Zedoary

(Zedoary)
Sanskrit: कचूर • Botanical: Curcuma zedoaria Rosc.

Kachur (Zedoary) is the rhizome of Curcuma zedoaria, a plant from the ginger family found throughout India particularly in warm, moist regions. The text describes it as pungent and bitter with heating potency. The rhizomes are aromatic and camphor-like in smell. It is pale yellow inside. The drug is primarily used as a digestive, anthelmintic, and expectorant. It enters formulations for cough, asthma, and intestinal worms. Externally, a paste is applied for inflammatory swellings. The rhizome somewhat resembles turmeric but is paler and has a different aroma. The text mentions it alleviates Kapha and Vata. It is also used in combinations for flatulence and colic. The fresh rhizome yields a pale yellow essential oil with camphoraceous odor. It is sometimes called 'white turmeric'. One of the names 'Karpurakachri' suggests its camphor-like properties. Dose: 1-3 grams, powder applied to p. 126 (PDF page 246).

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Pungent (Katu), Bitter (Tikta)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Also Known As
English: Zedoary
Sanskrit: कर्चूर, द्राविड, शठी, कचूर
Hindi: कचूर

What is Zedoary (Kachur / कचूर)?

Kachur (Zedoary) is the rhizome of Curcuma zedoaria, a plant from the ginger family found throughout India particularly in warm, moist regions. The text describes it as pungent and bitter with heating potency. The rhizomes are aromatic and camphor-like in smell. It is pale yellow inside. The drug is primarily used as a digestive, anthelmintic, and expectorant. It enters formulations for cough, asthma, and intestinal worms. Externally, a paste is applied for inflammatory swellings. The rhizome somewhat resembles turmeric but is paler and has a different aroma. The text mentions it alleviates Kapha and Vata. It is also used in combinations for flatulence and colic. The fresh rhizome yields a pale yellow essential oil with camphoraceous odor. It is sometimes called 'white turmeric'. One of the names 'Karpurakachri' suggests its camphor-like properties. Dose: 1-3 grams, powder applied to p. 126 (PDF page 246).

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Deepana (appetizer)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
  • Vishaghna (antitoxic)
  • Kasahara (antitussive)
  • Shwasahara (relieves dyspnoea)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 2

Zedoary by Condition

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

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Zedoary for Inflammation
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Zedoary for Male Sexual Health

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.