7 Top Medicinal Uses & Side Effects Of Kalarchikai (Fever Nut)

The seeds contain some important chemical constituents like triterpenoids, flavonoids, glycosides, saponins, amino acids, tannins and alkaloids. Some of the amino acids found in the seed kernel are aspartic acid, lysine, glycine, leucine, histidine, isoleucine, serine, butyric acid, tyrosine, citrulline, etc. The important glycoside found in kalarchikai is bonducin. The fatty oil found in the kernel consists of stearic, palmitic, oleic, linolenic and linoceric acids. 

Kalarchikai Traditional Uses:

Traditionally kalarchikai powder mixed along with pepper is consumed for treating indigestion and abdominal pain. The seed paste is used for treating many skin ailments and is especially used for treating problems like hydrocele. In certain branch of medicines, it is used for treating leprosy too.

The seed powder is a wonderful anthelmintic so it used traditionally to expel worms. Since the seeds have anti pyretic properties, they are used for treating fever especially malaria. The seeds are also used for treating gum problems including gum boils and inflammation. It is also taken for improving liver health and for treating liver disorders.

Kalarchikai Medicinal Uses:

Along with the medicinal uses given below, kalarchikai has immunomodulatry, diuretic, anti fungal, anti filarial, adaptogenic and anxiolytic (reduces anxiety) properties. 

1. Anti Asthma:

Kalarchikai has anti asthma properties, it has been used for it from ancient times. Kalarchikai inhibits parameters that leads to asthma. Kalarchikai powder mixed with honey helps reduce asthma and this has been proven through research too. Though in the study ethanol extract was used, we can use the powder too.

2. Anti Diabetic Properties:

Kalarchikai has wonderful anti diabetic properties, traditionally many tribal people use the seed powder for reducing high blood sugar levels and this use has been proven through research.  Kalarchikai blocks glucose absorption thus reducing high blood sugar spikes. 

3. Anti Pyretic Properties:

Kalarchikai has been used for reducing fever and pain by many tribal people for a long time and this traditional use has been backed by research now. Consuming kalarchikai when we are having fever reduces both fever and body pain that is usually common during fevers. It also helps reduce inflammation effectively too. Here in our place, kalarchikai is used extensively for treating malaria.

4. Anti Bacterial Properties:

Kalarchikai is widely used for treating many types of skin diseases including boils and wounds. This is due to it’s wonderful anti bacterial properties. Kalarchikai decoction made by mixing kalarchikai powder in water can be used as a gargle for treating gum diseases including gum inflammation and boils.

5. For Pcos (Antiestrogenic Properties): 

Kalarchikai is very famous in Tamil Nadu for treating pcos (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) and though it has many other uses, it is mainly used for treating pcos and its many side effects including irregular periods and also for aiding weight loss. This because it reduces estrogen levels which is usually elevated in people who are suffering from poly cystic ovarian syndrome. It does it by inhibiting estrogen secretion and you can read the study that proves it here.

6. Anthelmintic Properties:

The leaves also have medicinal uses and one of it’s uses is expelling worms. Traditionally in village sides, we consume neem extract for expelling worms but many consume other herbs like kalarchikai powder extract also for expelling worms. You can read the study that supports this claim here.

7. Anti Diarrhoeal Properties:

The leaf extract have powerful anti diarrhoeal properties and has been traditionally used for it by many tribes till today. This is due to it’s wonderful anti bacterial properties. The water extract of the leaves are given for treating diarrhoea and it is very very effective. Here is the link that supports this claim, though in the study methanol and ethyl acetate is used, water extract is also very effective.

8. Anti Cancer Properties:

Another amazing uses of kalarchikai plant leaves is the anti tumour properties. In a study done on rats with carcinoma, there was significant reduction in tumour size, tumour cell volume and tumour cell count when given Kalarchikai extract. And the best part is there was no toxicity till the dosage of 300 mg per kg.

Kalarchikai Side Effects:

Kalachikai is best avoided completely during pregnancy and also while breast feeding. Though it is a safe herb, it is best to take it in the suggested dosage.

Kalarchikai Dosage:

Usually the common suggested dosage for the seed powder is 1/4 tsp but it is best to consult an Ayurvedic physician for the correct dosage especially if you are planning to take it for long durations of time.

Where To Buy Kalarchikai?

We can get kalarchikai during certain seasons in nattu marundhu kadai (country drug store that sell herbs). We can order kalarchikai powder easily online too. 

3 Top Ways To Use Kalarchikai:

1. Kalarchikai Powder For Pcos:

For making kalarchikai powder, break the kalarchikai seeds using a hammer and you will find a white kernel inside. Now collect the kernels and sun dry till crisp and then powder along with black pepper in 1: 3 ratio and store. To use, mix 1/4 tsp kalarchikai powder with honey and make small balls. Take one ball each per day.

2. Kalarchikai For Skin Problems:

Make the powder as said before but powder without the peppercorns and store. To use, take little bit of the powder, mix with water and apply on the affected area. The inflammation will reduce very very quickly.

3. Kalarchikai For Periods Pain & Irregular Periods:

Due it’s antiestrogenic properties and anti spasmodic properties, kalarchikai is wonderful for reducing periods pain and also in regularising irregular periods. For both these problems make the powder with pepper like said before. Mix 1/4 tsp of the powder with water and consume.