Babchi Seed Oil Health and Beauty Benefits
Babchi (bawchi, bakuchoi, bakuchi, bemchi, bavanchi) seed oil comes from the Psoralea corylifolia plant. It’s a small herb that belongs to the Fabaceae family, often found in the warmer countries of India, Pakistan, China and South Africa. The plants grow to about 1 m tall and bear perennial and pungent, bitter tasting fruits that cannot survive in freezing winters, along with beautiful yellow and blue–purple tinted flowers that bloom in the rain.
The seeds are usually dark brown, with a characteristic kidney shape, bitter taste and an oily exoskeleton, which is pressed to obtain babchi seed oil. Babchi seed oil is not a “true” essential oil, its fatty acid profile can be broken down into 30% oleic acid, 20% arachidic acid, alpha linoleic acid, behenic acid, 5% stearic acid and 2% bakuchiol.
The main chemical components of babchi seed oil are psoralen, bakuchiol, limonene, linalool, angelicin, α–elemene, isopsoralen, bavachalcone, bavachin, 6–prenylnaringenin, corylifol, isobavachalcone, corylin, psoralidin, corylifolin, methyl 4–hydroxybenzoate, bavachromanol and neobavaisoflavone. The leaves contain raffinose, psoralen, and isopsoralen. The most active ingredient in babchi seed oil is bakuchiol. However psoralen, isopsoralen (coumarins) flavonoids, and meroterpenes are the other therapeutically effective ingredients present in the seeds and fruits of the plant.
These ingredient are responsible for the beauty benefits and the management of various skin ailments among other diseases. Psoralen is used in anti–cancer treatments. When combined with ultraviolet light (PUVA therapy), they treat skin conditions such as vitiligo, eczema, psoriasis and skin problems related to certain lymphomas.
The History of Babchi Seed Oil in India
Babchi seed oil has had many traditional uses in Ayurveda for its various healing properties. It is actually one for the most celebrated and cherished essential oils in all of Indian history. There have been hundreds of uses recorded both in modern medicine and in the Ayurveda. Babchi seed oil was also thought to be an aphrodisiac. All parts of the plant are used—leaves, fruits and seeds. Every part of the babchi plant has its own unique medicinal use. The bitter fruits are known to prevent nausea and vomiting.
But perhaps the most famous use of all, which earned it the title “kustanashini” in Ayurveda, is treating leprosy. Kustanashini literally translates to “the destroyer of leprosy”. It’s all thanks to babchi seed oil’s strong antimicrobial activity which eliminates the organism that causes leprosy. Ayurveda is an ancient Indian system of medicine that dates back to over 3,000 years ago. People believed that the Ayurveda had been given to sages by the gods, and then passed down to human physicians, who now use it as a form of alternative (or complementary) medicine. Hundreds of uses for babchi seed oil have been documented in the Ayurveda and are still being implemented today.
The History of Babchi Seed Oil in China
India wasn’t the only nation that knew about the medicinal properties of this herb. In China, there are documented mentions of Bu Gu Zhi (their name for babchi). Bu Gu Zhi loosely translates to “tonic bone resin”, because it was believed that babchi seed oil could strengthen and revitalize one’s bones, and even heal fractures and bone injuries.
In the past, people actually took the plant, soaked it in water overnight and drank the water when they woke up, but this approach was problematic for many reasons. The most obvious reason is the bitter taste. But in addition, you’d need a very large amount of babchi to gain any medicinal benefits, and that much of the plant could trigger an allergic reaction. Which is why a different, and better, approach is extracting the essential oil by steam distillation from the seeds of Psoralea corylifolia.
The Difference Between Babchi & Bakuchiol
Babchi seed oil has been described as having retinol–like properties, without the typical side effects of redness and flaking. People with sensitive skin have a special interest in plant– based extracts that reduce fine lines and wrinkles. More recently a “newer” form of babchi seed oil, bakuchiol, has been made available. Both come from the same plant. Bakuchiol though, is more natural and safe skin care ingredient alternative to retinol.
Babchi seed oil is a multi–dimensional extract. Bakuchiol is extracted from the original babchi seeds through a complicated industrial process that makes it unsuitable to use in ECOCERT–style formulations. Meaning, if you want a natural and organic product, it won’t contain the processed synthetic chemical bakuchiol. Bakuchiol is termed 4–(3,7–DIMETHYL–3–VINYL–OCTA–1,6–DIENYL)–PHENOL, whereas babchi seed oil is simply called oil of Psoralea corylifolia.
