Cowhage is a noun that refers to a tropical climbing plant of the legume family, commonly known as Mucuna pruriens. It is native to regions of Africa, Asia, and the Caribbean. The plant possesses long, twining stems and broad leaves that are covered in fine, stinging hairs. These hairs are called trichomes and are known to cause intense irritation and itching upon contact with the skin.
The term "cowhage" is also used to describe the hairy, bean-like pods that grow on this plant. These pods contain numerous seeds, typically referred to as cowhage beans or velvet beans. The seeds are small, oval-shaped, and covered in a dense layer of stiff hairs. Historically, these seeds have been used for various purposes, such as medicine, traditional rituals, and as a source of natural dyes.
In traditional medicine, cowhage seeds are renowned for their therapeutic properties. They are believed to possess antidiabetic, aphrodisiac, and neuroprotective effects. The seeds contain high levels of the compound L-dopa, which converts to dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood and movement.
Additionally, the hairs found on cowhage seeds have been utilized in textiles for their ability to create a velvety texture. They have also been used in various industrial applications, such as in the manufacturing of surgical gloves, as they provide a non-slip surface.
In summary, cowhage is a tropical climbing plant characterized by its stinging hairs and bean-like pods. The plant's seeds have been employed for diverse purposes, including medicinal applications and textile manufacturing.
