In Ayurveda, every herb holds a special and significant place. In fact, they are considered natural but powerful gifts of nature, and Kanuch beej are one of those. Besides their common Indian name, Kaunch Beej is also known by the names Kapikachhu or Konch.

kaunch beej seeds placed on a white background.

By considering the amazing Kaunch beej benefits in the mind, the use of these seeds has been for many centuries in the preparation of herbal remedies, Ayurvedic formulations, and natural medicines

With their mental-physical health boosting effects and rejuvenating qualities, Kaunch beej helps to balance the Tridoshas in your body, mainly the Vata dosha. (A vital force controlling your nervous system and overall reproductive health)

In this blog, we will be covering everything that you need to know about these seeds. From how Kaunch beej looks to what its benefits are, side effects, how to use Kaunch beej, and what the necessary precautions are, you will get to know everything.


Kaunch Beej Plant

You can find the plant of Kaunch beej quite commonly in the tropical regions of India. It belongs to the pea family, and it often grows quickly on trees and fences. On this plant, you can observe purple colored flowers and hairy pods that contain the seeds, i.e., Kaunch Beej.

Talking about the pods:

The pods of kaunch are covered with a thick layer of bristly, orange-brown, itchy hair. But yes, once they are cleaned and processed, these seeds will turn into a powerful Ayurvedic medicine.


Synonyms of Kaunch Beej

The scientific name of Kaunch Beej is Mucuna pruriens. But in the realm of Ayurveda and Indian languages, Kaunch beej are known by many different names and terms. A brief about the different names of kaunch beej is given below:

Name

Language

How it’s written

Kaunch / Kaunch Beej

Hindi

कौंच / कौंच बीज

Kawanch / Kavach

Sanskrit

कवच / कपिकच्छु

Cowhage/Velvet Bean

English

Cowhage/Velvet Bean

Konch

Gujarati

કોનચ

Poonaikali Vidai

Tamil

பூனைக்காலை விதை

Naikurana

Malayalam

നായക്കുരണ

Alkushi

Bengali

আলকুশি

Kewach / Kawanch

Marathi

कवच

Kapikacchu

Kannada

ಕಪಿಕಚ್ಚು

 

Nutritional Profile 

Kaunch beej, also known as kapikachhu, is rich in essential nutrients, making it a wonderful health supplement. A 100-gram serving of these seeds approximately contains:

  • Protein: 25–30 g

  • Carbohydrates: 50–55 g

  • Fats: 5–7 g

  • Fiber: 4–6 g

  • L-DOPA: 3–7% (naturally occurring compound)

  • Minerals: Iron, Calcium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus

  • Vitamins: Small amounts of Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins

In reality, it is the high nutritional content due to which Kaunch beej health benefits are recognised so widely and far.

Uses of Kaunch Beej

Kaunch beej is used in many Ayurvedic preparations as it contains innumerable and potent nourishing and strengthening effects. Some of the common kaunch beej uses include:

  1. To be used as a rasayana (rejuvenator)

  2. To boost reproductive health in men and women

  3. To improve strength and stamina

  4. To support the nervous system and brain functions

  5. To enhance digestive power

  6. To help attain hormonal balance

  7. To be utilized as a daily tonic for the overall body and cognitive wellness

How to make Kaunch Beej powder?

The process to make kaunch beej at home is simple, but still, it should be done quite carefully. The steps to make kaunch beej churana or powder are:

  1. Take a handful of dried kaunch seeds.

  2. Make sure that these seeds are completely clean. Remove all the dirt and hair on the pods.

  3. Now, lightly roast these seeds on a low flame.

  4. Let it cool down.

  5. Next, grind these seeds and make a fine powder.

  6. Your pure kaunch beej powder or churna is ready. Store this in an airtight jar.

Kaunch Beej Health Benefits:

Don’t underestimate the power of kaunch beej while looking at their ordinary appearance and size. In reality, these seeds are a powerhouse of many healthy antioxidants and effects that can help you to enhance your physical as well as mental health. It mainly involves:

1/7. Support Male Reproductive Health

One of the most famous kaunch beej benefits for male wellness is its ability to support fertility and vitality. In Ayurveda, these seeds are known to make your shukra dhatu strong, which is directly associated with reproductive health. For men, it is helpful in the following ways:

a man standing indoors with both hands placed on his lower.

Kaunch beej or Kapikachhu benefits for male health:

  1. Improves sperm quality and production

  2. Boosts physical strength and stamina

  3. Increases testosterone levels naturally

2/7. Helpful For Female Reproductive Health

Kaunch beej benefits for female health mainly include supporting hormonal balance, managing irregular menstrual cycles, reducing PMS symptoms, and problems like PCOD and PCOS.

a female symbolizing women’s reproductive health.

The experts even suggest consumption of these seeds for those ladies who often experience stress, fatigue, and weakness. By supporting natural fertility and healthy reproductive functioning, kaunch beej also works well to increase the chances of conception naturally.

