Bauhinia varigata (Butterfly Tree) is a popular ornamental plant commonly known as Kachnar or Mountain-ebony. The plant is native to southern China, the Indian sub-continent (i.e. Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan) and Southeast Asia (i.e. Laos, Myanmar, Vietnam and Thailand). It is now widely cultivated elsewhere in subtropical and tropical regions of the world. It has naturalized elsewhere in the tropics in Queensland and southern United States. It is known by several other vernacular names such as Bauhinia, Butterfly Ash, Camel’s Foot, Camel’s Foot Tree, Orchid Tree, Pink Orchid Tree, Poor Man’s Orchid, Purple Orchid Tree, Variegated Orchid Tree, White Bauhinia, White Bauhinia Orchid Tree, White Camel’s Foot and White Variegated Orchid Tree.
The plant is a species of flowering plant in the family Fabaceae. It is grown as an ornamental tree in gardens and along the roadsides. The generic name Bauhinia was given by Linnaeus in honor of the Bauhin brothers, Johann and Gaspard, who were 16th- and 17th-century Swiss scientists. Johann was a botanist and Gaspard was both a botanist and physician. The botanical name of white flower bearing species is Bauhinia variegata and for purple/pink flower is Bauhinia purpurea (Lal Kachnar). Botanical name of yellow flower bearing species is Bauhinia tomentosa. This is a very popular ornamental tree in subtropical and tropical climates, grown for its scented flowers and also used as food item in South Asian cuisine. In the Neotropics, it can be used to attract hummingbirds—such as sapphire-spangled emerald, glittering-bellied emerald, or white-throated hummingbird into gardens and parks. On the other hand, in some areas it has become naturalized and invasive.
Plant Description
Butterfly Tree is a small, erect, medium-sized evergreen or deciduous to semi-deciduous tree that grows about 20-40 ft. (6-12 m) tall and 10-20 ft. (3-6 m) wide. The plant tolerates a wide range of soils including well-drained, gravelly, shallow, rocky, sandy loam and loamy soils. The plant has 20 cm trunk diameter and bark is one inch thick, rough and dark brownish. Branch is gray puberulent when young, later becomes glabrous. Today, Butterfly Tree is one of the most popular flowering trees for warm-weather climates. It blends well into almost any landscape and can provide welcome shade during the summer.
Leaves
The leaves of tree are shaped like a camel’s hoof print. They are alternate, variable in size, ranging from 10–20 centimeters (3.9–7.9 in) long and broad, rounded, and bilobed at the base and apex, cordate base with 5–12 palmate veins and borne on 2–4 cm long petioles. The leaves of tree shed in month of November and December and new leaves grow in March-April.
Flower & Fruit
Flowers occur in 1 or few, in short lateral racemes, showy, large and fragrant 8–12 centimeters (3.1–4.7 in) diameter, with five petals. Petals are obovate, 3–8 cm long, 2–3 cm wide, variable in color, pale purple to rose or white, the uppermost one darker, with purple or crimson veins or blotches, or white to yellowish, with green veins, and purplish externally, fertile stamens 5, the anthers are 5 mm long. Flowering takes place during Feb-March. Flower is followed by brown, strap-shaped, not septate, elongated dehiscent pods, 15- 30 cm long, up to 1.5-2.5 cm wide, containing 10-15- shiny-brown, glabrous, dehiscent, rounded, flat seeds. Pods are green when young turning to brown as they mature. Fruit mature during spring and summer. Fruit does not attract wildlife.
Health benefits of the Butterfly tree
Various part of the plant i.e. flowers, buds, stem, roots, bark, seeds, leaves have been used since ancient times for the treatment of a wide range of diseases. It is used traditionally in dysentery, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, piles, edema, laxative, anti-helminthic, astringent, anti-leprotic, wound healing, anti-goitrogenic, anti-tumor, antidote for snake poisoning, dyspepsia and carminative disease. Listed below are popular health benefits of butterfly tree.
1. Treatment of Hemorrhoids
The kachnar flowers are actually efficient as a cure for unpleasant hemorrhoids. The hemorrhoids are formed once the blood vessels found round the anal area swell, that are very unpleasant. An individual experiences serious pain whilst passing stool as well as faces trouble while sitting if the hemorrhoids are extremely severe. In this case, eating kachnar can be extremely effective as it may totally removes the hemorrhoids, regardless of what the degree of their severity is.
2. Treat hypothyroidism
Decoction of the Kachnar bark is quite effective for dealing with hypothyroidism. The Kanchnar guggulu has a good effect on those with a thyroid imbalance. This is because the Kachnar removes the kapha from the body.
3. Anti-cancerous properties
Kachnar tree helps to delay the growth of the cancer cells. It shrinks the cancer cells and makes them undergo apoptosis. You can have the decoction of the flowers and stem. Boil a handful of the flowers and a few stems in 3 cups of water. Wait until the water reduces to half. Add some rock candy and have it twice a day. This is considered as one of the best Bauhinia variegata medicinal uses.
