Kayam Churna: Uses, Benefits, Side effects and More By Dr. Rajeev Singh

Introduction:

Kayam churna is an Ayurvedic preparation readily available at a chemist’s store. A lot of Indians use kayam churna for various stomach-related problems. In the Indian traditional medicine systems such as Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Naturopathy, the use of ‘churnas’ has beenrecorded. 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 incredible Ayurvedic ingredients, namely Senna leaves, Mulethi, Ajwain, Black salt, Nishoth, Haritaki and Svarjikshara. Senna leaves (Cassia angustifolia) are the major ingredient of kyama churna. Kayam churna may work against a vast array of stomach disorders like diarrheoa, heartburn, constipation, gas, peptic ulcer and acid-reflux disease.​¹​ Let 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: 

• Senna leaves: 100 g
• Black salt: 36 g
• Ajwain: 23 g
• Nishoth: 20 g
• Svarjikshara: 10 g
• Haritaki: 14 g
• Mulethi: 9 g

Though Kayam Churna is Ayurvedic medicine, its formula is not mentioned in traditional Ayurvedic textbooks. The manufacturers, the Sheth brothers, made the formulation around 1972. The mixed herb powder is the go-to medicine for constipation.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S M.D (Ayu)

The bioactive compounds may include tannins, glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, saponins, and phlobatotannins.¹ 

Properties of Kayam Churna:

Kayam churna may have the following properties:^1-3 

• It may relieve constipation. 
• It may act as a laxative (may increase bowel movement). 
• It may enhance digestion. 
• It may relieve bloating. 
• It may reduce acid reflux. 
• It may reduce flatulence. 
• It may reduce the occurrence of peptic ulcers. 

Potential Uses of Kayam Churna:

The potential uses of kayam churna may be described as follows: 

1. Potential uses of kayam churna for constipation

Kayam churna powder may provide instant relief from constipation. As per a study done by Gupta et al. in 2022, the main ingredient of kayam churna are senna leaves. It may play a major role in correcting bowel movements. Kayam churna contains seven herbs, making it one of the most potent natural preparation for constipation. It may increase muscular movement in the stomach, making the food move faster through the intestine. This may ease constipation and may help in easy bowel emptying.^1,2 However, if you suffer from constipation, consult a qualified doctor and do not self-medicate. 

2. Potential uses of kayam churna for bloating/gas

It is not uncommon to complain about gas in the stomach, which may lead to a painful bloating sensation. All the ingredients of kayam churna may help combat gas formation and relieve bloating. Senna leaves contain anthraquinones, which may have anti-bacterial activity and help remove harmful bacteria from the stomach and increase good bacteria. This may lead to a healthy environment in the stomach and alleviate discomforts such as gas and bloating.² However, more studies on humans are needed to suggest the uses of kayam churna for gas and bloating. Therefore, if you have any such stomach issues, consult with your physician and only use it if advised. 

3. Potential uses of kayam churna for digestion

Kayam churna is a herbal preparation containing mulethi, ajwain and senna leaves. It may act as a dietary supplement for various digestive problems. It may help boost the functions of the digestive system. It may help break down the food in the stomach and help it to get digested so that all the nutrients get absorbed in the body. It may also help with indigestion.¹ However, this information is insufficient; more human studies are needed to support the kayam churna benefits in digestion. 

4. Potential uses of kayam churna for jaundice

Jaundice may be caused due to increased bilirubin levels in the liver. Ayurveda has been advising the use of dried senna leaves for managing jaundice. Senna leaves are the main ingredient of kayam churna, which may help regulate pitta production in the liver. It may act as a stimulant, which may help remove pitta from the body. Hence, regular intake of kayam churna ingredients might help avoid the occurrence of jaundice.² However, more human studies are required to support the uses of kayam churna for jaundice. If you have jaundice, take medical treatment and do not self-medicate. 

Other Potential Uses of Kayam Churna

• Kayam churna contains ajwain, haritaki and mulethi, which may help in keeping the lungs and respiratory tract clean. It may help clear out any blockages that might trouble you during a cold and cough.¹  
• It may contain mulethi, which may help reduce the intensity of infections such as sore throat.⁴ 

Though studies show the potential uses of kayam churna in health conditions, these are insufficient, and there is a need for further studies to develop the scope of the benefits of kayam churna on human health.  

As Kayam churna has a major role in correcting bowel movements and relieving constipation, consuming Kayam churna might support healthy digestion and might contribute to weight loss.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

How to Use Kayam Churna?

You may use kayam churna: 

• It may be taken as it is in the form of powder. 
• It may be taken with warm water. 
• It may be available in the form of tablets/candies. 

You should consult a qualified doctor before using kayam churna in large quantities. Do not discontinue or replace an ongoing modern medical treatment with an ayurvedic/herbal preparation of kayam churna without consulting an Ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you with its form and dosage per your health condition. 

Side Effects of Kayam Churna:

Kayam churna in minimum amounts is considered safe. No major study reports the kayam churna side effects. However, the individual ingredient, if used alone in more quantities, may have side effects as mentioned below: 

• Senna leaves may cause severe purgation and abdominal cramps resulting in dehydration.² 
• It may cause nausea, excessive salivation and increased thirst.² 
• Licorice roots or mulethi may lead to high blood pressure when taken in a high amount. ​⁴​ 

If any side effects are seen after using kayam churna, immediately consult your doctors and get proper treatment. 

Precautions to Take with Kayam Churna:

Taking kayam churna in small quantities may be safe. However, the following precautions are necessary:  

• One should not use kayam churna to self-medicate on their own. It is important to take a doctor’s advice and use it if recommended. 
• Breastfeeding women should avoid kayam churna as it may induce mild purgation (bowel-emptying) in infants.² 
• Pregnant women must avoid kayam churna as it may lead to birth disabilities in children.² Therefore, consult a doctor before using kayam churna during pregnancy. 
• If you have high blood pressure, avoid intake of kayam churna as it might lead to hypertension.⁴ 

Interactions with Other Drugs:

No study reports the interaction of kayam churna with other drugs. Therefore, more human studies are needed to study 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 (FAQs):

References:

​​1. Gupta P, Kendle A, Bhagat D, Khan M, Wakode P, Shah S, et al. Standardization and Quality control parameters of Kayam Churna. TMR Modern Herb Med. 2022;5(3):1–9. Available from: https://www.tmrjournals.com/public/articlePDF/20220829/69f027eb40445b0a3b045898c9bc2468.pdf 

​2. Jalwal P, Middha A. Recent advances on 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 from: 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 Preserv, Flavor and Safe. 2016;181–92. Available from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/B9780124166417000195 

​4. Licorice Root | NCCIH [Internet]. [cited 2022 Dec 11]. Available from: https://www.nccih.nih.gov/health/licorice-root 

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes. 

23

7