Kuppaimeni plant has amazing health benefits & medicinal uses. From unwanted hair removal to treating cold, cough and skin problems, it has wide uses. In my humble opinion, If there is one herb that we should all get to know and use it in our daily lives for it’s many health benefits and uses, it is kuppaimeni.
Kuppaimeni Botanical Name:
Kuppaimeni Common Names:
It is called “Indian Nettle” in English, Indian Acalypha, Kuppameni in Malayalam, Kuppigida in Kannada, Kuppikhokli in Hindi, Haritamanjari in Sanskrit, Kuppi Chettu in Telugu, Khajoti in Marathi, Herbechate in French, Kuppameniya in Sinhalese and Mukhtajhuri in Bengali.
The reason it is called “Kuppaimeni Keerai | குப்பைமேனி” in Tamil is because it is a plant that grows everywhere like weed and needs no maintenance at all. It is also called ” பூனை வணங்கி | பூனை மயக்கி” in Tamil because the plants have a strong effect on cats.
Kuppaimeni Plant Description & Distribution:
Kuppaimeni plant is an annual herb that can grow upto three feet tall with catkin like inflorescence. We can easily identify kuppaimeni with it’s unique inflorescence.
Kuppaimeni plants are found commonly in countries like India, Africa, Pakistan, etc. Here in India, you can find this plant growing in abundance along road sides and in waste lands.
Kuppaimeni Chemical Constituents:
Some of the bioactive compounds found in kuppaimeni that are responsible for many of it’s amazing medicinal uses are 9-Tricosene, Phytol, MOME inositol, Dihydroactinidiolide, Loliolide, Docosanol, 1-Eicosanal, 1-Triacontanol, Octocosanal, Tricosane, etc.
Kuppaimeni is rich in alkaloids, catachols, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, saponins and steroids. Out of these compounds phytol, dihydroactinidiolide and loliolide are the main compounds found in large amounts in the order given.
Kuppaimeni Medicinal Uses:
1. Anti Inflammatory Properties:
2. Analgesic Properties:
Kuppaimeni also reduces pain very effectively. Here in our village, we apply the paste of the plant as a poultice on wounds, it helps reduce both the inflammation and pain. You can read the study that proves it here.
3. Anthelmintic Properties:
4. Antibacterial Properties:
Kuppaimeni has both amazing anti bacterial and anti fungal properties making it one of the best ingredients to use for skin care. We make kuppaimeni oil at home for treating many skin problems like acne, eczema, etc.
Kauppaimeni powder can be used in face packs to treat various skin problems, here in our village we grind fresh kuppaimeni leaves with rice water and apply as a pack to treat skin problems.
5. Anti Venom Properties:
6. Wound Healing Properties:
7. Anti Ulcer Properties:
8. Anti Diabetic Properties:
9. Larvicidal & Ovicidal Properties:
10. Antioxidant Properties:
Kuppaimeni has amazing antioxidant properties, consuming kuppaimeni extract scavenges free radicals whic is the main reason for premature ageing.
Kuppaimeni Traditional Uses:
Traditionally kuppaimeni is used to get rid of unwanted hair growth, for treating skin problems like pimples, psoriasis and eczema, to get rid of cough and cold, to treat intestinal worms and also for treating piles.
On the first onset of rains, you will find kuppaimeni plants propping up all over the place. Since it is now raining continuously here, the whole farm is filled with kuppaimeni plants | kuppaimeni keerai.
Though in some parts of the world, kuppaimeni keerai is consumed regularly as part of the diet, here in our village we normally don’t use it in day to day cooking. We only use it in remedies, especially we use it extensively for treating skin diseases.
Kuppaimeni Side Effects & Toxicity:
Kuppaimeni has been proven to have low toxicity, in one research done on rats, they were given different doses ranging from 100 mg per kg to 500 mg per kg for 30 days and no toxicity was observed.
But people who have glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency should not consume kuppaimeni as it can lead to hemolysis. Also kuppaimeni has anti fertility properties so if you are planning on pregnancy, don’t internally consume kuppaimeni. You can read the study that supports this claim here.
Kuppaimeni Powder:
If you can’t get fresh kuppaimeni plants you can use kuppaimeni powder instead. Kuppaimeni powder is available in all nattu marunthu kadai in Tamil Nadu. You can also order kuppaimeni powder easily through online shops.
If you have access to fresh kuppaimeni plants, you can also make your own kuppaimeni powder. To make kuppaimeni powder, sun dry kuppaimeni leaves under hot sun till crisp and then powder in a dry mixer. Sieve to get a fine powder and store it in an airtight bottle….
