Koiralo, कोइरालो, काञ्चन, कचनार, Bauhinia purpurea ~ NepalAyurveds.com

यो ४०-५० फिट अग्लो उष्ण तथा समशीतोष्ण क्षेत्रमा पाइन्छ । सेतो र रातो मिश्रित फूल भएको कोइरालो शीतल, रक्तपित्तनाशक, रक्तविकार र वातनाशक औषधि हो । मृगौला विकृत भएर शरीर सुन्निएकोमा र खराब भएमा यसको फूल धूलो अथवा तरकारी पकाएर रस राखी मिठो बनाउनुहोस् र दिनमा एक किलो महिनाभर खानुस् । मासिकधर्मको अधिकतामा यसको चूर्णले असल काम गर्छ । कोइरालो मूत्रकृच्छ्र र पिसाबसम्बन्धी पत्थरी समस्यालाई निर्मूल गर्छ । बोक्राको काँढा अथवा धूलोले आन्द्राको कीरा मर्दछन् । मुखमा गर्मीको कारणले घाउ खटिरा आएकोमा लाभ पुऱ्याउने कोइरालाको अन्तरछाला एक तोला आधा लिटर पानीमा १० मिनेट उमालेर मुख कुल्ला गर्ने र चिया पिउने ५-७ पटक नित्य गर्नुस्, ५-७ दिनमा आराम हुन्छ। खुनी बबासिरमा फूल चूर्ण बनाएर डेढ दुई चम्चा २-३ पटक नित्य सेवन गर्नुस्, । ३ दिनमा रगत दिसाबाट आउँदैन, रक्तस्राव रोकिन्छ र रोगबाट मुक्त भइन्छ । यस्तो अमृत निर्दोष फूल कोइरालोलाई सबैले सर्वत्र खेती गरौँ र अर्बुद रोगबाट मुक्त होऔं । सबै जनाले यसको फूल निरन्तर सेवन गरी गतिशील लाभ लिऔँ । यसले निरोग राख्छ र सयौँ रोगलाई हटाउँछ । मात्रा : सर्वाङ्ग लेदो / चूर्ण ३-५ ग्राम, १/१ माना, अर्क ४०-५० ग्राम ३-५ पटक ।

परिचय

कोइरालो (Bauhinia purpurea) नेपालको उष्ण तथा समशीतोष्ण क्षेत्रमा पाइने एक औषधीय र सजावटी बोट हो। यसलाई काञ्चन, कचनार, रक्तकाञ्चन आदि नामले पनि चिनिन्छ। यो बोट ४०–५० फिटसम्म अग्लो हुन्छ र यसको फूल सेतो, रातो र गुलाफी मिश्रित रंगको हुन्छ। कोइरालो आयुर्वेदिक चिकित्सामा धेरै महत्त्वपूर्ण मानिन्छ किनभने यसको बोक्रा, पात, फूल, जरा सबै औषधीय गुणले भरपूर हुन्छन्।

नेपाल र अन्य देशमा उपलब्धता

कोइरालो नेपालको तराई, पहाड र हिमाली क्षेत्रमा पाइन्छ। यो भारत, बंगलादेश, श्रीलंका, म्यानमार, थाइल्याण्ड, मलेशिया, दक्षिण चीन लगायतका देशहरूमा पनि पाइन्छ। यो बोट जंगल, बाटो किनार, बगैँचा र घरघरमा सजावटी रूपमा लगाइन्छ।

शारीरिक गुणहरू

उचाई: १२–१५ मिटर (४०–५० फिट)
पात: दुईपाते (बाउहिनिया प्रजातिको विशेषता), हरियो र चम्किलो
फूल: सेतो, रातो, गुलाफी मिश्रित, सुगन्धित
फल: फलामुनी, लामो र सुक्खा
बोक्रा: खैरो र खस्रो

औषधीय गुणहरू

कोइरालोमा निम्न औषधीय गुणहरू पाइन्छन्:

शीतल (ठंडी तासीर)
रक्तपित्तनाशक (रक्त विकार हटाउने)
वातनाशक (जोड दुखाइ कम गर्ने)
मूत्रल (पिसाब बढाउने)
कृमिनाशक (पेटका कीरा मार्ने)
रक्तस्राव रोक्ने

