Ayurvedic Herb Butea monosperma (Palasa)

This plant is also known as Flame of Forest. It is medium sized around 15 m tall, deciduous tree found in tropical and subtropical regions. It has a religious view; It is said that the tree is a form of Agnidev, God of Fire. It was a punishment given to Him by Goddess Parvati for disturbing her and Lord Shiva’s privacy.

Parts used – Root, leaves, petioles, flowers, seeds and exudate.

Different names- Palash, Dhak, Palah, Flame of the Forest, Bastard Teak, Parrot Tree, Keshu (Punjabi) and Kesudo (Gujurati)

Uses – The Root, leaves, petioles, flowers, seeds and exudate in the form of juice and powder to treat fever, diarrhoea, intrinsic haemorrhage, worms, colic, cough, filaria, eye diseases, scorpionsting, as contraceptive and as rejuinative.

Worms

1. Decoction of palasa seed or paste of the same with ricewater should be taken (40-60 ml)(SS.U.54.25)

2. Decoction of palasa seeds mixed with honey or paste of the same with buttermilk should be taken. It destroys worms (40-60 ml) (VM.7.7; BP.Ci.7.21)

Conjunctivitis

1. Flowers of palasa should be rubbed with honey and used as collyrium (SS.U.10.9)

2. Exudate of palasa or sallaki (Boswellia serrata) mixed with sugar and honey should be used as collyrium (SS.U.10.7)