Babchi also known as Psoralea corylifolia belongs to the family Fabaceae. It is also called Bakuchi in Sanskrit. The seeds of Babchi are used to extract essential oils with the use of steam distillation method. It is used as a vasodilator, pigmentor and cardiac tonic in Ayurveda for above 4000 years. It helps to treat various health conditions such as leprosy, leucoderma, vitiligo, stress and reproductive ailments. Babchi oil has the major chemical constituents such as bakuchiol, psoralen, linalool, limonene, α-elemene, angelicin, bavachalcone, isopsoralen, corylifol, 6-prenylnaringenin, corylin, isobavachalcone, corylifolin, psoralidin, bavachromanol, methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate and neobavaisoflavone. This oil possess various healing properties such as antibacterial, antioxidant, antifungal, anti-tumor, antidepressant, stimulant, aphrodisiac, diaphoretic, antiviral, stomachic, astringent, anti-hyperglycemic, cytotoxic, cardiac, diuretic, tonic, deobstruent, anthelmintic and laxative.

Health Benefits of Babchi oil

Let’s take a closer look on the health benefits provided by Babchi oil:

1. Skin health

The oils extracted from Babchi seeds helps to treat skin problems such as dermatitis, eczema, boils, skin eruptions, scabies, leucoderma, ringworm and vitiligo. The research shows that Babchi oil has psoralens that stimulates melanin pigments of skin structure and promote pigmentation. It enhance skin health and shores up residual pigmentation. Apply the mixture of 1 drop of lavender oil, 2 drops of Babchi oil, 1 drop of Frankincense oil, 2.5 ml of Jojoba oil and 1 drop of Orange oil to the affected areas of ringworm, itching, skin eruptions, scabies, vitiligo, edematous skin conditions, inflamed skin nodules, red papules, discolored dermatosis and eczema. It promotes circulation of blood; production of melanin pigments ad purifies blood. It also improves the color of skin, hair and nails.

2. Oral health

Babchi essential oil helps to strengthen bones by promoting the calcification of bones. It has high concentration of calcium so massage with the mixture of 2 drops of Black cumin oil, 5 drops of Babchi oil, 10 ml of sesame oil and 2 drops of Birch oil. It helps to stimulate bones, promote calcium and assist recovery from bone dislocation and boost health in the case of osteoporosis. It also possess astringent, antibacterial, antimicrobial properties that helps to treat weak gums, plaque, bad breathe, halitosis and bleeding gums. Gargle by adding 1 drop of clove oil and 1 drop of Babchi oil to a cup of warm water in the night and morning. It helps to strengthen teeth as well as gums.

3. Respiratory health

Babchi oil helps to lower chronic fever which is known as Jwarahara. Inhale the mixture of 1 drop of Peppermint oil and 2 drops of Babchi oil in a steam inhalation that helps to provide relief from bronchitis, nasal congestion, whooping cough, cold, sinusitis, headache, breathing problems and asthma. Massage back, throat and chest with one drop of Babchi oil with vaporizing ointment. This helps to improve the health condition of respiratory system. In a warm bathing water, add two drops of Babchi oil. It helps to prevent respiratory infections. Massage with the mixture of 2 ml of coconut oil, 1 drop of Cajeput oil and two drops of Babchi oil to the foot soles. This helps to lower the body temperature caused by high fever.

4. Treat reproductive problems

Babchi oil possesses aphrodisiac properties that support reproductive health of women and men both. It acts as a tonic and enhances vitality. It helps to treat impotence, incontinence, frigidity, premature ejaculation and lack of sexual interest. Massage lower back, genital organs and lower abdomen with the mixture of 2 drops of Cinnamon oil, 2 drops of Ylang Ylang oil, 3 ml of Jojoba oil and 2 drops of Babchi oil, it helps to enhance mood, uplift senses, relax nerves, stimulates reproductive organs. Add one drop of rose oil, 2 drops of Babchi oil and 1 drop of Sandalwood oil to the warm bathing water to enhance mood.

5. Treat cancer

Babchi oil helps to treat cancers such as lung cancer. It has the chemical components such as psoralen, corylfolinin and bavachinin. It slows down the growth of osteosarcoma and lung cancer cells.

Traditional uses

• It is used as a treatment for vitiligo.
• It helps to treat cardiovascular problems, leprosy, liver inflammation, leucoderma, uterine hemorrhage, jaundice, asthma, premature ejaculation, menstrual discomforts, alopecia areata and skin pigmentation problems.
• It is also useful for urinary tract disorders, diabetes, cardiac problems, kidney problems, constipation, worm infestation, bleeding disorders, inflammation and anemia.
• It improves the condition of leprosy, leucoderma and psoriasis.
• It promotes the pigmentation and stimulates melanin pigments.
• It helps to treat weak gums, plaque, bleeding gums, bad breath or halitosis and other oral problems.
• It helps to treat grey hairs.

Precautions                                                                                                 

• Consult a doctor to treat any medical condition.
• It should not be used internally.
• Avoid sun exposure after using Babchi oil.
• Pregnant women should not use it.
• The people with sore throat, dry mouth, constipation, urinary tract infection and haematuria should avoid it.

Babchi oil facts

Babchi is called Kustanashini in Ayurveda which means leprosy destroyer. It is used as an aid for Siddha, Ayurveda and Homeopathic medicines. It is used to treat bone disorders, genital health, leucoderma, lumbago, psoriasis, leprosy, intestinal worms, impotence, psoriasis, backaches and vitiligo. The oil has been extracted by using the steam distillation method. The essential oil is used to balance vata and kapha dosha and enhancing pitta dosha.

Babchi oil facts and health benefits Quick Facts
Name:	Babchi oil facts and health benefits
Health benefits	Skin health, Oral health, Respiratory health, Reproductive health, Treat cancer

Name	Babchi oil facts and health benefits
Scientific Name of Babchi plant	Psoralea Corylifolia
Common/English Name of Babchi plant	Bakuchi, Bkchi, Bavanchi
Name in Other Languages of Babchi plant	Kannada: Bavanchi; Malayalam: Karboga-Ari; Telugu: Bhavanchi-Vittulu; Hindi: Bakuchee, Bavanchiyani-Baschi ; Bengali: Bavachi; Konkani: Vakuchu; Marathi: Bavanchi; Sanskrit: Bakuchi; Hindi: Babachi, Bavanchiyan, Babchi, Bakuci, Bhavaj, Bemchi; Urdu: Babechi; Telgu: Bavanchalu, Bogi-vittulu, Bavanchi-vittulu, Kala-ginja, Karu-bogi; Tamil: Karpokarishi, Karpuvanshi, Karpuva-arishi, Karpogalarisi, Kaarboka-arisi; Assam: Habucha; Oriya: Bakuchi; Sinhalese: Bodi- ata; Nepalese: Bakuchi; Bangladesh: Buckidana; German: Bawchan; Sri Lanka: Ravoli; Arabic: Mahalep, Loelab el abid; Chinese: Ku Tzu, Bu Ku Zhi, Pu Ku Chih, Cot Chu;
Extraction method	Steam distillation
Color	Brown
Odor	Characteristics
Flavor/aroma	Sweet