Kachnar

(Mountain Ebony)
Sanskrit: कांचनार • Botanical: Bauhinia variegata Linn.

Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata), known as Mountain Ebony, is described as a medium-sized tree with characteristic twin-lobed leaves and beautiful orchid-like flowers. Multiple species are described: B. variegata (white/pink flowers), B. purpurea (purple flowers), and B. tomentosa (yellow flowers). The bark is the primary medicinal part used, particularly famous for treating Gandamala (cervical lymphadenitis/scrofula) and Granthi (glandular swellings including goiter). The flowers are edible and used as a vegetable. The bark decoction is astringent and used in diarrhea, dysentery, and skin diseases. It is one of the principal herbs in Kanchanara Guggulu, a classical formulation for thyroid disorders and tumors. The text describes its action as primarily Kapha-reducing and Granthihara (dissolving abnormal growths).

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Tannins, Flavonoids, Sterols
Also Known As
English: Mountain Ebony, Orchid Tree
Sanskrit: कांचनार, काञ्चनाह्व, युग्मपत्रक, गण्डारि
Hindi: कचनार, कांचनार

What is Kachnar / Mountain Ebony (कांचनार / कचनार)?

Kachnar (Bauhinia variegata), known as Mountain Ebony, is described as a medium-sized tree with characteristic twin-lobed leaves and beautiful orchid-like flowers. Multiple species are described: B. variegata (white/pink flowers), B. purpurea (purple flowers), and B. tomentosa (yellow flowers). The bark is the primary medicinal part used, particularly famous for treating Gandamala (cervical lymphadenitis/scrofula) and Granthi (glandular swellings including goiter). The flowers are edible and used as a vegetable. The bark decoction is astringent and used in diarrhea, dysentery, and skin diseases. It is one of the principal herbs in Kanchanara Guggulu, a classical formulation for thyroid disorders and tumors. The text describes its action as primarily Kapha-reducing and Granthihara (dissolving abnormal growths).

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Granthihara (resolves glandular swellings)
  • Gandamala Nashaka (treats cervical lymphadenopathy/scrofula)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Raktashodhaka (blood purifier)
  • Kusthaghna (anti-dermatosis)
  • Kaphahara (alleviates Kapha)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3

Kachnar by Condition

Explore how Kachnar is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Kachnar for Inflammation

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.