Madhuca indica is commonly called Butter tree or Honey tree, which belongs to Sapotaceae family. Madhuca is generally known by the name of Mahua. It has various health benefits. Its bark, flowers, seeds, fruits and heartwood are used for medicinal purposes. The oil obtained from seeds is used as an ointment. The flowers have astringent, healing, appetizer and tonic properties.
The leaves of Mahua tree contains saponin, an alkaloid glucoside. Sapogenin and other basic acid have been found in the seeds. The article discusses about various health benefits of Madhuca indica.
Health Benefits of Madhuca
Madhuca has following health benefits:
- Bronchitis — Flowers of Madhuca are used to treat chronic bronchitis problem. Flowers are also used in treatment of cough.
- Orchitis (Testis inflammation) — Madhuca leaves are boiled and used for relief from orchitis.
- Rheumatism — A decoction is prepared by boiling bark in water and taken internally to get relief from rheumatism. Oil obtained from seeds can also be applied on the affected areas.
- Diabetes — Bark decoction is proven to be effective for cure of diabetes.
- Piles — Oil extracted from seeds have laxative properties, which helps cure chronic constipation and piles.
- Eczema — Madhuca leaves are effective in treatment of eczema. The leaves coated with sesame oil is heated over fire and applied on the affected area to get relief from eczema.
- Gums — 4 ml of the liquid extract obtained from bark is mixed with 300 ml of water is used as a gargle to get relief from spongy and bleeding gums.
- Tonsillitis — The above preparation is also used for cure of chronic and acute tonsillitis and pharyngitis.
- Burns — Leaves ash is mixed with ghee and is used for cure of scalds and burns. To get relief from itching, bark paste is applied locally.
- Lactation — Madhuca flowers are used to increase the milk production in feeding mothers. Seeds also have the same property.
The above are some of the health benefits of Madhuca indica.
