Physician Self-Experimentation with Kamarkas (Butea monosperma Gum) for Recurrent Back Pain and Muscle Spasm: A Four-Week Observational Study
- Qaisar J Qayyum MD
- Sep 24
- 7 min read
Updated: Sep 25
Dr. Qaisar J. Qayyum
Chief Editor, Noor Journal of Complementary and Contemporary Medicine, Clinical Assistant Professor, Oklahoma, USA. Email: chiefeditor@njccm.org
N-of-1 Case Report
Abstract
Back pain is a leading global cause of disability. Postpartum women are especially vulnerable, with up to 75% reporting new or worsened pain immediately after delivery, and many continuing to suffer years later. Traditional South Asian medicine prescribes Kamarkas (Butea monosperma gum) as a musculoskeletal tonic during the postpartum period. We present an N-of-1 self-observational case conducted by a physician with a long-standing history of recurrent back pain and thoracic spasm.
Over four weeks, Kamarkas was self-administered in doses of 0.5–2 g daily, first as a tea (soaked and boiled gum) and later as a puffed–capsule preparation. The tea was effective but poorly tolerated due to bitterness, while the puffed–capsule method was well tolerated. Clinical outcomes included gradual reduction of mid-thoracic spasm (approximately T8–T10) and improvement in chronic back pain, along with resolution of a recurrent upper mid-back pain episode. A recent acute lower-back pain attack, unresponsive to prior herbal remedies, also resolved rapidly during treatment.
These observations support the hypothesis that Kamarkas relaxes musculature, allowing the body to repair itself. Experimental literature confirms anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Butea monosperma, but no prior clinical report has proposed or documented a direct spasm-relieving effect of the gum. This case reinforces the traditional role of Kamarkas in musculoskeletal health and highlights the need for systematic trials.
Introduction
Back pain is one of the most common health problems globally and remains the leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs) worldwide, affecting more than 619 million people as of 2020 [1,2].
In women, the burden of back pain increases during and after pregnancy. A systematic review estimates a 40.5% global prevalence of pregnancy-related back pain [3]. Postpartum, up to 75% of women report new or worsened back pain immediately after delivery, and many continue to suffer well beyond the puerperium [4]. Longitudinal data confirm that postpartum low back pain can persist well beyond the puerperium, with a significant proportion of women reporting symptoms two years after delivery [5].
Traditional South Asian medicine addresses this vulnerability through dietary and herbal formulations. Kamarkas (Butea monosperma gum) is a central component of sweet Panjiri/Laddu preparations given for 30–40 days postpartum (the chilla) to strengthen back and pelvic tissues [6–8]. While ethnomedical texts and pharmacognosy sources describe Kamarkas as a “back tonic,” modern clinical reports are rare.
This case report presents a physician self-experiment with Kamarkas, motivated by a history of chronic recurrent back pain and thoracic spasm unresponsive to standard herbal remedies.
Case Presentation and Methods
Subject
The subject was a physician with chronic recurrent back pain, including frequent mid-thoracic (T8–T10) spasms and episodic acute lower-back attacks. Prior herbal regimens had provided inconsistent benefit, prompting a structured self-trial of Kamarkas gum.
Preparation and Administration
Two methods of preparation were tested:
Tea method:
Gum soaked overnight, boiled in the morning, consumed as tea (~0.5–2 g equivalent).
Effective but poorly tolerated due to bitterness and mucosal adhesion.
Puffed–capsule method:
Gum was exposed to very hot oil for 10–15 seconds, both to sterilize and kill potential contaminants, and to cause swelling/puffing. The puffed gum was then crushed, powdered, and encapsulated.
Avoided bitterness; well tolerated.
This process also likely reduces microbial contamination, a traditional concern addressed by frying in ghee during Panjiri preparation.
Duration and Dose
4 weeks total.
Dose: 0.5 g → gradually increased to 2 g daily.
Results
Muscle spasm:
Thoracic T8–T10 paraspinal spasm gradually decreased.
Chronic back pain:
Spasm reduction was accompanied by improvement in chronic back pain, including resolution of a recurrent upper mid-back T8–T10 pain episode that had been long-standing and frequently recurred even just by streching.
Acute lower-back pain:
A recent acute lower-back pain episode, which had occurred prior to the trial and had not responded to previously effective herbal remedies, resolved rapidly after initiation of Kamarkas.
Causation and activity relapse:
Back pain improved within a few days of starting Kamarkas, which allowed resumption of usual activities such as climbing stairs. However, this early return of activity led to a recurrence of pain and spasm. With a more cautious approach, restricting activity until completion of the 30-day course, improvement was sustained.
Tolerance:
Tea form: poorly tolerated.
Puffed–capsule form: well tolerated, no adverse effects.
Duration:
At the end of the 30-day trial, approximately 80% reduction in T8/10 spasm and pain was achieved. Based on the observed trend, a further 10 days of treatment is expected to bring complete resolution. Extending the course to 40 days also coincides with the traditional chilla (چِلّہ ) period during which Kamarkas is prescribed in South Asian postpartum care.
