Himalaya’s single-herb kapikachhu, from the seed of Mucuna pruriens — the velvet bean. One of the oldest herbs in the Ayurvedic materia medica and one of the harder ones to find in Britain under its proper name.
At a glance
| Brand | Himalaya Wellness |
| Botanical name | Mucuna pruriens |
| Sanskrit name | Kapikachhu, also written Kaunch or Kaunch Beej |
| Part used | Seed |
| Pack | 60 capsules |
| Origin | Manufactured in India |
How to take it
Follow the recommended daily portion printed on the pack, with water. Do not exceed the stated dose. Kapikachhu is traditionally taken with warm milk in the evening, though the capsule form removes any need for that.
Nutrition information
No authorised nutrition or health claim applies to this botanical in Great Britain, so we have not made one. Everything below describes what the plant is, where it comes from and how it is traditionally prepared.
Under UK law we may only state nutrition and health claims that appear on the Great Britain Nutrition and Health Claims Register, and those claims belong to the specific nutrient rather than to the product as a whole. Where no authorised claim exists we say so, rather than implying something we are not permitted to state.
In detail
The plant
Mucuna pruriens is a climbing legume found across the Indian subcontinent and much of the tropics. Its English name, velvet bean, comes from the fine hairs on the seed pod — which are intensely irritating to the skin, and are the reason the plant is handled carefully and the seed is always processed before use. The seed itself is the part used in Ayurveda.
The names
You will see this herb sold under at least four spellings: kapikachhu, kaunch, kaunch beej (beej meaning seed) and cowhage. The Sanskrit kapikachhu translates roughly as “monkey itch”, another reference to those hairs. If you have been recommended any of those names, this is the same herb.
About Himalaya
Himalaya Wellness has manufactured herbal products in India since 1930 and is one of the few Indian Ayurvedic brands with genuine name recognition outside the subcontinent. Their single-herb line is standardised and manufactured under GMP conditions.
Buying this in the UK
We ship this pack from India directly to your UK address. Orders are dispatched within 24 to 72 hours and take 5 to 7 working days in transit, so most arrive 6 to 10 working days after you order. UK delivery is £4.99 flat, and free on orders over £100.
We are registered for UK VAT, so on orders up to £135 the VAT is charged at checkout and there is nothing further to pay when your parcel arrives. On orders above £135, import VAT, any duty and a carrier handling fee are payable by you on delivery — our shipping policy sets out exactly how that works.
What arrives is the sealed manufacturer retail pack with the batch number and expiry date printed on it, which is worth checking the moment it turns up.
Questions people ask
Is kapikachhu the same as kaunch beej?
Yes. Kapikachhu is the Sanskrit name, kaunch beej is the common Hindi name, and both refer to the seed of Mucuna pruriens. Cowhage and velvet bean are the English names for the same plant.
Why is the seed processed?
The pods carry fine hairs that irritate skin on contact. Traditional preparation removes them, and the capsule contains only the processed seed.
Is this a single herb or a blend?
A single herb. This is Himalaya’s single-ingredient kapikachhu, not a multi-herb formulation.
Can I take it alongside other Ayurvedic herbs?
Usually, but check the labels for overlapping ingredients so you are not taking the same thing twice. If you take prescribed medication, speak to your doctor or pharmacist first.
Do you stock this in the UK?
Yes. It is shipped direct from India to your UK address.
Suitability, storage and allergens
- The full ingredient list, allergen declaration and nutritional information are printed on the pack.
- Store in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
- Not suitable for children under 18.
- Not suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless your doctor or midwife has advised otherwise.
- If you take prescribed medication or are under medical supervision, speak to your doctor before use.
Important information
Food supplement. Not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Keep out of the reach of young children. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose stated on the pack. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
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