5 Top Medicinal Uses & Health Benefits Of Kuppaimeni:
1. Kuppaimeni Oil For Skin Diseases:
To make kuppaimeni oil, take fresh kuppaimeni leaves, wash and grind it in mixer to a smooth paste. Once it is ground, strain it using a strainer.
Now take equal quantity coconut oil and little bit of organic turmeric powder in a pan. Start heating it, it will start sizzling immediately.
Once the sizzling sound stops and a nice aroma comes, switch off, cool and strain. Pour this oil in a glass bottle and use it regularly to treat eczema, psoriasis, all minor skin infections, wounds, scrapes and cuts.
2. Kuppaimeni For Permanent Hair Removal:
Kuppaimeni mixed with turmeric powder and korai kizhangu powder is amazing for hair removal. We usually apply this paste all over the face, wait for it to almost dry and then start rubbing in a circular motion.
Doing this regularly will stunt facial hair growth and with regular usage the existing facial hair also will fall off. The time it takes to remove facial hair will vary from person to person as it largely depends on how coarse the facial hair is.
3. Kuppaimeni For Wound Healing:
Like I mentioned above kuppaimeni has been proven to be very effective for wound healing. We have kuppaimeni plants growing all over our place. So any time we get hurt, we just collect the leaves and wash it under running water to remove any dirt.
Now take the leaves in a mortar and pestle and pound it nicely to get a coarse paste. Apply this paste as a poultice on the affected area and tie it with a thin cloth to secure it. Leave it on for a few hours before removing it.
4. Kuppaimeni For Cold & Cough:
Kuppaimeni decoction when had during cold and cough will greatly help treat it. For the remedy, take a handful of fresh kuppaimeni leaves after washing it well in a pot along with a cup of water.
Now boil the liquid till the colour of the water changes and the water reduces in half. Now take 1/4 cup of this liquid to treat cold and cough. This liquid can be also used to get rid of intestinal worms too.
But please remember that kuppaimeni has anti fertility properties so if you are trying for a baby please don’t use this remedy.
5. Kuppaimeni Face Pack For Acne:
Kuppaimeni is one of the best ingredients to use for skin care as it has wonderful anti bacterial properties. It really does wonders to skin, you can use either fresh leaf paste or kuppaimeni powder available in the shops.
Both will work really well. For the face pack, take 1 tsp of kuppaimeni powder in a bowl, add in 1/4 tsp of kasturi turmeric powder to it. Now add enough rice water to form a paste and apply it as a face pack.
Both kasturi turmeric and kuppaimeni effectively treats acne and rice water is very soothing to apply on inflamed, acne prone skin. If you are suffering from acne, I would highly recommend this pack.
Very Nice and useful recipe. This can be used for any type of skin ailments as a home remedy.
Nice
awesome
sir ,kuppaimeni give vomiting sensation?
The juice of the kuppaimeni leaves above a certain dosage will cause vomiting..
Can this oil be used to remove unwanted hair?
I would suggest using the fresh kuppaimeni leaf paste for unwanted hair removal than the oil….
My daughter aged 7 has facial hairs on upper lip..im applying dried kuppaimeni leaves along with korai kilangu for the past one month..should i include turmeric too with this paste..how long will it take for the facial hair to get rid off?
I would suggest including turmeric too as the combination of these ingredients is very effective. The time it takes depends on the amount of facial hair but I would suggest continuing with the application even if it takes months of regular application as this paste also prevents skin blemishes…
Dear Mam, COuld you please tell me, where can I get this leaves.
Kuppaimeni plant grows abundantly all over Tamil Nadu, once you learn to identify this plant you can easily spot it everywhere. You can also visit a nearby village if you don't find it. You can also use the dried kuppaimeni powder which is easily available in the market…
I AM ON THE LOOKOUT FOR THIS IN THE WILD AND AM SURE TO GET IT FOR USE AS RECOMMENDED FOT PSORIASIS IS ANTI INFECTION OIL PREP
Can the leaves be cooked and eaten like greens? is it beneficial to health??
Hi Aruni, We never use kuppaimeni for eating so I don't know how beneficial it is. But I have read that kuppaimeni leaves are cooked and consumed in Africa…
yes you can use it with moong dal
Can this be appliedfor rashes and face? Atopic dermaitis of child?
Yes you can use this kuppaimeni oil for treating rashes for a child…
Goodmorning madam. I have lots of facial hair…could you please suggest me a homeremedy to get rid of this facial hair. I have tried lots of things…kuppaimeni leaves with turmeric,rawpapaya with turmeric,all methods from google tried..but result nothing. lots of home remedies tried…but facial hair is not getting rid. now im doing threading to get rid of facial hair. please advise how to get rid of this facial hair with homemade products.