लाभहरू

१. मृगौला विकृत (गाउँठी रोग): कोइरालोको फूल धूलो वा तरकारी बनाएर खाँदा शरीरको सुन्निने र खराब हुने समस्या हट्छ।
२. मासिकधर्मको अधिकता: कोइरालोको चूर्णले महिनावारी नियमित गर्छ।
३. मूत्रकृच्छ्र (पिसाब दुख्ने) र पथरी: यसले मूत्रमार्गलाई सफा गरी पथरी घटाउँछ।
४. पेटका कीरा: बोक्राको काँढा वा धूलोले आन्द्राका कीरा मार्छ।
५. मुखको घाउ: कोइरालोको बोक्रा उमालेर कुल्ला गर्नाले मुखको छाला, घाउ र खटिरा ठीक हुन्छ।
६. खुनी बबासिर: फूलको चूर्ण सेवन गर्नाले बबासिरबाट आउने रक्तस्राव रोकिन्छ।

प्रयोग विधि

फूलको चूर्ण: १–२ चम्चा दिनमा २–३ पटक सेवन गर्ने।
बोक्राको काढा: १० ग्राम बोक्रा ५०० मिलिलिटर पानीमा उमालेर दिनमा २–३ पटक पिउने।
मुखको घाउको लागि: बोक्रा उमालेर कुल्ला गर्ने वा चिया पिउने।

संकलन र संरक्षण

संकलन: कोइरालोको फूल वसन्त र ग्रीष्ममा, बोक्रा पात हरियो हुँदा तोक्ने।
सुकाउने: फूल र बोक्रा छायामा सुकाएर भण्डारण गर्ने।
संरक्षण: सुकेको फूल र बोक्रा एयरटाइट कन्टेनरमा राख्ने।

निष्कर्ष

कोइरालो एक अत्यन्तै गुणकारी औषधीय बोट हो जसले धेरै रोगहरूको उपचार गर्छ। यसको फूल, पात, बोक्रा, जरा सबै उपयोगी छन्। नेपालमा सजिलै पाइने यस बोटलाई घरघरमा रोपेर औषधीय प्रयोग गर्नुपर्छ। यसले निरोगी जीवन दिन्छ र सयौँ रोगबाट जोगाउँछ। कोइरालोको नियमित प्रयोगले स्वस्थ रहन सहयोग गर्छ।

Introduction

Bauhinia purpurea, commonly called purple orchid tree, butterfly tree, or टाँकी in Nepali, is a charming ornamental tree native to tropical and subtropical Asia. Reaching heights up to 40–50 ft (12–15 m) in its ideal warm climates, it's loved for its stunning orchid-like blooms in shades of purple, pink, and sometimes white. These blooms often overlay foliage or trail the naked branches after leaf-drop, making a vivid visual statement

Distribution & Availability

In Nepal

This species thrives in Nepal's tropical to subtropical regions, commonly found in the Terai plains and mid-hill forests up to about 1,200 m. Known locally as Koiralo or sometimes Tanki, it grows in parks, farms, and roadside areas, appreciated for both its shade and beauty .

Globally

Originally from the Indian subcontinent (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan, Sri Lanka) and parts of Myanmar and Thailand, it now spreads across tropical regions worldwide—Hawaii, Florida, California, Southeast Asia, and beyond. It’s widely planted as an ornament and also used in agroforestry.

Physical Properties

Size & Form: A semi-evergreen tree, typically 4–10 m tall, sometimes reaching 15 m. It often has a rounded, multi-trunk habit with a broad
Leaves: Unique bilobed (two-lobed) kidney-shaped leaves, around 15–20 cm across, easily identified even when not in bloom .
Flowers: Large (5–10 cm wide), showy orchid-like blossoms in purple, pink, magenta, or white, often appearing singly or in racemes during bloom seasons
Fruit: Legume pods, elongated, green turning brown when mature, containing flat seeds; pods may be ~30 cm long

Medicinal Properties

Traditional Uses

Antimicrobial & Anti-inflammatory: Traditional systems in South Asia use various parts—bark, flowers, leaves—for fevers, ulcers, skin swellings, respiratory issues, and wound healing .
Astringent: Bark decoction serves as an astringent, particularly against diarrhea; also used as poultices for ulcers and boils
Diuretic & Kidney Health: The plant has diuretic properties, beneficial for treating urinary issues, kidney stones, and bladder discomfort .
Stomach and Intestinal Harmony: Used to fight intestinal worms, soothe ulcers, curb diarrhea, and calm upset ticks .
Menstrual and Reproductive Health: Flowers or powders are taken to alleviate excessive menstrual bleeding—daily doses of 3–5 g are often prescribed in Ayurveda and Nepali folk systems .
Analgesic and Wound Healing: Roots and flowers relieve rheumatic pain and support wound repair—flower paste is a local remedy for mouth ulcers.