3/7. Boost Energy & Strength

Kaunch beej are well-known to nourish the tissues. That’s the reason why it is used by those who want to improve their stamina naturally or want to recover from any kind of weakness.

a woman symbolizing strength and immunity.

As per Ayurveda experts, kaunch pak benefits individuals in many possible ways, and improved energy, better digestive health, and vitality are some of the major advantages associated with it. So whatever, if you are taking Kaunch pak for any health concern or just to contribute to your existing health and well-being, yes, you can have it.

4/7. Good for the Brain & Nervous System

Those who are dealing with any kind of cognitive issues can also add kaunch beej to their regimen. Besides balancing Vata dosha, these seeds offer several such effects that are good for your brain and overall nervous system due to their high and natural L-DOPA content.

representing brain function and mental health.

Kaunch beej powder benefits for mental health:

  1. Better mood and mental clarity

  2. Reduce stress and anxiety

  3. Parkinson’s disease management

  4. Support concentration

  5. Improve nerve functioning

  6. Prevent premature brain ageing

5/7. Manage Arthritis & Joint Pain

Kaunch beej powder uses also involve using it as a natural health supplement for muscle growth, alleviating joint pain, and healing arthritis-like problems. The inherited high protein content helps to improve their muscle health and strength in a natural way.

person holding their wrist with the opposite hand, suggesting joint stiffness, or arthritis-related discomfort.

Benefits of Kaunch beej for joints & muscles:

  1. Prevent joint cartilage and help with lubrication

  2. Reduce joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness

  3. Improve mobility and promote joint flexibility

  4. Help repair injured muscle tissues

6/7. Ensure Healthy, Glowing, and Flawless Skin

Kaunch beej offers several significant benefits for your skin due to its antioxidant profile and anti-inflammatory properties. You can use it as an Ayurvedic medicine to help manage your various skin concerns.

a woman with closed eyes gently touching her face, showcasing healthy, smooth, and glowing skin.

Kaunch beej benefits for skin:

  1. Promote a glowing complexion

  2. Improve skin texture 

  3. Reduce fine lines and wrinkles

  4. Support hormonal balance, a crucial aspect for skin health

  5. Heal wounds and injuries

  6. Help manage acne, pimples, and tanning

  7. Boost collagen production

7/7. Promote A Better Digestive System

Last but not least, these tiny seeds are also helpful for your digestive system. Starting from combating mild issues like gas, bloating, flatulence, acidity, and heartburn to serious digestive concerns like constipation and IBS, these seeds work magnificently.

human digestive system hovering above an open hand, symbolizing digestive health, gut care.

Additionally, kaunch beej are also considered beneficial for awakening digestive fire (agni), which in turn helps your body to absorb nutrients in a better way.

Side Effects of Kaunch Beej

Without any doubt, we can say that Kaunch beej is helpful and powerful. But just like any other herb, it should be taken quite carefully. Here are some major Kaunch Beej Powder Side Effects that one should consider before using:

  1. It may upset your stomach when you take it in excess.

  2. Raw or unprocessed seeds may cause you irritation.

  3. It is not recommended during pregnancy.

  4. Sometimes, it can interact with some medicines and lead to harmful effects.

  5. If you are dealing with any kind of heart issues or psychiatric conditions, then you should also avoid taking it, as it can make the condition worse.


Conclusion

In a nutshell, we can say that Kaunch beej are beneficial for your overall health and wellness. But you need to be careful about its dosage and manner of consumption. Add them to your daily routine only after approval from a healthcare professional or doctor.

 

Faq's

What are the side effects of Kaunch?

When taken in excess or not according to the prescription, it is possible for you to experience certain side effects, including nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, abdominal pain, discomfort, irregular heartbeat, skin irritation, or headaches.

Which Kaunch Beej is better, white or black?

Neither black nor white is better than the other. The main thing is that the benefits of white and black kaunch beej depend upon the purpose for which you are using them. For example, white seeds are helpful for cognitive and joint concerns. On the other hand, black kaunch seeds are more useful for boosting immunity, vitality, and physical strength.

What are the disadvantages of kapikachhu?

Kapikachhu, also called Kaunch Beej, when used in excess, can lead to certain disadvantages, such as skin irritation, gastrointestinal issues, irregular heartbeat, and neurological problems like confusion, headache, insomnia, and hallucinations.

What are the benefits of kaunch beej?

Kaunch beej benefits your body in many ways, such as enhanced sexual health, improved cardiovascular health, increased stamina, strength, a strong digestive system, healthy skin, and better mental health.

When to take Kaunch beej?

The best time to take kaunch beej is to take them after having your meals. Some doctors also advise you to have kaunch beej powder on an empty stomach for certain specific health issues. However, you should avoid taking it at night, especially before going to bed, as it may interfere with your sleeping schedule.

Is there protein in Kaunch Beej?

Yes! Kaunch beej is a very rich source of protein. In fact, many young individuals take it as a natural health supplement to boost their strength and physical wellness.