanks!
You can try ordering kuppaimeni powder from here: amazon.in
hi i can supply you home grown kuppai meni powder or leaves from chennai india pl whatsapp 9444380577
Need your suggestion. i have lots of facial hair and i have tried with all homemade items to remove facial hair. i have tried with kuppaimeni with turmeric too, but no result. tried everything from google search(with bengalgramflour, with rawpapaya and so on….but no changes in facial hair. now im doing facial threading to get rid of facial hair. could u please suggests, is their any home remedy to remove facial hair.
I have replied to your query above…
can we eat kuppameni leaves by cooking like greens?
We never use kuppaimeni for eating so I don't know how beneficial it is. But I have read that kuppaimeni leaves are cooked and consumed in Africa…
We never use kuppaimeni for eating so I don't know how beneficial it is. But I have read that kuppaimeni leaves are cooked and consumed in Africa…
Hi Madam,my son is 5 yeras old.he has high allegery cold.i am giving kuppameni powderone pinch daily.his running nose get stoped immedialy .i giving this for past 1 month .i want know that shall i can give kuppameni daily and what are the side efect of giving kupameni,i wil be waiting for your reply.thank you
Kuppaimeni is very good for treating cold. We have never used kuppaimeni for long duration's of time but kuppaimeni has low toxicity and since you are giving only a pinch it will do no harm. But gradually reduce the usage once he gets better…
It's good for bleeding piles,I have bleeding piles and I've tried it.It's amazing.Take a bunch of kuppaimeni leaves wash thoroughly,dry it the sun till it turns brown,soak it in a glass of water overnight and drink the water in the morning.It's very effective for piles.
Hi mam I am Anand. I am suffering from dandruff and occasionally I see a gel like (murungai pisin) coming out from scalp.I have consulted many doctors also for this. But they ask me to use some shampoos but till now I didn't get rid of this problem and feeling very itchy too. Because of this problems I have lost 40% of hair in my head. If u got any suggestions please also reply to my mail anandsinghmk@rediffmail.com
Mam i am anand, I am staying in chennai for more than 10 years. Please reply me if you got good result for my previous problems. Thanking you, Anand
Hi mam I am Anand. I am suffering from dandruff and occasionally I see a gel like (murungai pisin) coming out from scalp.I have consulted many doctors also for this. But they ask me to use some shampoos but till now I didn't get rid of this problem and feeling very itchy too. Because of this problems I have lost 40% of hair in my head. If u got any suggestions please also reply to my mail anandsinghmk@rediffmail.com
I would suggest using the fenugreek hair mask from the blog, it is very very effective in treating dandruff, itchiness and mild scalp infections also…
Hi Mama,I recently developed itching sensations and rashesh turning into hives(thadithal).It s very irritating.How can I use kuppaimeni else any other natural remedy to suppress this. Please tell me.I am 26 year old male.
I would suggest applying a mixture of kuppaimeni, neem leaves and turmeric paste, it will give good relief…
My friend has scalp psoriasis.. Suggest me some natural remedies….
Apply neem leaf paste mixed with kuppaimeni leaves for scalp psoriasis…
Is it effective for scalp psoriasis
Hi… i am having severe hair loss currently.. can i use kuppameni for hair growth?
I have never used kuppaimeni for my hair, I would suggest making any one of the hair oils from the blog and use it regularly (all these homemade hair oils will stop hair loss and condition the hair well). I would also suggest using a hair pack like fenugreek hair mask from the blog weekly twice, give it a try and if you have any doubts write back…
How can I use kuppaimeni powder for psoriasis treatment
Make a paste of kuppaimeni, turmeric and neem leaves and apply for psoriasis…
Hi maam, can I use kuppaimeni for treating eczema?
How long can the oil be kept in normal room temperature?
This kuppaimeni oil will store well for about 2 to 3 months in room temperature…
How to burn fat in belly and thighs, since I am doing a lot of walking resultant I am getting knee pain. Moreover how to tighten loose skin, I am unable to go to gym because of knee pain. Currently taking treatment for eczema. Please suggest
We can't spot reduce fat in any area, only have to reduce the overall fat percentage. Try simple strengthening exercises at home, even yoga will greatly help and alternate walking with yoga. I will also post all the herbs that help boost metabolism in the blog sooner….
Kuppaimeni with turmierc powder cna be applied on wound and it heals fast and act as antiseptic.. In my childhood, i have been given kuppaimeni juice as nasal drop as I have severe cold / cough and trouble to breath..it cured but it was very painful.. I used to give my Kids juice of Kuppaimeni mixed with ayuervedic cough syrups.. it cure cold and cough in natural way in enhanced manner ..Ramesh K
Hi Sir, Thanks a lot for taking your time to share the remedies…
is this leaves possible to remove hard growing hairs from like underarms,etc..
