29/10/2025
Meet Kachnar, the beautiful purple-pink flowering tree often seen brightening our surroundings — and quietly supporting our health through its deep Ayurvedic value.
Synonyms: Kovidara, Mountain Ebony, Camel’s Foot, Rakta Kanchan, Kovidarika
Botanical Name: Bauhinia variegata
Ayurvedic Properties (Gunas):
Rasa (Taste): Kashaya (Astringent), Tikta (Bitter)
Guna (Qualities): Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry)
Virya (Potency): Ushna (Hot)
Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Katu (Pungent)
Composition:
The bark, flowers, and buds contain alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and glycosides — giving Kachnar its cleansing and astringent nature.
Ayurvedic Uses & Benefits:
🌸 Balances Kapha and Pitta dosha
🌸 Supports thyroid balance and lymphatic health (Gandamala)
🌸 Improves digestion and metabolism
🌸 Purifies blood and promotes clear skin
🌸 Helpful in piles, ulcers, and glandular swellings
Interestingly, the leaves resemble the shape of a thyroid gland, and Ayurveda considers it beneficial in thyroid dysfunction.
Ayurvedic References:
📜 Charaka Samhita (Sutra Sthana 4/12) – Listed under Kashaya Varga (Astringent herbs)
📜 Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Described as “Gandamala Nashaka,” meaning it helps reduce glandular swellings.
Though Kachnar is a native Indian tree, it can also be found widely across Australia.
💚 Ayurveda reminds us that nature around us is full of medicine — when used with knowledge and respect.
⚠️ Disclaimer
The information provided about Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata) is intended for general educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This herb and any related formulations are based on traditional Ayurvedic knowledge and may not be scientifically evaluated by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) of Australia.
