Kalarchikai is a highly valued herb known for its remarkable medicinal uses and health benefits. In Tamil Nadu, it is particularly famous for treating PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome), regulating irregular periods, preventing various types of cancer, including thyroid cancer, and aiding in weight loss, especially for those with PCOS, by helping to regulate estrogen levels.
Kalarchikai Plant:
The Kalarchikai plant is a large bush that can grow up to 15 meters tall and is commonly found throughout India and Sri Lanka. It has numerous thorns and grows densely, making it a natural protective fence for farms. In our farm, we use kalarchikai plants as a natural fence. The plant has yellow flowers and oval-shaped green fruits (pods) that turn brown and split open to reveal grey seeds.
These seeds fall off when the pods open, and their thick seed coat, when cracked open, reveals a white kernel. While every part of the Kalarchikai plant has medicinal uses, the white kernel is the most commonly used. The seeds get very hot when rubbed together. As kids, we used to rub two seeds until they heated up and then place them on someone’s hand as a prank. This playful tradition is why the plant is also called “Sootu Kottai” in Tamil.
Kalarchikai Botanical & Common Names:
The botanical name of Kalarchikai is Caesalpinia Bonducella. It is known by various names in different languages: Gajga in Hindi, fever nut in English, Angarhavallari in Sanskrit, Gajjiga in Kannada, Kazhanchi in Malayalam, Mulluthige in Telugu, Katukaranja in Marathi, and Gila in Oriya.
Kalarchikai Chemical Constituents:
The seeds contain several important chemical constituents, including triterpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, amino acids, tannins, and alkaloids. Some of the amino acids found in the seed kernel are aspartic acid, lysine, glycine, leucine, histidine, isoleucine, serine, butyric acid, tyrosine, and citrulline. The key glycoside in Kalarchikai is bonducin, and the fatty oil in the kernel consists of stearic, palmitic, oleic, linolenic, and linoceric acids.
Kalarchikai Traditional Uses:
Kalarchikai Traditional Uses:Traditionally, Kalarchikai powder mixed with pepper is taken to relieve indigestion and abdominal pain. The seed paste is applied to treat various skin issues, including hydrocele, and is even used in some medicinal practices to treat leprosy (though not proven through research). The seed powder is a powerful anthelmintic, used to expel worms, and its antipyretic properties help in treating fevers, especially malaria.
Additionally, the seeds are beneficial for gum problems, liver health, and liver disorders. Kalarchikai is also traditionally used as a uterine stimulant to address issues like painful periods, PCOS, and cleansing the uterus. In our village, it is mainly used to treat PCOS, coughs and colds, indigestion, and skin problems.
Kalarchikai Medicinal Uses:
Along with the medicinal uses mentioned below, Kalarchikai also has immunomodulatory, diuretic, antifungal, antifilarial, adaptogenic, and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) properties.
1. Anti-Asthma:
Kalarchikai has been used since ancient times for its anti-asthma properties. It inhibits factors that lead to asthma. Mixing Kalarchikai powder with honey can help reduce asthma symptoms, and research supports this, even though the study used an ethanol extract.
2. Anti-Diabetic Properties:
Kalarchikai is known for its excellent anti-diabetic properties. Traditionally, many tribal communities use the seed powder to lower high blood sugar levels, and research has confirmed its effectiveness. Kalarchikai helps by blocking glucose absorption, thus reducing high blood sugar spikes.
3. Anti-Bacterial Properties:
Kalarchikai is widely used for treating various skin diseases, including boils and wounds, due to its excellent antibacterial properties. A decoction made by mixing Kalarchikai powder in water can be used as a gargle to treat gum diseases, including gum inflammation and boils.
4. Treats Fever:
Kalarchikai has been traditionally used by tribal communities to reduce fever and pain, and research now supports this use. Consuming Kalarchikai during a fever helps lower both the fever and the common body aches associated with it. It also effectively reduces inflammation and is extensively used in our area to treat malaria.
5. For PCOS (Antiestrogenic Properties):
In Tamil Nadu, Kalarchikai is well-known for treating PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome). It helps manage symptoms like irregular periods and aids in weight loss by reducing elevated estrogen levels, which is common in PCOS. Kalarchikai achieves this by inhibiting estrogen secretion.
6. Anthelmintic Properties:
Kalarchikai leaves are also medicinal and are used to expel worms. Traditionally, neem extract is consumed for this purpose, but many people also use Kalarchikai powder extract. Research supports its effectiveness in expelling worms.
7. Anti-Cancer Properties:
Another remarkable use of Kalarchikai plant leaves is their anti-tumor properties. In a study conducted on rats with carcinoma, Kalarchikai extract significantly reduced tumor size, tumor cell volume, and tumor cell count. The best part is that there was no toxicity observed up to a dosage of 300 mg per kg.
8. Anti-Diarrhoeal Properties:
The leaf has strong anti-diarrheal properties and has been traditionally used by many tribes to treat diarrhea due to its excellent antibacterial effects. The water extract of the leaves is very effective for treating diarrhea, and research supports this claim. While studies often use methanol and ethyl acetate extracts, the water extract is equally effective.
Kalarchikai Side Effects:
Kalarchikai Side Effects:While Kalarchikai is generally safe, it’s best to stick to the recommended dosage. Since it has anti-diabetic properties, it may interact with diabetic medications. If you have diabetes, please consult your doctor before using it. The safe dosage for pregnant and breastfeeding mothers is not well-documented.
Kalarchikai Dosage:
The commonly suggested dosage for the seed powder is 1/4 tsp mixed in warm water. However, it’s best to consult an Ayurvedic physician for the correct dosage, especially if you plan to take it for long periods.
Where To Buy Kalarchikai?
Kalarchikai can be found in nattu marundhu kadais (country drug stores that sell herbs) during certain seasons. You can also easily order Kalarchikai powder online.
3 Top Ways To Use Kalarchikai:
1. Kalarchikai Powder For Pcos:
To make Kalarchikai powder, break the seeds with a hammer to reveal the white kernel inside. Collect the kernels, sun-dry them until crisp, and then powder them along with black pepper in a 1:3 ratio. Mix 1/4 tsp of this powder with honey to form small balls and take one ball daily.
2. Kalarchikai For Skin Problems:
Prepare the powder as described, but without adding peppercorns. To use, mix a small amount of the powder with water and apply it to the affected area. This will reduce inflammation very quickly.
3. Kalarchikai For Periods Pain & Irregular Periods:
Thanks to its antiestrogenic and antispasmodic properties, Kalarchikai is effective for reducing period pain and regulating irregular periods. Prepare the powder with pepper as mentioned earlier. Mix 1/4 tsp of the powder with water and consume.
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