Good Morning, As far as I know, there are 2 ways to get rid of facial hair, one is alum powder + rose water mixture and the other is nagarmotha + turmeric paste recipe from the blog. Both these methods work but it takes daily application for months together to see results and the results vary depending the coarseness of the facial hair…
What are alum powder and nagarmotha? where can we find them? doesn't Kuppaimeni and turmeric work for facial hair?
Alum is called padaikaram in Tamil, the white block that is used by men after shaving. Nagarmotha is called korai kilangu and you can find it in herb shops or you can order it online too. Kuppaimeni and turmeric will work well for removing facial hair…
Hello!Thanks a lot for this article! But i wondered about how i can get kuppaimeni leaves or powder in France.Thanks!
You can try ordering kuppaimeni powder from here: amazon.in
hi i can supply you home grown kuppai meni powder or leaves from chennai india pl whatsapp 9444380577
Need your suggestion. i have lots of facial hair and i have tried with all homemade items to remove facial hair. i have tried with kuppaimeni with turmeric too, but no result. tried everything from google search(with bengalgramflour, with rawpapaya and so on….but no changes in facial hair. now im doing facial threading to get rid of facial hair. could u please suggests, is their any home remedy to remove facial hair.
I have replied to your query above…
can we eat kuppameni leaves by cooking like greens?
We never use kuppaimeni for eating so I don't know how beneficial it is. But I have read that kuppaimeni leaves are cooked and consumed in Africa…
We never use kuppaimeni for eating so I don't know how beneficial it is. But I have read that kuppaimeni leaves are cooked and consumed in Africa…
Hi Madam,my son is 5 yeras old.he has high allegery cold.i am giving kuppameni powderone pinch daily.his running nose get stoped immedialy .i giving this for past 1 month .i want know that shall i can give kuppameni daily and what are the side efect of giving kupameni,i wil be waiting for your reply.thank you
Kuppaimeni is very good for treating cold. We have never used kuppaimeni for long duration's of time but kuppaimeni has low toxicity and since you are giving only a pinch it will do no harm. But gradually reduce the usage once he gets better…
It's good for bleeding piles,I have bleeding piles and I've tried it.It's amazing.Take a bunch of kuppaimeni leaves wash thoroughly,dry it the sun till it turns brown,soak it in a glass of water overnight and drink the water in the morning.It's very effective for piles.
Hi mam I am Anand. I am suffering from dandruff and occasionally I see a gel like (murungai pisin) coming out from scalp.I have consulted many doctors also for this. But they ask me to use some shampoos but till now I didn't get rid of this problem and feeling very itchy too. Because of this problems I have lost 40% of hair in my head. If u got any suggestions please also reply to my mail anandsinghmk@rediffmail.com
Mam i am anand, I am staying in chennai for more than 10 years. Please reply me if you got good result for my previous problems. Thanking you, Anand
Hi mam I am Anand. I am suffering from dandruff and occasionally I see a gel like (murungai pisin) coming out from scalp.I have consulted many doctors also for this. But they ask me to use some shampoos but till now I didn't get rid of this problem and feeling very itchy too. Because of this problems I have lost 40% of hair in my head. If u got any suggestions please also reply to my mail anandsinghmk@rediffmail.com
I would suggest using the fenugreek hair mask from the blog, it is very very effective in treating dandruff, itchiness and mild scalp infections also…
Hi Mama,I recently developed itching sensations and rashesh turning into hives(thadithal).It s very irritating.How can I use kuppaimeni else any other natural remedy to suppress this. Please tell me.I am 26 year old male.
I would suggest applying a mixture of kuppaimeni, neem leaves and turmeric paste, it will give good relief…
My friend has scalp psoriasis.. Suggest me some natural remedies….
Apply neem leaf paste mixed with kuppaimeni leaves for scalp psoriasis…
Is it effective for scalp psoriasis
Hi… i am having severe hair loss currently.. can i use kuppameni for hair growth?
I have never used kuppaimeni for my hair, I would suggest making any one of the hair oils from the blog and use it regularly (all these homemade hair oils will stop hair loss and condition the hair well). I would also suggest using a hair pack like fenugreek hair mask from the blog weekly twice, give it a try and if you have any doubts write back…
How can I use kuppaimeni powder for psoriasis treatment
Make a paste of kuppaimeni, turmeric and neem leaves and apply for psoriasis…
Hi maam, can I use kuppaimeni for treating eczema?
How long can the oil be kept in normal room temperature?
This kuppaimeni oil will store well for about 2 to 3 months in room temperature…
How to burn fat in belly and thighs, since I am doing a lot of walking resultant I am getting knee pain. Moreover how to tighten loose skin, I am unable to go to gym because of knee pain. Currently taking treatment for eczema. Please suggest
We can't spot reduce fat in any area, only have to reduce the overall fat percentage. Try simple strengthening exercises at home, even yoga will greatly help and alternate walking with yoga. I will also post all the herbs that help boost metabolism in the blog sooner….
