Kichili kizhangu (Curcuma zedoaria)

Kichili kizhangu, kachur in Hindi and karcura in Sanskrit, is zedoary, a turmeric relative with a pale yellow, camphor-scented rhizome. In Tamil Nadu it is a traditional ingredient of nalangu maavu, a herbal bath powder used at weddings and for babies. Medieval Arab traders carried it to Europe as a spice. It is not kitchen turmeric, Curcuma longa.

Botanical name: Curcuma zedoaria (Christm.) Roscoe
Family: Zingiberaceae
Tamil: Kichili kizhangu
Hindi: Kachur
Sanskrit: Karcūra
Parts used: Rhizome
Habit: Zedoary, a camphor-scented turmeric relative
Last updated: 2026-10-27

How to recognise Kichili kizhangu

It is a leafy perennial, usually waist-high, that dies back to an underground rhizome each year.

The long leaves often show a purple-brown stripe or cloud along the midrib.

The flower spike rises from the ground before the leaves, with green and pink to purple bracts and yellow flowers.

The rhizome is pale yellow inside, with a strong camphor and slightly mango-like smell.

Turmeric has a deep orange rhizome and plain green leaves.

Traditional use of Kichili kizhangu

Household

Dried kichili kizhangu is ground with other herbs and green gram into nalangu maavu bath powder.

Tamil household practice

Kitchen

In Indonesia young rhizomes are eaten raw in salads and pickles.

Indonesian food practice

Ayurveda

Karcura is listed in Ayurvedic texts for digestion and as a fragrant ingredient.

Ayurvedic texts

Modern notes on Kichili kizhangu

Its scent comes from essential oils rich in camphor-like compounds, unlike turmeric’s.

It contains only small amounts of curcumin.

Studies on its extracts are mostly laboratory work.

Kichili kizhangu safety

As a bath powder it is a common traditional use; test it on a small patch first. Avoid taking it by mouth in large amounts or during pregnancy.

Ecology and sourcing

It is native to north-east India and the Eastern Himalaya.

It is grown from rhizome pieces.

The flower spikes appear in late spring before the leaves.

Related plants

Also in Zingiberaceae

Questions about Kichili kizhangu

Is zedoary turmeric?

It is a relative with a pale, camphor-scented rhizome.

What is nalangu maavu?

A Tamil herbal bath powder.

Is Kichili kizhangu eaten?

In Indonesia, sometimes.

How can I tell Kichili kizhangu from turmeric?

Its rhizome is pale yellow, not orange.

What is kachur?

The Hindi name for zedoary.

Sources

Educational page about a plant. It is not medical advice, not a diagnosis, and not an offer to sell. Traditional use is historical. If you need care, ask a licensed clinician. Questions: hello@meevamed.com.