Kapikacchu (aka Atma Gupta) is a large bean-sized seed that is most well known for its use in rejuvenating the nervous system, muscles and reproductive tissue.  Overall this Ayurvedic herb is considered a rejuvenating tonic (rasayana) as it strengthens the muscles, promotes energy and increases the sexual potency (libido).  It is one of the best options in any sexual disorder including impotence, premature ejaculation and low libido.  It enhances fertility and the root was traditionally taken for those wishing to conceive a male prodigy.  More recently Kapikacchu has been praised for its ability to increase levels of levodopa (l-dopa), a powerful precursor to dopamine, making this a great option for individuals with Parkinson’s disease, depression or addiction issues. 

Kapikacchu can be taken in a powdered herbal formula and is often taken with ghee and honey to increase its rejuvenative properties.  When infused in a medicated ghee, the potency increases even further as the extraction into a lipid form allows for better absorption.  Kapikacchu is a powerful Vata-pacifier and can be used in most disorders involving high Vata.  Due to its heating potency, it must be used with caution if there is high Pitta and should typically be avoided by those with high Kapha or high toxins in the system due to its heavy, oily qualities.  **Pitta and Kapha types can use Kapikacchu if it is administered in a balanced formula to reduce the aggravating properties.  

If you are taking Kapikacchu for its ability to increase dopamine levels in the brain, then it is further recommended to take this herb along side Gokshura, as the MAO-inhibiting activity of Gokshura will enhance the efficiency of the l-dopa in Kapikacchu.  Therefore, if you are taking this herb to treat any nervous system disorder, Parkinson’s disease, addiction issues, low libido or depression, it will be essential to take these two in sequence; making the Majja Ghrita and Rasayana Ghee highly effective in these disorders. 

Health Benefits of Kapikacchu

• Treats most nervous system disorders
• Naturally increases dopamine levels in the body     
• Treats Parkinson’s Disease
• Boosts mood, alleviates depression
• Aids in treating addiction issues (food, drug, alcohol, etc)
• Increases strength and energy
• Increases testosterone levels
• Treats sexual dysfunction such as low libido, premature ejaculation and impotence
• Increase fertility in both men and women
• Useful in paralysis
• Useful in insomnia and other sleep disorders
• Anti-spasmodic and carminative; treats gas, cramping and bloating
• Useful in both diarrhea and constipation
• Bronchial dilator; useful in asthma, wheezing and shortness of breath
• Rejuvenative, specifically for the muscles, reproductive system and nervous system
• Treats most Vata Vikara (diseases of Vata)
• Tightens the vaginal muscles after delivery or otherwise (use externally, see below)
• Promotes menstruation and is useful in amenorrhea and hypoamenorrhea
• Increases the intellect, memory, focus and concentration
• Kills parasites (hairs on the seed specifically)

How to Use Kapikacchu

1. For Muscle Rejuvenation:

Combine Kapikacchu, Ashwagandha and Bala in equal parts and take 1/2 tsp, three times daily to increase the strength, mass and overall rejuvenation of muscles.  Take this either in 1/2 cup of warm water; for added rejuvenation benefits add 1/2 tsp of ghee and 1/2 tsp of honey.      

Alternatively, you can take 1 tsp of Rasayana Ghrita (rejuvenation ghee) mixed with 1 tsp of honey, once in the morning (first thing) and again between 2-4pm. 

2. For Low Libido and Infertility:

For men: Combine Ashwagandha, Gokshura and Kapikacchu in equal parts and take with 1/2 tsp of melted ghee, 2-3 times daily before meals.

For Women: Combine Shatavari, Gokshura and Kapikacchu in equal parts and take with 1/2 tsp of melted ghee, 2-3 times daily before meals.    

For both men and women: Take 1 tsp of Rasayana Ghrita (rejuvenation ghee) mixed with 1 tsp of honey, once in the morning (first thing) and again between 2-4pm.  For low libido, premature ejaculation, impotence or vaginal dryness, Rasayana Ghrita can also be applied locally, 3-7 days a week depending on the severity.    

3. For Parkinson’s Disease, Addiction, Depression, Vata Imbalances and Nervous System Disorders:

Combine Kapikacchu, Shankapushpi, Ashwagandha and Gokshura in equal parts and take 1/2 tsp, three times daily after meals.  Mix this in 1/2 cup of warm water and add 1/2 tsp of ghee (let it melt before drinking). 

Alternatively, you can take 1 tsp of Majja Ghrita, twice daily; once in the morning (first thing) and again between 2-4pm.  Melt the ghee in hot water before taking.  For extreme cases, take three times daily.          

4. For Asthma:

Take 1/4 tsp of Kapikacchu with 1/4 tsp of Trikatu Churna, three times daily for chronic asthmatic issues.  Mix in 1/2 cup of warm water and take after meals.  Otherwise take the same dosage as needed during acute attacks.   

5. For Amenorrhea or Scanty Menstruation:

Combine Shatavari, Vidari and Kapikacchu in equal parts and take with 1/2 tsp of ghee, 2-3 times daily before meals. 

Alternatively, you can take 1 tsp of Rasayana Ghrita melted in 1/2 cup of warm water, once in the morning (first thing) and again between 2-4pm.

6. For tightening the vaginal muscles after delivery:

Make a decoction of Kapikacchu, Shatavari, Gokshura and Bala by adding 1 Tbsp of each to 4 cups of water.  Boil the water, then turn the heat to a simmer and add the herbs.  Cover, leaving only a small crack to allow slow evaporation.  Once the infusion has simmered down to 2 cups, strain the herbs out using a cheese cloth or paper towel.   Let the infusion cool, then take a tampon and soak this in the decoction.  Place the soaked tampon into the vagina and leave in for 30 minutes.  Do this 3-7 days a week depending on the severity. **The extra decoction can be placed in an airtight jar and kept in the fridge for reuse; however, make sure to warm it up slightly before application.  

Alternatively or simultaneously, one can massage the Rasayana Ghrita onto the inner vaginal areas each night before bed.  As an added bonus, one can do the “kegel” exercises after application.  This will help the absorption of the medicated ghee by increasing blood flow with the local exercises.