The botanical name of Palasha is Butea monosperma, which belongs to the family Fabaceae. Palasha is an important herb in Ayurveda. It is commonly called Flame of the Forest, Dhak, Tesu and Bastard Teak. The tree yields gum, which is highly beneficial for medicinal purposes in Ayurveda along with leaves, bark, flowers and seeds of the tree.
Palasha is a common tree in India. The flowers were used in cosmetics in ancient time to enhance complexion, female reproductive organ disorders and to enhance skin suppleness. The flowers of this tree pacifies kapha and pitta doshas while seeds pacify vata and kapha doshas.
Health Benefits of Palasha
Palasha has the following health benefits:
- Worm Infestation — Palasha seeds are used to get relief from intestinal worms such as round worms and tapeworms. Seeds are mixed with honey should be taken 3 times a day for 3 days to get relief from intestinal worms. On the last day, ie. at the 4th day, a dose of castor oil is given to evacuate the bowel.
- Skin Allergy — To treat skin allergy, palasha seeds are used. The seeds of this tree are grounded and mixed with lemon juice and applied over eczema, caused by itching. A hot poultice prepared with leaves is applied to cure pimples, tumors, swellings and piles.
- Male Fertility — Palasha gum is used to increase sperm production (spermatogenesis) in Ayurvedic formulations.
- Diabetes — Leaves have the property to reduce blood sugar. Thus, leaves are beneficial in glycosuria and diabetes.
- Diarrhea — Gum is used to treat dysentery and diarrhea conditions. It is given to the patient in 3 the doses of 3 decigrams to 2 grams. Fresh juice extracted from the leaves is also beneficial for this condition.Decoction or infusion of the gum is used as a rectal enema to get instant relief from the conditions.
- Urine Retention — Leaves of Palasha are used to cure urine retention.
- Cold — Decoction of leaves is used as a mouth wash to treat congestion and septic throat.
The above are some of the heath benefits of Palsha herb.
