Karanjwa Seeds

Karanjwa, scientifically known as Millettia Pinnata, is a tree species in the Fabaceae family. Originally from Asia, it is also widespread in Australia, Pacific Islands, Japan, and Thailand. Both traditional Ayurvedic practices and modern science utilize Karanja for its medicinal properties, particularly in addressing severe skin allergies and various other ailments. In Ayurvedic medicine, different parts of the Karanjwa tree—like leaves, stems, fruits, roots, and seeds—are employed. Known for its pungent taste, Karanjwa is easy to digest and slightly hot in its potency compared to other herbs. Historically, Karanjwa twigs were even used as toothbrushes for their dental health benefits. Besides its medicinal uses, Karanjwa is significant in therapies like 'bloodletting' to treat skin issues. This involves rubbing the Karanja stem to initiate bleeding in areas with numb skin lesions, allowing the release of impure blood and addressing the root cause of infections.

Identifying Karanjwa

Karanjwa is a medium-sized deciduous tree that can grow up to 12 meters tall, and sometimes even higher, thriving at altitudes of up to 1200 meters. It features a slightly crooked trunk with greyish-brown bark and produces attractive lavender, pink, and white flowers. These fragrant flowers provide pollen and nectar, which bees use to make dark brown honey. The seeds have a brittle coat and are not pleasant to taste. The seeds contain pongamia oil, known for its diverse benefits and usage. Pongamia oil, which ranges in color from thick yellow-orange to brown, has been traditionally used in skincare, as a cooking fuel, and for making soaps. Today, it finds use in products like lotions, insect repellent creams, and moisturizers. Rich in flavonoids with antioxidant and UV-blocking properties, pongamia oil protects the skin and hair from sun damage and provides nourishment and hydration.

Other Names of Karanjwa

Karanjwa goes by several other names, including Karanj, Kanja, Ghrtakaranja, Karanjaka, Naktahva, Naktamala, Korach, Daharakaranja, Natakaranja, Kanaji, Honge, Pungu, Ungu, Pungai, Ganuga, and Kanuga.

Chemical Composition of Karanja

The extracts of the Karanjwa plant contain six compounds and eight fatty acids, three of which are saturated and five unsaturated. Notable metabolites include beta-sitosterol acetate, galactoside, stigma sterol, and sucrose. Among the fatty acids, there are monoenoic, dienoic, and trienoic varieties. Oleic acid is found in the greatest amount, followed by stearic and palmitic acids, with hiragonic and octadecatrienoic acids present in smaller quantities. Karanja oil, rich in triglycerides and flavonoids, is used to treat a range of conditions, including skin diseases, hemorrhoids, ulcers, liver pain, fungal infections, dyspepsia, rheumatic issues, scabies, herpes, and some cases of leprosy.

Benefits of Karanjwa Seeds

Health Benefits of Karanjwa

Traditional Benefits

  • Hemorrhoids, Dyspepsia, and Leprosy: The Karanja plant is beneficial in treating these ailments.

  • Dental Health: Karanja root juice serves as a teeth cleaner.

  • Rheumatic Problems: Applied topically for relief.

  • Respiratory Issues: The seed powder works as an expectorant for bronchitis and whooping cough.

  • Skin Diseases: Leaf infusion helps with chronic and parasitic skin conditions.

  • Reproductive Health: Assists in detoxifying the vagina and treating uterine disorders.

  • Digestive Health: Provides relief from bloating, stomach ailments, and flatulence.

  • Worm Infestation: Prevents infestations and aids wound healing.

  • Gastrointestinal Infections: Leaf extract treats GI infections and acute diarrhea.

  • Poisoning and Fever: Traditionally used to treat fever from scorpion bites.

  • Sexually Transmitted Diseases: Karanja is used in treating syphilis and gout.

Healing Health Benefits

  • Indigestion: Karanjwa stimulates digestive fire due to its hot potency, aiding proper digestion and resolving digestive issues.

  • Appetite Loss: Enhances appetite by promoting the secretion of gastric juices.

  • Osteoarthritis: Relieves joint pain and swelling by balancing vata dosha and providing anti-inflammatory benefits.

  • Skin Disorders: Karanja oil, with its antiseptic and healing properties, treats infections, abscesses, boils, and eczema, restoring normal skin texture.

  • Hair Health: Rich in antioxidants, it prevents premature greying, treats scalp infections, dryness, and dandruff, and enhances hair health.

  • Ulcers: Antioxidant properties prevent cell damage and heal both internal and external ulcers.

  • Leprosy: The anthelmintic and bactericidal properties of Karanja oil effectively treat leprosy.

Effect on Doshas

According to Ayurvedic principles, Karanjwa helps balance vata and kapha doshas. Its sushnavirya property reduces vata, while its katuvipaka property decreases kapha, supporting the management of related conditions.

Recommended Dosage

The appropriate dosage of Karanjwa varies based on individual factors like age, health, gender, and disease severity. It is crucial to consult an Ayurvedic doctor before using Karanja.