Photo: J.M.Garg / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0
Kanchanara काञ्चनार
Bauhinia variegata · Fabaceae
Also known as: Kachnar, Orchid Tree, Kanchanar Chhal, Kanchnar
Part used: Bark
Kanchanara (Bauhinia variegata) is the mountain ebony, whose bark is Ayurveda's principal drug for glandular swellings. It is used for thyroid nodules, goitre, cysts, lipomas and lymph node enlargement, and is the lead ingredient of Kanchanara Guggulu — the standard formulation for lumps and swellings.
| Rasa (taste) | Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent) |
|---|---|
| Guna (qualities) | Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry) |
| Virya (potency) | Ushna (Hot) |
| Vipaka | Katu (Pungent) |
| Dosha | Balances Kapha & Vata |
| Prabhava | Classical systemic action |
Key takeaways
- Botanical name: Bauhinia variegata
- Part used: Bark
- Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata
- Typical dose: Bark decoction/powder 3–6 g; classically as Kanchanara Guggulu.
Kanchanara in other languages
Introduction
Kanchanara (Bauhinia variegata) is the go-to herb for glands and lumps — the lead of Kanchanara Guggulu, used for thyroid swellings, lymph nodes and cysts. Astringent and scraping, it clears Kapha accumulations.
Classification
Of the Fabaceae family, Kanchanara is grouped among the Gandamala-hara (anti-glandular-swelling) and Kapha-Pitta-pacifying dravyas. Its astringent-bitter taste and light-dry qualities scrape away Kapha growths.
Uses & benefits
Kanchanara bark is the classical drug for Gandamala — glandular swellings of the neck — and for cysts, lipomas and lymphatic congestion. It is almost always given as Kanchanar Guggulu rather than alone, the guggulu carrying its action into the deeper tissues.
Kanchanara for thyroid swelling
Its foremost modern use. The classical Gandamala drug, applied to goitre and thyroid nodules within Kanchanara Guggulu.
Kanchanara for lymph node enlargement
The original Gandamala indication — swollen glands in the neck — recorded across the classical texts.
Kanchanara for cysts and lipomas
Used in Granthi, the classical category covering benign lumps and fatty growths.
Kanchanara for PCOS
Widely used in Indian practice for ovarian cysts, on the same Granthi principle.
Kanchanara for fistula
Named in Bhagandara, a long-standing classical indication.
Kanchanara for skin disease
Used in Kushta, taken internally for chronic inflammatory skin conditions.
Kanchanara for diarrhoea
The bark is astringent and is used in loose stool, a secondary indication.
Kanchanara for ulcers
Applied externally to wounds and taken internally for internal ulceration.
Kanchanara for obesity
Used in Medoroga alongside its action on fatty lumps.
Kanchanara in Kanchanara Guggulu
The lead drug of the classical formulation for glandular swellings, one of the most-prescribed Guggulu preparations.
Dosage — how much to take
Bark decoction/powder 3–6 g; classically as Kanchanara Guggulu. Follow your Vaidya's advice.
Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm with a qualified Vaidya.
Traditional uses — questions answered from the classical texts
Answers are drawn from the citations and properties recorded for this drug. No chapter-and-verse reference appears that the record does not carry.
Which classical texts describe Kanchanara?
The citations held for Kanchanara in this catalogue are: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (Vatadi Varga); Sharangdhara Samhita (Kanchanara Guggulu).
What does the Bhavaprakasha Nighantu record about Kanchanara?
Described as Gandamala-hara. Reference: Bhavaprakasha Nighantu — Vatadi Varga.
What does the Sharangdhara Samhita record about Kanchanara?
Lead herb of the classical anti-glandular formula. Reference: Sharangdhara Samhita — Kanchanara Guggulu.
What is Kanchanara traditionally used for in Ayurveda?
Kanchanara bark is the classical drug for Gandamala — glandular swellings of the neck — and for cysts, lipomas and lymphatic congestion. It is almost always given as Kanchanar Guggulu rather than alone, the guggulu carrying its action into the deeper tissues.
