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Kapikacchu (Velvet Bean / Cowhage)

Mucuna Pruriens (Velvet Bean / Cowhage)

Mucuna pruriens

Velvet bean seed, a natural source of L-DOPA used for mood, drive and sleep.

Velvet bean climber · Climber · Parts: Seed, Root

Taste (rasa)
Sweet, bitter
Energy (virya)
Heating
Balances
Vata, Pitta

What it is used for

Benefits

  • Traditionally used to lift low mood, motivation and mental flatness
  • Rasayana for nervous-system strength and restorative sleep
  • Classical tonic for male reproductive health and stamina

How it has been used

Traditional uses & benefits

Kapikacchu is a vajikarana and Vata-pacifying bean — used for nerve steadiness, drive and reproductive strength.

Traditional uses

  • Mood, motivation and mental drive
  • Steadiness of the nervous system
  • Traditional vitality and fertility support

Practical guidance

  1. 1Take with warm milk or water, ideally in the morning.
  2. 2Start small; it is potent and can feel stimulating at first.
  3. 3Do not combine with psychiatric or Parkinson's medication without medical advice.

How much

Dosage

Powder 1-3 g daily with warm milk or water; start low and build slowly.

How to take it

Preparation & usage

Kapikacchu milk

Whisk 1 teaspoon powder into a cup of warm milk with a pinch of cardamom.

Evening

Morning tonic

Stir 1/2 teaspoon powder into warm water with honey.

Before breakfast

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Precautions

  • Do not combine with levodopa, MAOIs or antidepressants without medical supervision
  • Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding and with psychiatric medication
  • Raw seed hairs are irritant — use only prepared powder

Where this comes from

Sources

Used forEnergy & FocusSleep & Stress

Where to buy

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If you buy, look for a batch-tested product that states the botanical name and tests for heavy metals. Check with your doctor first if you take medication, are pregnant or breastfeeding.