Kalarchikkai | கழற்சிக்காய்

🌿 Kalarchikkai

கலர்ச்சிக்காய் | Indian Fever Nut | Bonduc Nut | Grey Nicker
Botanical Name: Caesalpinia bonduc
Family: Fabaceae
Common Names: Kalarchikkai (Tamil), Kazharchikkai, Fever Nut (English), Karanja Kottai (regional), Latakaranj (Hindi)

🌱 Description

Kalarchikkai refers to the hard, grey-colored medicinal seed obtained from the thorny climbing shrub Caesalpinia bonduc. In Siddha medicine, Kalarchikkai is a powerful bitter tonic widely used for digestive disorders, fever management, and metabolic balance.

The seeds are traditionally dehulled, purified, dried, and powdered before use. Due to its intense bitterness and potency, Kalarchikkai is used in very small doses and often combined with other herbs.

In Siddha texts, it is classified as kaippu suvai (bitter taste) and valued for its deep detoxifying and digestive-stimulating action.

🌍 Habitat

The plant grows naturally in tropical and subtropical regions of India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia. It is commonly found along seashores, forest edges, hedges, and wastelands. The shrub thrives in sandy and well-drained soils and is highly drought-resistant.

🌟 Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

🔥 Digestive & Metabolic Health

• Stimulates digestive fire (Agni)

• Relieves indigestion, bloating, and sluggish digestion

• Helps reduce intestinal worms (traditional use)

🌡 Fever & Detox Support

• Traditionally used in chronic and intermittent fevers

• Helps eliminate toxins from the body

• Supports liver function

🩸 Blood & Metabolic Balance

• Traditionally used in managing blood sugar balance

• Supports purification of blood

• Useful in metabolic disorders (as per Siddha texts)

🦴 Joint & Vata Disorders

• Helps reduce joint pain and stiffness

• Balances aggravated Vata and Kapha doshas

🛡 Immunity Support

• Enhances natural resistance

• Strengthens the body during weakness and fatigue

🧪 Active Compounds & Constituents

• Bitter alkaloids

• Flavonoids

• Saponins

• Fatty acids

• Terpenoids

• Phenolic compounds

These constituents contribute to its strong bitter, detoxifying, and digestive properties.

🍵 Usage & Dosage

⚠️ Use only under Siddha or Ayurvedic practitioner guidance

Traditional Internal Use (Powdered Seed):

• ⅛ teaspoon once daily

• Taken with honey, warm water, or buttermilk

Common Traditional Combinations:

• Mixed with neem, sukku, or turmeric for specific conditions

Duration:

• Short-term use only

• Long-term use strictly under supervision

⚠️ Precautions

• Do not exceed recommended dosage

• Not suitable for pregnant or lactating women

• Avoid in children unless prescribed

• Excess intake may cause nausea or stomach irritation

• Always use properly purified seeds

📦 Storage

• Store in an airtight container

• Keep in a cool, dry place away from moisture

• Protect from insects and contamination

Shelf Life:

• 6–8 months when stored properly

🌿 Organic & Ethical Considerations

• Use naturally matured, pesticide-free seeds

• Ensure proper traditional purification before use

• Avoid adulteration with similar-looking seeds

• Source responsibly from sustainable herbal collectors