4. Cure diarrhea due to indigestion
Extract and powder of the bark help to calm the digestive system. It recovers the digestive function and increases the appetite. If you have an upset stomach due to infection or poor health, the extract will repair the stomach problem. Have a glass of the decoction made out of the powder of the bark before meals to clear your stomach and improve your appetite. This is one of the effective Bauhinia variegata medicinal uses.
5. Controls blood sugar
Chemicals in the extract of the Kachnar plant have properties like the insulin. It helps lower the sugar levels and brings it under control. Use the extract of the Kachnar along with your meal, and you will not have any problems with your sugar levels.
6. Purification of Blood
The bitter flowers of kachnar are thought to be a great blood purifier. They assist in getting rid of blood toxins. In this manner, it turns out to be very theraputic for several other organs of the body too, like the liver.
7. Treatment of Digestive System Problems
Kachnar flowers can easily strengthen the digestive system. Additionally they help eliminate stomach worms and also the parasites perfectly found on the intestines. Moreover, the pickles that, are prepared utilizing kachnar could make the intestines stronger, enabling them to perform their function properly. Kachnar ought to be utilized together with ginger as a way to increase its effectiveness for the digestive system.
8. Ease burning sensation
Many people experience burning sensation when passing urine. To get relief, use the bark of the bauhinia variegata about 2 teaspoons full and 1 teaspoonful of coriander seeds. Add this to 3 cups of water and bring to a boil. Filter and add misri. Have this with the food daily until you get relief.
9. Cures diuresis
If case you are suffering from diuresis complaint, use the decoction of the root for curing the problem. Boil the crushed root in some water and bring it to a boil. Cool it and filter it. Have this twice a day after meals for a week. This is one of the best Bauhinia variegata medicinal uses.
10. Regulating of Blood Flow during Menstruation
All those ladies who experience extreme bleeding throughout their periods may use kachnar to deal with this complaint. In reality, no other veggie can be as good as kachnar is perfect for women in this situation. Kachnar will regulate the circulation of blood throughout menstruation.
11. Menorrhagia hemolysis
Excessive menstrual bleeding is a condition many women face at some point in life. Regular use of Bauhinia variegata helps them get relief when they face such a condition. Use of the powder of the dried leaves with the food helps them get control of their bleeding problem.
12. Healing Internal Wounds
Internal wounds could be cured effectively by utilizing kachnar flowers.
13. Treats oral disorders
Use the powder of the bark to fight bacteria in the mouth. The chemical substances in the bark help to kill the bacteria and restore the pH balance in the mouth. This helps you keep the mouth fresh without bad odor.
14. Treatment for Cough
A kind of gravy prepared through the flowers of kachnar may be used to eliminate cough.
15. Useful for rectal prolapse
When you have rectal prolapse, the last part of the intestine that joins to the anus will lose the attachment to the body. It thus falls out of the anus. If you use the juice of the leaves and the stem of the Bauhinia variegata, you will be able to get relief from this condition. Over time, the rectum will develop more strength.
16. Antidote for snake bites
Use the Bauhinia variegata either in powder or as an extract to cure snake bite. It helps to counter the action of the poison. Simply extract the juice of the leaves and mix it with some honey. Give this to the snake bite victim. Apply the leaves as a poultice at the site of the snake bite.
Some Ayurvedic Remedies With Kachnar
For Mouth Ulcers & Bad Breath
Take dried bark of kachnar as well as pound it coarsely. To 10 grams of this add 400 ml water. Allow it to come to a boil and after that simmer till about 100 ml of water remains.
Eliminate from heat, cool a bit and filter the water. Gargle using this water whilst still warm. Do this 2-3 times a day. This can be a extremely effective cure for mouth ulcers as well as works even where other medicines have failed to offer relief.
For Diarrhea And Intestinal Mucus
Powder the bark. Take 3 grams of the powder along with water twice daily; once each morning as well as again at night.
For Difficulty In UrinationEliminate the seeds through the long pod like fruit. Powder the seeds. Take 1 gram of the seed powder twice daily, each morning and evening, along with water. It reduces difficulties in urination.
For Liver Problems And Jaundice
Extract juice from kachnar leaves. Consume 2 times a day. Dose adults 50 ml and kids 15 ml.
This particular juice increases the liver function as well as decreases enlargement of the liver.
For Thyroid Problems And Tonsils
Pound about 20 grams of kachnar bark as well as add 200 ml of water to it. Boil and then simmer the water until it reduces to 50 ml.
Strain and drink.
To Improve Appetite
Consume juice of kachnar leaves.
