Greetings!

ONLY LAST WEEK I told my husband and a girlfriend that I was inspired to write about cow-itch. Lo and behold! I turn on the television and saw that  some Barbadian folk, were appealing to the relevant authorities to come and rescue them.  They were complaining about the horrible itching occurring because some cowitch particles were blowing through they community.

Many people have probably bought cow-itch right here in Barbados without realising it.  Were they purchasing it  in order to boost sexual performance or they mind?   Last week I went to a local health food store and purchased some attractively presented cow-itch pills (tablets made from the cow-itch plant) which were imported.

You will not see "cow-itch" written on the plastic container, Instead you will see Mucuna pruriens.  Believe me, that is the scientific name  for cow-itch, which is numbered among effective aphrodisiacs and is a member of the Fabaceae (pea family). Pruriens is a Latin word meaning "itching sensation". Cow-itch is a 'silent doctor' that you should research yourself to learn about its incredible powers. Please be informed that this 'silent doctor' I am writing about must not be confused with trumpetcreeper which is also called cowitch in some part of the world.

In its pod are marvellous seeds which contain protein, carbohydrates, lipids, fibre and minerals. I first met Mucuna pruriens in 1995 at my home, as a plant growing in one of my tyre gardens.

My research has concretely revealed that during the time of writing this article that cow-itch is commercially sold here and in many regions of the world. Cow-itch herbal remedies can be purchased for as much as $51 at health food outlets in Barbados. It goes under various names including Dopabean/velvet bean.

Research shows that Mucuna pruriens is sometimes used as a coffee substitute called "Nescafe" (not to be confused with the commercial brand). It is also used commercially in brain foods such as one called Sharp Mind.  Some containers actually have the cow-itch bean proudly displayed on the package. What else is cow-itch noted for beside being on one hand a cause of misery and on the other an aphrodisiac?

One source documented that it is a worming agent. Another source postulated that it is used for weight loss, gout, tumours, increases in testosterone, relief from pain, reduction of spasms, lowering of blood sugar, calming of nerves, lowering of cholesterol, increased urination, increased sexual drive, killing of parasites, reduction of fever, and is the alternative to L-Dopa-(Levodapa), which is used to make dopamine, an important brain chemical. Another source noted that the roots of the plant help regulate the menstrual cycle.

The herb is beneficial to bodybuilders by increasing the amount of lean muscle and breaking down fat as a result of increasing human growth hormones and testosterone level.

Reserach also continues to indicate that a water extract of the leaves is useful as a sexual enhancer or as a nerve tonic. It can also be applied to scorpion stings and is used for dysentery. The seeds are used by men to cure night dreams and impotency, to promote fertility, and to increase seminal fluid and vigour. It is also reported to be a blood purifier, diuretic (causing increased passing of urine), a dissolver of kidney stones and a cure for persistent cough.

Finally, documented research shows that the seeds can be used as an aphrodisiac, but a word of caution was given: there is a process to make the seeds palatable. So don't try using the seeds unless you have been properly instructed.  I must inform you that cow-itch seeds, if not prepared properly, can cause toxic results which would be caused by the presence of L-Dopa and other toxic and anti-nutritive compounds in the seeds. Continue to conduct your own research on cow-itch and remember the words of  Nelson Mandela and consciously relate them to your health and healing “It always seems impossible until it’s done.”

Are you seeing cow-itch through different eyes now? I expect you are.

Annette Maynard-Watson, a secondary school teacher and herbal educator, may be contacted at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

THE COW ITCH MAN IN BARBADOS

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