Evidence supporting the use of: Babchi
For the health condition: Insect Repellant
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Babchi (Psoralea corylifolia) has a long history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine, primarily for skin diseases and certain infections. Its use as an insect repellent is supported by traditional practices rather than robust scientific evidence. In folk medicine, Babchi seeds and their oil were sometimes applied to the skin or burned for their aroma to repel insects. The plant contains compounds such as psoralen and bakuchiol, which possess antimicrobial and antifungal properties, suggesting some biological activity. However, direct scientific studies evaluating Babchi or its extracts for insect repellent efficacy are limited, with only a few laboratory investigations indicating mild repellent activity against certain insects. These studies are not extensive or conclusive enough to be considered scientific validation. Therefore, while there is some traditional precedent for using Babchi as an insect repellent, strong clinical or laboratory support is lacking. Most modern recommendations for insect repellents do not include Babchi, and its use for this purpose remains largely anecdotal and rooted in traditional knowledge rather than scientific validation.
Other ingredients used for Insect Repellant
allspicebeta-pinene
betel
black walnut
garlic bulb
lavender
peppermint oil
clerodendrum indicum
paederia foetida
lemongrass
eucalyptus
camphor oil
melaleuca alternifolia
geranium
Alpha-terpineol
Alchornea
Asam gelugor
allyl isothiocyanate
Babchi
Baphicacanthus cusia
Black spruce
Brazillian peppertree
Bisabolene
Baccharoides anthelmintica
Backhousia citriodora
Candleberry
Calotropis gigantea
Cajuput
Cedar
Cedrus libani
Castile Soap
Chiococca alba
Citronella
Devil's Club
Davilla rugosa
Other health conditions supported by Babchi
AcneAthlete's Foot
Bites and Stings
Boils
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Cuts
Dermatitis
Eczema
Fungal Infections
Gingivitis
Hair (loss or thinning)
Herpes
Impetigo
Infection
Infection (bacterial)
Infection (viral)
Insect Repellant
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Leprosy
Lesions
Lice
Psoriasis
Scabies
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Snake Bite
Staph Infections
Wounds and Sores