Mucuna pruriens

The Sanskrit name for this plant is “Kapikacchu”, because contact with the fine hairs on young foliage and on the shells of the seed pods can make one itch like a monkey!

It is also known as “Secret Self” due to its high levels of Dopamine – it contains 4-7% by weight of this vital neurotransmitter! Consumption of this seed serves therefore as a mood enhancer, among other more long term benefits such as in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease (due to its high content of L-dopa). Extracts of the plant have also been used by tribal communities in certain parts of Asia as a toxin antagonist – in the treatment of various snake bites.

The bean can be prepared in a number of ways. At Solitude we roast it, grind it and use it as a coffee substitute. It can also be mixed with Jaggery and cooked into a thick porridge. The effect produced on the mood upon consuming this seed is gradual and subtle, and one would be advised to exercise caution against overuse. General recommendation dictates a pause of a week after two weeks usage.

Consuming the Black Velvet Bean can also act as a powerful aphrodisiac, and is additionally beneficial for both the male and female reproductive systems. In recent times its value is being exploited by the pharmaceutical industry.

If farmers could grow it on their fences, considering its high dominance as a field crop, the secondary income thus obtained would be quite significant. Even the leaves and stalks make for a healthy feed for cattle and goats. On a technical level, for the soil, the plant acts as a nitrogen fixer and as a good ground cover.

In addition to the benefits of consuming it, it is worth mentioning also that the plant grows very well with very little care, climbing away on other trees, or spreading forth on the ground vigorously, – this fact ought to be immediately very encouraging for one to attempt its cultivation as one explores one’s Road back to Nature.

The bean should not be consumed for longer periods of time ie more than ten days as it will cause headaches. People often ask us well how do you know how much to consume? That knowledge is our cultural identity. Check with an ayurvedic doctor if you have a doubt.