For Tumors, Cysts & Fibroids
Boil 5 grams of dry bark or even 10 grams of fresh bark in 400 ml of water until the water is decreased to 100 ml. Strain and drink.
Mouth Ulcer, Bad Breath
Take bark(10 gm) of Kachnar tree as well as boil in water(400 ml). As soon as water decreases to 100 ml ,filter as well as gargle frequently.
Diarrhea
Take bark of Kachnar and make powder by grinding. Take this powder(3 gm) twice daily.
Jaundice, Liver related problems
- Grind leaves of Kachnar to extract juice. This particular juice could be taken twice daily. Dose for adult patient is 100 ml as well as for children is 15 ml.
- This enhances liver function as well as useful in treating liver enlargement.
- Tonsils, Goiter, Thyroid Problem
- Cook bark(20 gm) in water(200 ml ) till water decreases to 50 ml. filter and drink.
Burning Sensation In Urine, Urinary Problems
Take bark (10 gm), coriander seeds( 4 gm) and cook in 250 ml of water. Filter, include misri and drink.
Weakness
Dry flowers of kachnar in shade and grind for making powder.
Cysts In Uterus , Fibroids , Tumors
Take dry bark(5 gm) or fresh bark(10 gm) and boil in 400 ml water until it reduces to 100 ml. Filter and drink. This is useful in curing hormonal imbalance.
Traditional uses and benefits of Butterfly Tree
- Various parts of the tree have been used in local folk medicine for various ailments in Nepal, India, Sri Lanka and Malaysia especially in the Ayurveda medicine system.
- Plant is used for diarrhea, dropsy, renal problems, dyspepsia, fistula, glandular enlargement, leprosy, piles, and skin diseases and for slimming in Sri Lanka.
- Different parts of the plant have been used to suppress the edema, dysentery, ulcers, eye disease, skin diseases, piles and hemorrhoids.
- Kachnar is extensively used in Ayurveda as tonic to the liver.
- Plant juice is used in bath after childbirth.
- Bark is alterative, anthelmintic, astringent and tonic.
- Juice of the bark is used in the treatment of amoebic dysentery, diarrhea and other stomach disorders in Nepal.
- Powdered bark is traditionally used for tonic, strains, ulcers and skin diseases.
- Paste of the bark is useful in the treatment of cuts, wounds, skin diseases, scrofula and ulcers.
- Root is used as an antidote to snake poison.
- Root decoction is used to treat dyspepsia.
- Flowers and dried flower buds are used in the treatment of piles, dysentery, diarrhea, intestinal worms and stomach disorders and as a laxative.
- Dried buds are used in the treatment of piles, dysentery, diarrhea and worms.
- Juice of the flowers is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and other stomach disorders.
- Root is used as an antidote to snake poison.
- Decoction of the root is used to treat dyspepsia.
- Bark is used in preparation of a paste that is effective in treating skin ailments like skin discoloration.
- Paste of its roots is a good herbal cure for cuts and wounds.
- It also helps in treating critical illness like cancer.
- Its dry buds and roots are used to treat digestive problems like vomiting, nausea, belching.
- Its roots and flowers are a good herbal remedy for rheumatic pain.
- It is beneficial in maintaining health of the kidneys. It prevents deposition of toxic chemicals in the kidneys.
- It is a good herbal cure for diuresis.
- It is beneficial effect on intestinal ulcers.
- It is a good herbal remedy to treating diarrhea and for removing intestinal worms.
- Its bark is used to counteract snake bites.
- Kachnar is used to cure asthma and ulcers.
- Buds and roots are good for digestive problems as it is very important.
- In scrofulous enlargements of cervical glands, the bark powder is given with dried ginger powder and rice water.
- Decoction of flower buds is given to treat bleeding disorders such as abnormally heavy or prolonged menstruation, bleeding piles, blood in urine, and bleeding from mucous surface.
- Bauhinia leaves and bark have been used frequently in folk medicine as a remedy for different kinds of the pathologies, particularly, infections and diabetes.
Ayurvedic Health benefits of Butterfly Tree
- Diabetes: Drink 10 ml leaf decoction of Bauhinia once a day. Use it regularly for one month.
- Wounds: Boil Bauhinia plant in water. Wash your wounds with it when bearable hot.
- Cough: Drink decoction prepared from the flowering buds of this herb, dosage: 10-15 ml every day until the symptoms continues.
- Diarrhea: Take dried bark powder. Have 3 gm. of this powder two times a day with a glass of water. Try this for 5 days.
- Sore Throat: Take 10 ml bark of this herb. Put 400 ml water in a pan. Add the bark to it. Boil it till the water in the pan reduces to ml. Strain it. Gargle with this water thrice a day.
- Liver Disease: Drink 100 ml of juice of leaves of this herb, twice a day. For children the dosage is reduced to ml 20 ml. Try for a week.