With bakuchiol extract, the recommended dose is between 0.5%–1%. However, if you’re using babchi seed oil, then you can use a significantly higher dose than 0.5%–1% in your formulation, without experiencing negative side effects like redness or blistering. If you are looking to incorporate this fantastic oil, check out our homemade babchi seed oil face cream post.
Bakuchiol vs. Retinol
Retinol stimulates cellular activity and collagen production. It strengthens the skin’s protective barrier to avoid loss of moisture. Now, bakuchiol and retinol are similar in that they are both excellent in anti–aging skincare. Both retinol and bakuchiol show effects on photo–ageing in clinical tests when used in a 0.5% dilution. A 2018 study published in the British Journal of Dermatology compared bakuchiol (used twice daily) with retinol (used nightly) in 50 women with photo–ageing in their late 40s.
Both retinol and bakuchiol stimulated key retinoid–binding genes and collagen production improved wrinkles and hyperpigmentation to a similar degree. However, retinol users experienced more stinging and scaling than those who used bakuchiol. Another key difference is that bakuchiol is photostable, while conventional retinol is not, which means retinol can only be used at night.
The Health Benefits of Babchi Seed Oil
Babchi seed oil is known to support skin health and treating skin conditions like vitiligo and psoriasis, and reproductive and genital health and treating impotence. It has been used to treat bone disorders, lumbago (lower back pain) and even intestinal worms. It is used as a vasodilator and cardiac tonic.
Babchi seed oil can be used to treat upper respiratory conditions, to make skin and hair care products, house cleaning products and in aromatherapy. It can also be added to skin care products as it promotes healthy skin and natural skin color. Its sweet aroma is known to reduce stress and fatigue, and lifts mood. It has antibacterial properties, which promote healthy hair and scalp, and can be used to treat dandruff and hair loss. Its antibacterial properties make it a favorite in making hand wash and soaps. Its anti–fungal properties are useful in the making of a variety of skin and nail ointments.
Babchi seed oil is highly concentrated and should only be used externally. This oil is used both topically and in aromatherapy. Although 100% natural, essential oils should always be diluted in carrier oils prior to use. If you’re interested in greater detail, read this PDF on the Babchi Seed Oil Health and Beauty Benefits. Babchi seed oil has many health benefits discussed below.
Therapeutic Uses of Babchi Seed Oil
- Skin Care: It is ideal for making skin care products. It will deeply moisturize the skin and increase blood circulation. It stimulates melanin production. Babchi seed oil also helps in treating skin infections. Apply a mixture of 1 drop each of lavender, orange and frankincense essential oils, and 2 drops of babchi seed oil diluted into 2.5 ml of jojoba oil to the affected areas.
- Hair Care: Add to hair masks and shampoo to increase their benefits and make them more effective. Its nourishing properties are ideal for making conditioners and other hair care products, to strengthen hair, prevent greys and hair loss due to alopecia areata. Dilute some babchi seed oil into a carrier oil like coconut, jojoba or sesame oil. Begin with 1% initially and work up to 5% and massage well into the scalp and roots.
- For Burns: First note that for a burn you should put the affected area under cold running water for a minimum of 2 minutes. After that, apply lavender essential oil diluted into aloe vera gel. Or, just plain aloe vera gel every hour or so for the next day. And a few days later you can apply babchi seed oil diluted into a simple carrier oil such as coconut, sunflower, sesame or almond with a few drops of omega–rich rosehip, tamanu, marula, cacacy, avocado, or argan oil.
- Oral Health: It helps treat plaque, bleeding gums and bad breath (halitosis), and maintain oral health. Gargle by mixing 1 drop of clove and 1 drop of babchi seed essential oils in a cup of warm water twice a day, morning and night.
- Upper Respiratory Conditions: Add to steams and inhale. Inhale a mixture of 1 drop of peppermint essential oil and 2 drops of babchi seed oil in a steam inhalation. Or Massage back, throat and chest with 1 drop of babchi seed oil diluted in a vaporizing ointment. And to prevent respiratory infections add 2 drops of babchi seed oil to a warm bath.
- Lower a Fever: Massage the soles of the feet with a mixture of 1 drop of cajuput essential oil and 2 drops of babchi seed oil diluted into 2 ml of coconut oil.
