Introduction:
Kayam churna is an Ayurvedic preparation readily available in pharmacies. Many Indians use kayam churna for various stomach related issues. In traditional Indian medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Naturopathy, the use of ‘churnas’ has been recorded. Ayurveda defines churna as a fine powder of one or more ingredients in dried form. Kayam churna is an Ayurvedic formulation. It is a balanced blend of seven amazing Ayurvedic ingredients namely senna leaves, mulethi, ajwain, black salt, nishoth, haritaki and svarjikshara. Senna leaves (Cassia angustifolia) are the main ingredient of kyama churna. Kayam churna can work against a wide range of stomach disorders like diarrhea, heartburn, constipation, gas, peptic ulcer and acid reflux.1Let us discuss the health benefits of kayam churna, its nutritional composition, properties, uses and more.
Nutritional composition of Kayam Churna:
Kayam churna may contain the following ingredients:
| Ingredients | Value in grams |
| Senna leaves | 100g |
| black salt | 36g |
| Ajowan | 23g |
| Nishoth | 20g |
| Svarjikshara | 10g |
| Haritaki | 14g |
| Mulethi | 9g |
Table 1: Nutritional composition of Kayam Churna in grams.1
Bioactive compounds can include tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, saponins and phlobatotanins.1
Properties of Kayam Churna:
Kayam churna can have the following properties:1-3
- It can relieve constipation.
- It can act as a laxative (can increase intestinal transit).
- It can improve digestion.
- This can relieve bloating.
- It can reduce acid reflux.
- This can reduce flatulence.
- It can reduce the occurrence of peptic ulcers.
Potential uses of Kayam Churna:
The potential uses of kayam churna can be described as follows:
Potential Uses of Kayam Churna for Constipation
Kayam churna powder can provide instant relief from constipation. According to a study by Gupta et al. in 2022, the main ingredient of kayam churna is senna leaves. It can play a major role in stool correction. Kayam churna contains seven herbs, making it one of the most powerful natural preparations for constipation. It can increase muscle movement in the stomach, which speeds up the movement of food through the intestine. This can relieve constipation and facilitate bowel emptying.1,2 However, if you suffer from constipation, consult a qualified doctor and do not self-medicate.
Potential Uses of Kayam Churna for Bloating/Gas
It is not uncommon to complain of gas in the stomach, which can lead to a painful feeling of bloating. All the ingredients in kayam churna can help fight gas formation and relieve bloating. Senna leaves contain anthraquinones, which may have antibacterial activity and help eliminate harmful stomach bacteria and increase good bacteria. This can lead to a healthy environment in the stomach and alleviate discomforts such as gas and bloating.2 However, more human studies are needed to suggest the uses of kayam churna for gas and bloating. Therefore, if you have such stomach problems, consult your doctor and use it only if advised.
Potential uses of kayam churna for digestion
Kayam churna is a herbal preparation containing mulethi, ajwain and senna leaves. It can act as a dietary supplement for various digestive problems. It can help boost the functions of the digestive system. This can help break down food in the stomach and digest it so that all the nutrients are absorbed by the body. It can also help with indigestion.1 However, this information is insufficient; more human studies are needed to support the benefits of kayam churna in digestion.
Potential uses of kayam churna for jaundice
Jaundice can be caused by increased bilirubin levels in the liver. Ayurveda advises the use of dried senna leaves to manage jaundice. Senna leaves are the main ingredient in kayam churna, which can help regulate pitta production in the liver. It can act as a stimulant, which can help eliminate pitta from the body. Therefore, regular consumption of kayam churna ingredients could help avoid occurrence of jaundice.2 However, more human studies are needed to support the uses of kayam churna for jaundice. If you have jaundice, get medical treatment and do not self-medicate.
Other Potential Uses of Kayam Churna
- Kayam churna contains ajwain, haritaki, and mulethi, which can help keep the lungs and airways clean. This can help clear blockages that may be bothering you during a cold and cough.1
- It may contain mulethi, which can help reduce the intensity of infections such as sore throats.4
Although studies show the potential uses of kayam churna in health conditions, these are insufficient and more studies are needed to expand the scope of benefits of kayam churna on human health.