- Tumors: Take 10 gm. dried bark of the herb. Boil it in 400 ml water until water reduces to 100 ml. Strain and drink it twice a day.
- Flatulence: Drink 10 ml decoction of roots of Bauhinia, twice a day.
- Thyroid Problems: Add 20 gm. of Bauhinia tree bark powder in 200 ml of water. Boil till the water reduces to 50 ml. Strain and drink it twice a day.
- Piles: Prepare or buy the jam of Bauhinia flower buds. Take one tsp of this jam twice in a day. It cures bleeding piles.
- Indigestion: Prepare a decoction of Bauhinia roots. Drink this decoction twice a day. Continue until the symptoms persist.
- Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Add 20 gm. of Bauhinia tree bark powder in 200 ml of water. Boil till the water reduces to 50 ml. Strain and drink it twice a day.
- Hyperthyroidism: Add 20 gm. of Bauhinia tree bark powder in 200 ml of water Boil till the water reduces to 50 ml. Strain and drink it twice a day.
- Goiter: 14-28 ml. decoction of stem bark is given thrice daily or 14-28 gram paste of stem bark is given with 25-100 ml rice water thrice daily.
- Tonsils, Thyroid Problem: oil bark (20 gm.) in water (200 ml) till water reduces to 50 ml. filter and drink.
- Jaundice: Grind leaves of Kachnar to extract juice. This juice can be taken twice a day. Dose for adult patient is 100 ml and for children is 15 ml.
- Mouth Ulcers, Bad Breath: Take bark (10 gm.) of Kachnar tree and boil in water (400 ml) till volume reduces to 100 ml. Filter and gargle frequently.
- Diarrhea: Take dried bark and ground to make powder. Take this powder (3 gm.) twice a day.
- Loss of appetite: Drink leaves juice of Kachnar.
- Urinary Problems: Take bark (10 gm.), coriander seeds (4 gm.) and cook in 250 ml of water. Filter, add misri and drink.
- Weakness: Dry flowers of kachnar in shade and grind to make powder.
- Cysts in Uterus, Fibroids, and Tumors: Take dry bark (5 gm.) or fresh bark (10 gm.) and boil in 400 ml water till it reduces to 100 ml. Filter and drink. This is also helpful in curing hormonal imbalance.
- Intestinal worms: Take 20 gm. bark of yellow bauhinia and boil in 400 ml water till water is reduced to 1/4th. Give this decoction to the patient. It kills the worms in the intestines.
- Multinodular Tuberculosis:
- Take 10-20 gm. bark and boil in 400ml water till water is reduced to 1/4th. Give this water to the patient. It cures multinodular tuberculosis.
- Add 1 gm. dry ginger powder in 20 gm. decoction of its bark. Give this water to the patient every morning and evening.
- Give 10-20 gm. decoction of its bark or flowers with honey twice a day. It cures multinodular tuberculosis and also purifies blood.
- Mix 250 gm. barks powder with 250 gm. sugar. Give 5-10 gm. of this mixture every morning and evening with milk or water.
- Chronic Constipation: Give 2-5 gm. powder of its dried flowers with sugar. It loosens the motions.
- Bleeding Piles: Take 2-5 gm. powder of its dried buds and mix equal amount of sugar candy in it. Give this to the patient with butter, 2-3 times a day. It cures bleeding piles.
- Diarrhea: It buds are cool and have binding properties. Cook them and give to the patient. It helps cure diarrhea.
- Diarrhea due to indigestion: Give 5gm powder of dried leaves of yellow bauhinia followed by 2 teaspoonful of aniseed juice. It cures diarrhea due to indigestion.
- Worm infected Wounds: Grind the seeds of yellow bauhinia in vinegar and apply the paste on the wounds. It kills the germs and worms in the wound and ulcers.
- Boils: Prepare decoction of its bark with flowers of pomegranate tree. Use this decoction to gargle. It cures the boils.
Culinary Uses
- Young sour leaves are eaten as a side dish with rice.
- Flowers & flower buds are reported eaten in India, Southeast Asia, Africa and South America.
- The young leaves, flowers and fruits are boiled and eaten as a vegetable, or are pickled.
- The bark and flowers are used as pot-herbs.
- Leaves are used for bidi, a local smoking material.
Other Facts
- It is a very popular ornamental tree in landscaping and as a hedge plant in subtropical and tropical regions, grown for its showy fragrant flowers and unusual bilobed leaves.
- The bark is a source of tannins. It is used for dyeing.
- Wood is mainly used for house construction, agricultural implements, furniture, general utensils, carving and turnery, veneer, plywood, particleboard and tool handles.
- Very popular ornamental tree in subtropical and tropical climates, grown for its scented flowers.
- The leaves, shoots and pods of B. variegata are used as fodder for livestock, including sheep, goats and cattle.
- It is a good fuel wood and is also converted into charcoal.
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