What Is Velvet Bean?

Velvet bean, also called mucuna, is a tropical legume native to Africa and Asia. Another alternative name, cowitch, comes from the extreme itching and skin irritation that can be caused by stinging hairs found on the outside of the seed pods and leaves.

How to Use Velvet Bean (Common Uses)

Velvet bean can be taken internally as a tea, powder, decoction, or extract. Various preparation methods will alter the amount of L-DOPA extracted. To increase the quantity of L-DOPA extracted, soak for 48 hours prior to decocting. The addition of baking soda during the decoction process can help to increase the amount of L-DOPA extracted.

Medicinal Uses and Benefits of Velvet Bean

Velvet bean has recently been enjoying a newfound popularity for its use as a source of L-DOPA, a precursor to dopamine which helps provide feelings of motivation and pleasure. On average, the seeds of velvet bean contain between 3-7% L-DOPA, by dry weight. Many people enjoy the mood enhancing effects of velvet bean, and it is popular as a nootropic and aphrodisiac, as well as a supplement for Parkinson’s disease. Due to the high amounts of L-DOPA that can be extracted from this herb we suggest consulting with a qualified practitioner prior to use.

Active Constituents in Velvet Bean

Tannic acid, resin, L-DOPA.

Notable Facts About Velvet Bean

The itchy hairs from the velvet bean plant can be used as an ingredient to make itching powder.

Velvet beans are also eaten as a food. In Indonesia, they go by the name ‘beguk’ and are a traditional ingredient in making a style of tempeh called ‘tempe beguk’.