How to use Kayam Churna?
You can use kayam churna:
- It can be taken as it is in powder form.
- It can be taken with lukewarm water.
- It may be available in tablet/candy form.
You should consult a qualified doctor before using kayam churna in large quantities. Do not discontinue or replace ongoing modern medical treatment with an Ayurvedic/herbal preparation of kayam churna without consulting an Ayurvedic physician. They will guide you with its form and dosage according to your health condition.
Kayam Churna Side Effects:
Kayam churna in minimal quantities is considered safe. No major studies report the side effects of kayam churna. However, the individual ingredient, if used alone in larger quantities, can have side effects as mentioned below:
- Senna leaves can cause severe purgation and abdominal cramps leading to dehydration.2
- This can cause nausea, excessive salivation, and increased thirst.2
- Licorice or mulethi roots can lead to high blood pressure when taken in large amounts. 4
If any side effects are seen after using kayam churna, consult your doctor immediately and get proper treatment.
Precautions to take with Kayam Churna:
Taking kayam churna in small amounts may be safe. However, the following precautions are necessary:
- One should not use the kayam churna for self-healing. It is important to follow the advice of a doctor and use it if recommended.
- Nursing women should avoid kayam churna as it may induce mild purgation (evacuation of the bowels) in infants.2
- Pregnant women should avoid kayam churna as it can lead to congenital disabilities in children.2 Therefore, consult a doctor before using kayam churna during pregnancy.
- If you suffer from high blood pressure, avoid taking kayam churna as it may lead to high blood pressure.4
Interactions with other medicinal products:
There are no studies reporting the interaction of kayam churna with other medications. Therefore, further human studies are needed to investigate the safe use of kayam churna in humans. Consult an Ayurvedic doctor; they will guide you to a safe way to use it.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Is it safe to use kayam churna during lactation period?
No. Kayam churna should not be used by nursing mothers. It can induce purgation (involuntary emptying of the bowel) in infants.4
- What are the ingredients of kayam churna?
Kayam churna is a mixture of seven ingredients, namely senna leaves, mulethi, ajwain, black salt, nishoth, haritaki and svarjikshara. Senna leaves (Cassia angustifolia) are the main ingredient of kayam churna.1
- What are the properties of kayam churna?
Kayam churna can relieve constipation, act as a laxative, improve digestion, relieve bloating, reduce flatulence, peptic ulcers and acid reflux.1–3
- Is it safe to have kayam churna during pregnancy?
Kayam churna contains mulethi (licorice root). A high dose of mulethi during pregnancy can cause premature birth and other health problems in the baby. Therefore, pregnant women should avoid kayam churna.4
- Does Kayam Churna interact with other medications?
No studies to date report the interaction of kayam churna with other medications. Further studies are needed to identify the safe use of kayam churna in humans. So consult an Ayurvedic doctor; they will guide you to a safe way to use it.
The references:
1. Gupta P, Kendle A, Bhagat D, Khan M, Wakode P, Shah S, et al. Kayam Churna standardization and quality control parameters. TMR Modern Herb Med. 2022;5(3):1–9. Available at: https://www.tmrjournals.com/public/articlePDF/20220829/69f027eb40445b0a3b045898c9bc2468.pdf
2. Jalwal P, Middha A. Recent Advances in Senna as a Laxative: A Comprehensive Review Ramchander, Pawan Jalwal, and Anil Middha. ~349~ Journal of Pharmaco and Phytoche. 2017;6(2):349–53. Available at: https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2017/vol6issue2/PartF/6-2-92-932.pdf
3. Anwar S, Ahmed N, Habibatni S, Abusamra Y. Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi L.) Oils. Essen oils in food preservation, flavor and safety. 2016;181–92. Available at: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124166417000195
4. Licorice root | NCCIH [Internet]. [cited 2022 Dec 11]. Available at: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root
Disclaimer: The information on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Due to unique individual needs, the reader should consult with their physician to determine the suitability of the information for the reader’s situation.