- Aromatherapy: Babchi seed oil has a relaxing effect and can be used in aroma diffusers. It is also said to increase male libido. To lift mood add 1 drop each of rose and sandalwood essential oils, and 2 drops of babchi seed oil to a hot bath.
Myths and Facts About Babchi Seed Oil
| Myth 1 | Myth 2 | Myth 3 |
|---|---|---|
| It is a true “essential” oil | It is safe only at 0.5% | It is a “new” discovery |
| False | Depends | False |
| Babchi seed oil is extracted by cold pressing it directly from the seed which preserves its nutrients and antioxidants. True essential oils are produced by steam distillation or CO2 extraction. Babchi seeds are cold pressed—the same extraction method used to extract sunflower, coconut, argan, etc. These oils are not volatile. A true “essential” oil evaporates when a drop is placed on a tissue. Babchi seed oil leaves a greasy brown stain. | Depending on the formulation, whole babchi seed oil may be safely used up to 5%–10% without any irritation. But not the extract of bakuchiol, which is only advisable to use between 0.5% and 1%. Exceptions are for those who are pregnant or lactating and should opt for alternatives like rosehip and cacay, which can be used at 100%. Babchi seed oil stimulates collagen production and improves skin defenses against free radicals. It is safe as a retinol alternative for sensitive skin in diluted amounts. Start at 1% and work up to 5%. | It has been used for thousands of years in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of ailments like bone disorders, leprosy, impotence, intestinal worms, lower back aches, and various skin conditions such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, skin eruptions, scabies, vitiligo and ringworm. |
Precautions
Generally, babchi is safe for all skin types, although if you are pregnant or lactating, you may wish to avoid it. It is a natural plant–based alternative to retinol. To err on the side of caution, it should be used at night. Women who are pregnant should use essential oils with caution. Some oils are best steering clear of altogether. Avoid during pregnancy and with sensitive skin. Consult a doctor to treat any medical condition. It should not be used internally. Avoid sun exposure after using babchi seed oil. People with sore throat, dry mouth, constipation, urinary tract infection and hematuria (blood in urine) should avoid it.
It can cause possible sensitization in some individuals, so use in very low concentration only. It is important to note that all essential oils are extremely concentrated and if to be applied anywhere topically, should always be diluted up to a maximum dosage of 4% in a suitable carrier oil. Babchi seed oil can irritate the skin and can cause burns and blisters. It must be diluted to 1–5% of a formula in order for it to be rendered safe. The warnings advise using it as low as 0.5%. Babchi seed oil can cause Hepatitis, hyperacidity and gastritis in high doses and/or prolonged usage. Avoid products like curd, pickles, fish etc. when using babchi seed oil.
Note: If you’d like to add essential oils, a good rule of thumb is: to every 30ml of carrier oils you can add a total of 6–10 drops of essential oil.
Never use essential oils in a humidifier, CPAP machine, or any other breathing device.
Phototoxicity
It is important to apply babchi seed oil with caution. Studies have found it to be phototoxic due to its levels of furocoumarins. One study found it caused phytophotodermatitis following application of a product containing an unknown amount of babchi seed oil combined with sun exposure. Another precaution when using babchi seed oil is that too much of it can cause skin discoloration. Just 3–4 drops diluted in a carrier oil while avoiding sun exposure are enough.
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Sources:
Babchi Oil
https://essentialoilscure.com/babchi-oil/
by OilAdmin, January 14, 2018
Babchi oil Facts and Health Benefits
https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/babchi-oil/
http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/askquestion/3682/what-are-the-benefits-and-side-effects-of-babchi-oil.html
http://ayurvedicoils.com/tag/bakuchi-oil
https://herbpathy.com/Uses-and-Benefits-of-Psoralea-Cid2454
Babchi Essential Oil
https://essentialoilwholesaler.com/shop/essential-oils/babchi-oil/
Babchi Oil | Organic Psoralea Corylifolia Seed Oil
https://www.natureinbottle.com/product/psoralea_babchi_oil
Bakuchiol & Babchi – Natural retinol – 2022 Guide
https://www.glow-skincare.com/what-is-babchi/
by Wendy Gardner, Updated 7 March 2022 with info for those based in India
Psoralea corylifolia by Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Psoralea_corylifolia
Babchi Oil
https://mokshaessentials.com/products/babchi-oil
Babchi Oil
https://www.botanicalformulations.com/oil-monographs/babchi-oil