What are the Ayurvedic properties of Kanchanara?
Rasa Tikta (Bitter), Kashaya (Astringent), Guna Laghu (Light), Ruksha (Dry), Virya Ushna (Hot), Vipaka Katu (Pungent). Dosha action: Balances Kapha & Vata. Prabhava: Classical systemic action.
Why is Kanchanara classified the way it is?
In dravya-guna a drug's dosha action follows from its taste, qualities, potency and post-digestive effect. Kanchanara carries Ushna (Hot) virya and Katu (Pungent) vipaka, which together give the recorded action: Balances Kapha & Vata.
Which part of Kanchanara is used medicinally?
The part used is Bark.
How much Kanchanara is taken, and how?
Bark decoction/powder 3–6 g; classically as Kanchanara Guggulu. Follow your Vaidya's advice. Dosage varies with age, constitution and condition — confirm it with a qualified Vaidya.
When should Kanchanara be avoided?
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance for thyroid conditions.
Where does Kanchanara grow?
Kanchanara is a flowering tree common across India, bearing showy pink-purple blossoms in spring.
Classical references
- Bhavaprakash Nighantu — Vatadi Varga
Described as Gandamala-hara. - Sharangdhara Samhita — Kanchanara Guggulu
Lead herb of the classical anti-glandular formula.
Modern research
-
Isolation of Phytochemicals from Bauhinia variegata L. Bark and Their In Vitro Antioxidant and Cytotoxic Potential
(see source). Molecules (2019)
A study isolating antioxidant and cytotoxic phytochemicals (kaempferol, protocatechuic acid) from Bauhinia variegata (Kanchanara) bark.
View study doi:10.3390/antiox8100492 -
Bauhinia variegata Leaf Extracts Exhibit Considerable Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Anticancer Activities
(see source). (2013)
A study reporting antibacterial, antioxidant and anticancer activity of Bauhinia variegata (Kanchanara) leaf extracts.
View study doi:10.1155/2013/915436
Safety & precautions
Generally safe in classical doses; use under guidance for thyroid conditions.
Where it grows
Kanchanara is a flowering tree common across India, bearing showy pink-purple blossoms in spring.
Frequently asked questions
What is Kanchanara used for?
Kanchanara bark is the classical drug for glandular swellings: thyroid nodules and goitre, swollen lymph nodes, cysts, lipomas and PCOS. It is the lead ingredient of Kanchanara Guggulu, the standard Ayurvedic formulation for lumps.
Does Kanchanara Guggulu help thyroid nodules?
It is the classical formulation for exactly this and is widely used in Indian practice. It is supportive rather than curative — thyroid nodules need ultrasound assessment and function tests, and any rapidly growing lump needs prompt investigation.
What is the dose of Kanchanara?
Bark powder 3–6 g per day or decoction 40–80 ml twice daily. As Kanchanara Guggulu, typically two tablets twice daily with warm water, or as directed. It is taken over months rather than weeks.
Can Kanchanara help PCOS?
It is commonly used for ovarian cysts within a broader approach. PCOS is a metabolic and hormonal condition and needs diet, weight management and often medical treatment as well — a single herb will not resolve it.
Who should avoid Kanchanara?
Consult a physician in pregnancy and if you have thyroid disease or take thyroid medication, since it affects thyroid activity. As Kanchanara Guggulu it carries the additional cautions of Guggulu, including interaction with blood thinners.
What is Kanchanara called in Hindi?
Kachnar. In English it is mountain ebony, orchid tree or camel's foot tree — the leaf is shaped like a cloven hoof. The flower buds are eaten as a vegetable across north India.
How long does Kanchanara take to work on a swelling?
Months. Classical practice expects three to six months of continuous use before assessing effect on a glandular swelling, with imaging to compare. Any lump that grows, hardens or becomes painful needs immediate medical review.
