Family Name: Mucuna Pruriens
Botanical Name(s): Fabaceace
Popular Name(s): Cowitch, Cowhage Plant, kavach, Kapikachhu, Atmagupta
Naikaranam, Kawanch, Kewach
Parts Used: Roots, Seeds and Leaves
Habitat: This herb is an annual climbing shrub found in the tropics of India.
Description: The plant is an annual, climbing shrub with long vines that can reach over 15 m. It bears white, lavender, or purple flowers and pods that are covered in loose orange hairs, which cause a severe itch.
Uses: Root is used as a remedy in facial paralysis and nervous disorders. Decoction of the roots purifies the blood, cures rheumatism, asthma, cough, stone in the bladder and improves vitality. It is also used for fevers, edema, and elephantiasis.