Hi madam, how to remove hairs using kuppaimeni and turmeric? The facial hairs will fall themselves after application of it or should be plucked out?
hi mam, Can this oil be used to remove dimnish melasma kind of dark patch on skin over the nose bridge..
Hi Im suffering with psoriasis for the past 2 years…Any home remedy which i can go with this kupemeni leaves.
Hi. For Psoriasis, I feel Apple cedar vinegar as the best medicine. Mix Apple cedar vinegar with equal amount of water and just apply. You will see results in a week time. For more benefits of ACV please do a Google search
hi 4 mths back i just noticed ma clitoris swollen and that i was travelling more often..and i dint have time to go for checkup or something…but itsbeen 4 mths i still have something around ma clitoris hood..pus kinda thing its not paining at times i feel irritated ….wot can i use to solve this
Hi Ramya mam.do you have any recipe related to breast enlargement?and i have white discharge problem too, for that iam going to use your aloevera recipe as i have aloe vera plant in my garden.please reply me for breast growth recipes.thank you
Hi. Ramya, I have lots of health issues and one Ayurvedic doctor suggested the following leaves: Kuppameni Root, Poovamkurunilla root, Cherukadaladi and Nilamparanda. Any idea where I will get in Chennai
Hi Madam am karuppiah . 30 years old .i have back acne in summer i am getting unconformable .so please give natural treatment for this.
where can i get this kuppameni leaves in bengaluru
Hi Ramya mam,I am having pcos from 8 yrs and I have lot of facial hair which is troubling me especially chin area and also past from 2 year my skin color is becoming dark.i am applying wild turmeric with besan weekly twice but I didn't get any results.please help me in this matter
Can we use this to treat dark neck???
Can we use it treatment of scalp psoriasis
I am not sure about using Kuppameni. You can mix Apple Cedar Vinegar with Water in equal parts and use it. It is really effective. You can use for any sort of skin infections and you will see the result in 15 days. But, be prepared to get use of the unbearable smell. You can use it in the night and wash it in the morning. Plain water is sufficient to wash. You can use it for dandruff treatment also. Apple Cedar Vinegar is available in all departmental store or in Amazon.
Hi mam, my daughter of age 3.5 has cold n cough. We usually give juice of kupameni leaves. Any other mode to give this juice or can i mix with honey? She is finding very difficult to drink n vomit. Suggestions plz..
I would suggest giving karunthulasi juice mixed with honey, it is very effective for cold and cough and children will consume it easily too. Give it in empty stomach for 3 days…
Thank you mam bcz now i have more idea to use kuppameni
Mam could u pls tel me how to treat dark neck using kuppaimeni
Mix kuppaimeni powder with kasthuri turmeric powder and apply as a pack…
Can i apply kuppameni oil on my lip for skin peeling. My lip skin pelling teriably.
You can but I would suggest applying pure homemade ghee for a few days, it will greatly help prevent lip skin peeling…
Hello MamCan kuppaimeni powder can be used for acne
Yes, kuppaimeni can be used for treating acne, try the kuppaimeni face pack given above…
Hi mam I have upper lip facial hair , I have tried lot of things its not workout,,,,,, please suggest me how can I reduce so early…
Try kuppaimeni + turmeric + nagarmotha mixture given above for removing unwanted facial hair, it works really well….
Can one have kuppaimeni decoction while 5 months pregnant?
Author
It is best not to consume herb decoctions while pregnant including kuppaimeni extract..
Hi mam, my husband affected by severe psoriasis. Its too bad. His skin become so hard and thick. He take natural medicine for 5 years, but he is alcoholic. My doubt is, shall he take alcohol while taking medicine. your suggestion please.
I having been suffering from psoriasis since last quarter of 2019. Recently is full outbreak. Please advise how I can use kuppaimeni powder to treat it. Someone recommended me to use this.
Just drink 2spoon coconut oil original empty stomach for psoriasis
How to use kuppaimeni for diabetics…
Pls suggest…
It can be eaten as greens. If t can be cooked alone or mixed with other veggies. Growing up I remember the folks steaming in water and the extract thrown away then the veggies gets cooked . Today I cook it without steaming first.
Oh blimey, I waste this leaves everyday in my backyard. I never knew they were loaded with benefits. Thanks a lot. Nigeria is blessed with so many plants that are beneficial to us and our animals. We are BLESSED. How I wish I could send some to you wherever you are ☺️💞💝🥰