Discussion
This N-of-1 case suggests that Kamarkas may have a novel role as a muscle relaxant, providing a therapeutic window for intrinsic repair of musculoskeletal tissue.
Experimental studies support related properties of Butea monosperma:
Anti-inflammatory activity demonstrated in flower extracts [9].
Analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of gum extract confirmed in rodent models [10].
Neuropathic pain modulation shown in chronic constriction injury models [11].
Traditional pharmacognosy texts describe the gum as a pelvic and back tonic in menstruation, pregnancy, and postpartum states [8].
No prior study has documented gum-derived Kamarkas as a spasm-relieving agent in humans. By combining ethnomedical background with self-observed outcomes, this case adds clinical plausibility to the hypothesis.
Activity restriction:
This experiment also highlights a practical clinical consideration. Although pain relief occurred quickly, premature resumption of full activity (e.g., climbing stairs) caused recurrence of pain and spasm. Sustained improvement was only achieved when activity was restricted until the end of the treatment course. This observation suggests that Kamarkas should be combined with a period of light, restricted activity to allow time for repair and prevent relapse. The principle mirrors traditional postpartum guidance in South Asia, where women are advised to avoid strenuous activity during the 40-day chilla.
Tradition and therapeutic timeframe:
Interestingly, the 30-day trial produced about 80% relief in thoracic spasm and pain, with projection that a full 40-day course may lead to complete resolution. This coincides with the traditional chilla period prescribed in South Asian postpartum care, where Kamarkas is routinely administered for 30–40 days. The convergence of observed clinical benefit with ethnomedical practice supports the hypothesis that Kamarkas acts as a muscle relaxant, allowing the body to engage its own repair mechanisms.
Conclusion
This N-of-1 physician self-experiment with Kamarkas gum suggests a dual benefit:
Gradual improvement of chronic thoracic spasm and pain.
Rapid resolution of an acute lower-back pain attack resistant to prior herbal remedies.
At the end of the 30-day trial, approximately 80% reduction in thoracic spasm and pain was achieved, with expectation that a full 40-day course may lead to complete resolution. This observation aligns with the traditional chilla period of 40 days during which Kamarkas has historically been prescribed in postpartum care. The convergence of modern self-observation with longstanding ethnomedical practice suggests that the 40-day duration may represent not only a cultural convention but also a physiologically meaningful therapeutic window. Controlled clinical studies are warranted to further evaluate this possibility.
Clinical Significance
This N-of-1 case highlights Kamarkas (Butea monosperma gum) as a potential adjunct for recurrent musculoskeletal pain. A 30-day course provided approximately 80% relief of thoracic spasm and pain, with projected full resolution by 40 days. Importantly, early resumption of normal activity led to relapse, emphasizing that recovery requires both the herbal intervention and a period of light, restricted activity. The observed therapeutic window mirrors the traditional 40-day chilla period used in South Asian postpartum care, suggesting that longstanding ethnomedical practice may reflect an optimal physiological timeframe. While preliminary, this observation supports further clinical evaluation of Kamarkas as a muscle relaxant and restorative agent in back pain management.
Acknowledgment:
This article was written with AI assistance. All claims are supported by credible, peer-reviewed references, which were validated for accuracy and authenticity. The AI synthesized information were reviewed by authors, ensuring scientific integrity throughout. In the event of any inadvertent errors, the responsibility lies with the AI/authors, and corrections will be made promptly upon identification. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Dr Tahira Khalid, for her thoughtful review and invaluable feedback. Her expertise and guidance have played a pivotal role in refining and enhancing this article.
Conflict of Interest Statement:
The author is the developer of a herbal formula and the owner of Dr. Q Formula/Insulinn LLC. However, this affiliation has not influenced the content, analysis, or conclusions of this article
Author’s Note on Scope and Intent:
This article does not advocate the replacement of evidence-based conventional care modalities. All complementary interventions are intended to supplement, not supplant, standard clinical practice, and are implemented within a physician-governed, ethically reviewed, and fully documented medical framework.
References
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Wu A, et al. Global Burden of Low Back Pain: Estimates from the GBD 2020 study. Lancet Rheumatology. 2023.
Lim ZX, et al. Global prevalence of pregnancy-related low back pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth. 2023.
Corso M, Grondin D, Weis CA. Postpartum Low Back Pain: It is not always What You Think. Obstet Gynecol Cases Rev. 2016;3:079.
To WWK, Wong MWN. Persistence of back pain symptoms after pregnancy and bone mineral density changes as measured by quantitative ultrasound — a two-year longitudinal follow up study. BMC Musculoskelet Disord. 2011;12:55.
LeMasters K, et al. Maternal depression in rural Pakistan: role of postpartum period. BMC Public Health. 2020.
Chandra N, et al. Postpartum practices in India. Women’s Health Reports. 2023.
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Thiagarajan VRK, et al. Ameliorative potential of Butea monosperma on chronic constriction injury (CCI) of sciatic nerve induced neuropathic pain in rats. An Acad Bras Cienc. 2012;84(4):1091–1104. PMID: 23011113.
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