Kaunch (Mucuna pruriens)

In Ayurveda, the seeds are used as a tonic and for male virility. The pods are anthelmintic and the root powder a laxative. The seed powder has been tried in Parkinson's disease with positive results. The roots are tonic, stimulant, diuretic, purgative and emmenagogue. They are used for diseases of the nervous system, kidney troubles and dropsy. An ointment prepared from the roots is applied for elephantiasis. The seeds are astringent and tonic; they possess slight insecticidal activity. The leaves of the plant are applied to ulcers