Genus psoralea belongs to the family Fabaceae that comprises 100 to 115 species basically distributed in South Africa, North and South America, and Australia. Some are native to Asia and temperate Europe. It is found throughout the plains of India especially in semi-arid regions of Rajasthan & the Eastern districts of Punjab be next to Uttar Pradesh. Also, it could be found throughout India in the Himalayas, Oudh, Dehradun, Bengal, Bundelkhand, Bombay, Deccan, Bihar, and Karnataka. Several species are used as herbal medicine in India, China, and other countries. Psoralea corylifolia grows annually as an erect herb and the height range is between 60-100 cm. It does not grow in shades and demands a warm location. It requires clay, sand, and loam soil types. It could survive in a basic, acid and neutral environment. The best season to sow is March to April. The seeds mature in November. With proper care, the plant grows up to 5-7 years. Fruit is perennial and cannot survive in freezing weather. Normally the fruit has no odor but produces pungency when chewed. The flowers are small and resemble red clover. Leaves are arranged in racemes. Leaves are broad and elliptic with margins and dents. Pods are small, ovoid to oblong, flat, and about 3.5–4.5 × 2.0–3.0 mm. Seeds are elongated, compressed, without hairs, and is dark brown.
Health benefits of Psoralea corylifolia
- Combat skin ailments
Babchi seed oil is used to treat skin ailments. It is also known as kustanashini. The extracts have been used since primordial times to treat skin problems such as dermatitis, eczema, boils, skin eruptions, vitiligo, scabies, leucoderma, and ringworm. Vitiligo is a skin condition that occurs due to loss of melanin pigments or death of melanocytes cells in the skin resulting in white patches. Babchi oil has psoralens that promote pigmentation and promotes stimulate of melanin pigments in skin structure. Use the mixture of 2 drops of Babchi oil with 1 drop of Orange oil, 1 drop of Lavender oil, 1 drop of Frankincense oil, 2.5 ml of Jojoba oil and apply it on affected parts. It helps to treat ringworm, scabies, itching, vitiligo, edematous skin conditions, red papules, eczema, inflamed skin nodules, and discolored dermatosis. It promotes blood circulation, supports the production of melanin pigments, purifies the blood and improves the color of skin, hair, and nails.
- Strengthen teeth and bones
Babchi essential oil pacifies excess Kapha dosha and also strengthens bones by promoting bone calcification. This oil has a high content of calcium, so massage 5 drops of Babchi oil, 2 drops of Birch oil, 2 drops of Black Cumin oil along with 10 ml of sesame oil to strengthen bones, boost women’s health and to recover from dislocation of bones and fractures. Babchi essential oil has astringent, antibacterial, antimicrobial and antiseptic properties that treat weak gums, plaque, bad breath or halitosis, and oral conditions. Use one cup of warm water with 1 drop of Clove oil and 1 drop of Babchi oil in the morning and night to strengthen gums and teeth.
- Respiratory health
Babchi essential oil is responsible for the accumulation of phlegm or mucus deposits in respiratory passages and lungs. This oil helps to reduce chronic fever. Add 2 drops of Babchi essential oil and 1 drop of Peppermint oil to steam inhalation to provide relief from nasal congestion, colds, bronchitis, headache, whooping cough, breathing difficulties, asthma, and sinusitis. Massage chest, throat, and back with 1 drop of Babchi oil with vaporizing ointment to improve respiratory health.
- Reproductive health
Babchi oil has aphrodisiac properties that support reproductive problems in both men and women. It is a tonic for the entire system and promotes vitality and absolute health. Babchi fruits and seeds powder are used with its essential oil to treat impotence, incontinence, frigidity, premature ejaculation, and lack of sexual interest. Massage lower back, genital organs, and lower abdomen externally with 2 drops of Ylang Ylang oil, 2 drops of Babchi oil, and 2 drops of Cinnamon oil blended with 3 ml of Jojoba oil to enhance mood, uplift senses, relax nerves, augment libido, and sexual feelings and stimulate reproductive organs. To elevate mood, add 2 drops of Babchi oil with 1 drop of Sandalwood oil and 1 drop of Rose oil in warm bathing water before going to bed.
- Treat cancer
Babchi oil is used for treating various cancer types including lung cancer. Study shows that chemical components such as psoralen, corylfolinin and bavachinin slow the growth of lung cancer cells and osteosarcoma. The compounds extracted from Psoralea corylifolia helps to treat oxidative stress, programmed cell deaths, and other cellular damage in cancer patients due to its chemopreventive effects and immune stimulant.
Traditional uses
- In Chinese herbal medicine, it is used to upgrade general vitality.
- It is used for treating skin disorders such as vitiligo.
- Fruits are used as a tonic for genital organs.
- It is used for treating febrile diseases, impotence, premature ejaculation, frequent urination, lower back pains, bed wetting, and incontinence.
- Use it externally for treating various skin problems such as leucoderma, leprosy and hair loss.
- Vaidyas use the power internally for leprosy and leukoderma.
- It combats vitiligo, a disorder in which skin loses the pigmentation.
- Roots are used to treat teeth caries.
- It also promotes bone calcification and treats bone fractures and osteoporosis.
- Leaves are used to provide relief from diarrhea.
- Fruits are used to prevent vomiting, treat piles, anemia, bronchitis, and improve complexion.
- In India, seeds powder is mixed with yellow arsenic and made a paste with cow’s urine.
- Use the powdered seeds externally with buttermilk to treat scabies and ringworm.
- Take the seed oil with betelnut leaf for treating leprosy.
- Seeds are useful for snakebites, bilious disorders, and scorpion stings.
- Use the plant with Haritaki and Nutmeg for chronic diarrhea and treating cold symptoms.
- Treat the ringworm with Bakuchi and sesame seeds.
- It is also used as a cure for gynecologic bleeding.
- Seeds are used to heal ulcers, heart troubles, blood disorders and elephantitis.
- It is used to treat hair loss and eczema.
Part Used
- Seeds
- Fruits
- Leaves
- Flowers
- Roots
Dosage
Oil: 3-4 drops
Seed powder: 1-3 gm
Side effects
- It might cause nausea and vomiting.
- Use it under the medical guidance.
- It causes blisters in people with sensitive skin so do not use it regularly.
- Excess use of Babchi oil on the skin can cause skin discolouration.
- Its overdose causes adverse side effects such as diarrhea, nausea, headaches and vomiting.
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