Kuppaimeni with turmierc powder cna be applied on wound and it heals fast and act as antiseptic.. In my childhood, i have been given kuppaimeni juice as nasal drop as I have severe cold / cough and trouble to breath..it cured but it was very painful.. I used to give my Kids juice of Kuppaimeni mixed with ayuervedic cough syrups.. it cure cold and cough in natural way in enhanced manner ..Ramesh K
Hi Sir, Thanks a lot for taking your time to share the remedies…
is this leaves possible to remove hard growing hairs from like underarms,etc..
Hi madam, how to remove hairs using kuppaimeni and turmeric? The facial hairs will fall themselves after application of it or should be plucked out?
hi mam, Can this oil be used to remove dimnish melasma kind of dark patch on skin over the nose bridge..
Hi Im suffering with psoriasis for the past 2 years…Any home remedy which i can go with this kupemeni leaves.
Hi. For Psoriasis, I feel Apple cedar vinegar as the best medicine. Mix Apple cedar vinegar with equal amount of water and just apply. You will see results in a week time. For more benefits of ACV please do a Google search
hi 4 mths back i just noticed ma clitoris swollen and that i was travelling more often..and i dint have time to go for checkup or something…but itsbeen 4 mths i still have something around ma clitoris hood..pus kinda thing its not paining at times i feel irritated ….wot can i use to solve this
Hi Ramya mam.do you have any recipe related to breast enlargement?and i have white discharge problem too, for that iam going to use your aloevera recipe as i have aloe vera plant in my garden.please reply me for breast growth recipes.thank you
Hi. Ramya, I have lots of health issues and one Ayurvedic doctor suggested the following leaves: Kuppameni Root, Poovamkurunilla root, Cherukadaladi and Nilamparanda. Any idea where I will get in Chennai
Hi Madam am karuppiah . 30 years old .i have back acne in summer i am getting unconformable .so please give natural treatment for this.
where can i get this kuppameni leaves in bengaluru
Hi Ramya mam,I am having pcos from 8 yrs and I have lot of facial hair which is troubling me especially chin area and also past from 2 year my skin color is becoming dark.i am applying wild turmeric with besan weekly twice but I didn't get any results.please help me in this matter
Can we use this to treat dark neck???
Can we use it treatment of scalp psoriasis
I am not sure about using Kuppameni. You can mix Apple Cedar Vinegar with Water in equal parts and use it. It is really effective. You can use for any sort of skin infections and you will see the result in 15 days. But, be prepared to get use of the unbearable smell. You can use it in the night and wash it in the morning. Plain water is sufficient to wash. You can use it for dandruff treatment also. Apple Cedar Vinegar is available in all departmental store or in Amazon.
Hi mam, my daughter of age 3.5 has cold n cough. We usually give juice of kupameni leaves. Any other mode to give this juice or can i mix with honey? She is finding very difficult to drink n vomit. Suggestions plz..
I would suggest giving karunthulasi juice mixed with honey, it is very effective for cold and cough and children will consume it easily too. Give it in empty stomach for 3 days…
Thank you mam bcz now i have more idea to use kuppameni
Mam could u pls tel me how to treat dark neck using kuppaimeni
Mix kuppaimeni powder with kasthuri turmeric powder and apply as a pack…
Can i apply kuppameni oil on my lip for skin peeling. My lip skin pelling teriably.
You can but I would suggest applying pure homemade ghee for a few days, it will greatly help prevent lip skin peeling…
Hello MamCan kuppaimeni powder can be used for acne
Yes, kuppaimeni can be used for treating acne, try the kuppaimeni face pack given above…
Hi mam I have upper lip facial hair , I have tried lot of things its not workout,,,,,, please suggest me how can I reduce so early…
Try kuppaimeni + turmeric + nagarmotha mixture given above for removing unwanted facial hair, it works really well….
Can one have kuppaimeni decoction while 5 months pregnant?
Author
It is best not to consume herb decoctions while pregnant including kuppaimeni extract..
Hi mam, my husband affected by severe psoriasis. Its too bad. His skin become so hard and thick. He take natural medicine for 5 years, but he is alcoholic. My doubt is, shall he take alcohol while taking medicine. your suggestion please.
I having been suffering from psoriasis since last quarter of 2019. Recently is full outbreak. Please advise how I can use kuppaimeni powder to treat it. Someone recommended me to use this.
Just drink 2spoon coconut oil original empty stomach for psoriasis
How to use kuppaimeni for diabetics…
Pls suggest…
It can be eaten as greens. If t can be cooked alone or mixed with other veggies. Growing up I remember the folks steaming in water and the extract thrown away then the veggies gets cooked . Today I cook it without steaming first.