Modern Pharmacology

Antibacterial, Antidiabetic, Anticancer, Nephroprotective, Thyroid-regulating: Extracts and phytoconstituents like flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, and phytosterols have been studied with promising results
Anti-inflammatory & Antipyretic: The plant shows potential in reducing fever and inflammation, with mild pain-relieving effects .
Hepato- and Nephro-protective, Gastroprotective: Extracts protect the liver and kidneys against chemical injuries and promote gut integrity .
Antioxidant & Antimalarial: The plant’s flavonoids and phytochemicals combat oxidative stress; some evidence points to antimalarial benefits .

Advantages & Uses

Health Advantages

Treated ailments include urinary tract problems, digestive disorders, fevers, menstrual bleeding, skin issues, respiratory problems, rheumatic pain, and kidney-liver damage.
Traditional local protocols (e.g., dosages in Nepali medicine) are often 3–5 g of powder or decoction 3–5 times daily—subject to guidance.

Agricultural & Practical Uses

Fodder: Leaves are protein-rich (~12.6%) and readily eaten by livestock; notably improved milk yield in buffaloes during a Nepal trial
Erosion Control: The species has a deep root system and is used for slope stabilization
Ornamental Value: A fast-growing, visually striking specimen suitable for parks, gardens, and avenues due to its flowers and shade

How to Use the Plant

Medicinal Preparations

Powder (Churna): Flowers are dried and ground. Typical dose: 3–5 g, two to five times daily. Used for menstrual irregularities, bleeding, digestive issues.
Decoction (Kadha): Inner bark, flowers, or leaves are boiled in ~500 ml water until reduced by half. Strained and consumed warm—often for kidney health, fevers, or gargling for mouth ulcers .
Gargle/Rinse: Boil inner bark or flower skin in water for 10 minutes for mouth rinse—helps treat ulcers, bleeding gums .
Poultices & Pastes: Crush flowers, mix with honey or water, and apply topically to boils or skin ulcers.
Edible Uses: In Nepal and Southeast Asia, flowers and young leaves are eaten fresh or cooked—added to curries or pickles, or used in sour broth preparations .

Harvesting & Preservation

Harvest Timing:

Flowers: At full bloom, gently pluck to avoid damage.
Bark: From young branches—strip carefully in early morning.
Leaves: Best harvested in the morning before full sun.

Drying Process:

Clean and spread in shade on clean bamboo trays, swapping sides for even drying.
Duration: 7–10 days until crisp.

Storage:

Store in airtight, opaque containers in a cool, dry place.
Properly dried material can stay potent for up to a year if kept dry.

Powdering:

Grind dried flowers/bark in a clean grinder.
Sift for consistency and store in airtight jars.

Making Decoction:

Use fresh or dried material: boil 40–50 g in 500 ml water until reduced; strain and drink.
Daily dosage: 200–300 ml, taken 1–3 times daily, depending on condition and guidance

Gargle Solution:

Boil 1 tola (~11.6 g) of fresh bark or flower in 500 ml water for 10 minutes; cool, strain, and use 5–7 times daily for 5–7 days for mouth ulcers .

Safety, Dosage & Side Effects

Dosage: Traditional guidelines suggest 3–5 g powders or 200–300 ml decoctions two to five times daily. For gargling, 10 minutes of boiling bark or flowers in water, used 5–7 times/day for up to a week .
Safety: Generally safe in traditional dosages. Excessive intake might cause digestive discomfort or mild GI upset.
Contraindications & Interactions: Pregnant or breastfeeding women and individuals with kidney or thyroid issues should consult a healthcare provider due to possible hypotensive or antidiabetic effects.
Allergy Warning: Some individuals may react to flowers or sap; perform a skin test before topical applications.

Conclusion

Bauhinia purpurea (कोइरालो ) is more than a beautiful tree—it’s a treasure trove of traditional wisdom and modern scientific promise. From its sweeping purple blooms to its bilobed leaves, medicinal flowers, bark, and seeds, this tree offers a wide range of uses:

Medicinal benefits: For digestive, urinary, menstrual, inflammatory, and skin conditions.
Nutritional benefits: As fodder, improving milk yield and livestock health.
Ecological benefits: For slope reinforcement and landscape enhancement.
Cultural and culinary uses: Integrates with local cuisine and customs.

To harness the full benefits, harvest responsibly, respect traditional dosages, and always consult healthcare experts, especially if you have underlying health issues or are on medications.

Let’s cherish Koiralo—plant it, enjoy its blooms, and share its healing gifts, continuing a legacy of health, ecology, and cultural pride.

Reference

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