Folklore
and history

Mucuna Pruriens has occupied an important place among
aphrodisiac herbs in India since ancient times. Susruta mentions the use of the
seeds as promoters of virility, as does Bhavamisra. It is categorized as visya
- a substance that improves sexual vitality and functioning. Its use as an
anthelmintic (anti-parasitic), has also been mentioned in older books on
traditional medicine. Yogaratnakara has a reference to its use in a formulation
for tremors.

Traditional
use

Also known as “Kapikachhu”, Mucuna Pruriens has been widely
consumed as an integral part of daily life by indigenous peoples across the
globe. In Central America it is still used to this day as a coffee substitute,
whilst in certain parts of Guatemala it is a staple food in tribal diets.