Kayam Churna is a very well-known OTC herbal powder for treating chronic constipation. It is an Ayurvedic medicine from Bhavnagar-based Sheth Brothers. It is not a classical Ayurvedic medicine.
Kayam churna is combination of powerful purgatives. Senna leaves which is the main ingredient of this powder is laxative, purgative, astringent, bitter, acrid, anti-parasitic, heat generating, purifying, liver tonic, stimulates bile secretion, peristaltic and reduces fever.
Senna is scientifically proven to treat severe constipation and also known as Tinnevelly senna. Senna leaves are collected by hands. Then these fresh bluish leaves are shade dries, till leaves change to yellowish-green colour which is than graded and stored.
Savarchal or Black salt is dark colored salt. It is aromatic, stomachic, purgative, demulcent, bilious and digestive. Black salt is beneficial in beneficial in abdominal pain, abdominal tumours, intestinal worms and constipation.
Ajwain is hot in potency, bitter, anti-spasmodic, carminative, stimulate the appetite, stimulates flow of blood to pelvic region, stomachic and laxative in action.
Svarjika Kshara/Sajji-kshar which is carbonate of soda, is prepared form a plant. It is hot in potency, sharp, dry, digestive, stimulates appetite, and it is useful in indigestion, with vomiting, diarrhea and flatulence.
Trivrit/Nishot has anthelmintic, anti-inflammatory and purgative properties. It may act as an abortifacient when used in pregnant ladies.
Haritaki is well known laxative herb and it is considered divine. According to Indian mythology, Haritaki originated from the drops of Amrit that fell on earth. Since this tree is sacred to God Shiv (Har means God Shiv), so it is called Haritaki.
Mulethi has anti-inflammatory, spasmolytic, estrogenic, and mild laxative properties. It is good for stomach complaints, peptic ulcers and mouth ulcers.
This is a good medicine to treat occasional constipation. But please do not use it frequently to treat constipation. Remember, every medicine has some side-effects.
Here is given more about Kayam Churna such as indication/therapeutic uses, composition, dosage and side-effects.
Use of Kayam churna
Kayam churna has laxative and purgative in action. Laxative are those agent which stimulate or facilitate evacuation of the bowels. Purgative are agents which tend to cleanse or purge, especially causing evacuation of the bowels.
The difference between purgative and laxative is characterized by their effect. Laxative are mild and works gradually whereas purgative has stronger effect.
This medicine is useful in Chronic Constipation, Headache, Mouth Ulcer, Hyperacidity, Burning Sensation, and Diseases that occur due to excessive piita inside body.
Complete list of ingredients:
List of ingredients in Kayam Churna | ||
Ingredient | Latin name | Amount present % |
Senna Leaves | Cassia senna | 50% |
Savarchal | Black salt | 18% |
Ajwain | Trachyspermum ammi | 11.5% |
Himej/Haritaki | Terminalia chebula | 8% |
Svarjiskara (Shudh) | A type of Kshara/alkali preparation | 5% |
Jethi Madh/Yasthimadhu/liquorice | Glycyrrhiza glabra | 4.5% |
Nisot | Operculina turpethum | 3% |
Dosage
1/2 to 2 teaspoonful after meals at bed time with water.
Side-effects/Caution
High dose of Kayam churna may cause severe stomach pain, diarrhea and loss of water.
- Senna is habit-forming which means your body may get dependent on it for motion.
- Regular use of Senna may lead to complete loss of the spontaneous bowel rhythm on which normal evacuation depends.
- Senna leaves are harsh and strong purgative.
- Its regular use for long term can cause low sperm count and quality. So men suffering from sperm related problems or planning for baby should avoid its long term use.
- Avoid its use during pregnancy and lactation.
- Avoid in children under 12 years old.
- Avoid using more than 1–2 weeks without medical advice.
- Do not use this in case of abdominal pain or diarrhea.
- Discontinue use if diarrhea or watery stools occur.
- Contraindicated in inflammatory colon diseases.
This medicine contain salt and licorice. Therefor it is better to avoid in high blood pressure and conditions in which person is on diet with low sodium intake.
Licorice is contraindicated in heart disease, high blood pressure patients, diabetics, diseases of liver, kidney insufficiency, and pregnancy.