Palash
Palash
Palash is commonly known as the “Flame of the forest” or the “Flame tree” and various parts of the plant like flower, bark, leaf and seed gum are used for medicinal purpose. Palash has hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic anthelmintic, antidiarrheal, antifungal and anti-microbial activities. The chemical constituents which are responsible for therapeutic properties are found in the flowers of Palash tree. It is used for the management of various inflammatory, metabolic and infectious diseases[2][3].
What are the synonyms of Palash?
Butea monosperma, Bastard peak, Dhak, Tesu, Kimsuka, Raktapuspaka, Kulekhara, Kesudo, Khakharo, Khakhapado, Muttug, Muttuga, Muttala, Plasu, Camata, Plas, Chama Tha, Purasu, Paras, Moduga, Modugu, Chettu, Palaspapda
What is the source of Palash?
Plant Based
Benefits of Palash
1. Worms
Palash seed powder has a unique Krimighna (anti-worms) quality, because of which, it gives good result in case of worm infestation when taken orally. A special type of Ayurvedic preparation called Palash Kshar gives excellent results due to its anti-worm property.
2. Diarrhea
Palash also helps to control diarrhea and dysentery due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
3. Diabetes
Palash leaves powder helps in regulating high blood sugar level by improving metabolism due to its Tikta (bitter) and Kapha-Pitta balancing properties.
4. Sexual dysfunction
Palash helps to improve sexual weakness and manage sexual dysfunction because of its Vajikarna (aphrodisiac) nature and Kashaya property.
Tip:
Take Palash flower powder with milk and mishri at night.
Palash seed powder has a unique Krimighna (anti-worms) quality, because of which, it gives good result in case of worm infestation when taken orally. A special type of Ayurvedic preparation called Palash Kshar gives excellent results due to its anti-worm property.
2. Diarrhea
Palash also helps to control diarrhea and dysentery due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
3. Diabetes
Palash leaves powder helps in regulating high blood sugar level by improving metabolism due to its Tikta (bitter) and Kapha-Pitta balancing properties.
4. Sexual dysfunction
Palash helps to improve sexual weakness and manage sexual dysfunction because of its Vajikarna (aphrodisiac) nature and Kashaya property.
Tip:
Take Palash flower powder with milk and mishri at night.
Precautions when using Palash
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
It is advisable to consult your doctor before taking Palash.
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
It is advisable to take Palash only under medical supervision during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
It is advisable to take Palash only under medical supervision during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Palash
- Palash Churna - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
How to use Palash
1. Palash Churna with Honey
a. Take ¼-½ Palash churna.
b. Add to 1-2 teaspoon honey or 1 cup of water.
c. Take it after lunch and dinner.
2. Palsh Kshar with Honey
a. Take 1-2 pinch of Palash Kshar.
b. Add to 1 teaspoon honey.
c. Take it before lunch and dinner.
a. Take ¼-½ Palash churna.
b. Add to 1-2 teaspoon honey or 1 cup of water.
c. Take it after lunch and dinner.
2. Palsh Kshar with Honey
a. Take 1-2 pinch of Palash Kshar.
b. Add to 1 teaspoon honey.
c. Take it before lunch and dinner.
Benefits of Palash
FAQs about Palash benefits
1. Skin Disease
According to Ayurveda, the paste of Palash seed helps to reduce itching in eczema and other skin disorders due to Kashaya (astringent) property if applied externally.
2. Vaginal infection
Use the decoction prepared with Palash leaves to wash genital parts regularly to cure leucorrhea (white or yellowish vaginal discharge) and vaginal infection due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
3. Wound
The decoction of Palash seed also helps to check bleeding and promote fast healing due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan( healing) properties.
4. Retention of Urine
A decoction Palash flowers should be used to wash the pubic region regularly with so as to increase urine flow and helps to cure retention of urine due to Vata balancing nature.
5. Jock itch
Palash seeds help cure to Jock itch because it reduces excessive itching due to Kashaya (astringent) property and also improves healing process due to its Ropan(healing) nature. Palash seeds paste should be applied with lemon juice for getting a good result.
According to Ayurveda, the paste of Palash seed helps to reduce itching in eczema and other skin disorders due to Kashaya (astringent) property if applied externally.
2. Vaginal infection
Use the decoction prepared with Palash leaves to wash genital parts regularly to cure leucorrhea (white or yellowish vaginal discharge) and vaginal infection due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
3. Wound
The decoction of Palash seed also helps to check bleeding and promote fast healing due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Ropan( healing) properties.
4. Retention of Urine
A decoction Palash flowers should be used to wash the pubic region regularly with so as to increase urine flow and helps to cure retention of urine due to Vata balancing nature.
5. Jock itch
Palash seeds help cure to Jock itch because it reduces excessive itching due to Kashaya (astringent) property and also improves healing process due to its Ropan(healing) nature. Palash seeds paste should be applied with lemon juice for getting a good result.
Precautions when using Palash
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Fresh paste or decoction of Palash leaves, flowers and Seeds should be used with added rose water or other substance if you have any kind of allergy.
Recommended Dosage of Palash
- Palash Paste - ½ -1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
- Palash Powder - ½ -1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Palash
1. Palash leaves, Flower and Seed with rose water
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Palash leaves, flower or Seed.
b. Added rose water and make a paste.
c. Apply on affected area once a day.
2. Palash leaves or Flowers Decotction
a. Take Leaves or Flower as per your as per your requirement.
b. Make a decotion and added rose water.
c. Wash your affected area of body once a day.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon Palash leaves, flower or Seed.
b. Added rose water and make a paste.
c. Apply on affected area once a day.
2. Palash leaves or Flowers Decotction
a. Take Leaves or Flower as per your as per your requirement.
b. Make a decotion and added rose water.
c. Wash your affected area of body once a day.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Palash can be used to manage diarrhea. It inhibits the growth of diarrhea-causing microorganisms (S. aureus and C. albicans) due to its antimicrobial activity[9]. It also contains compounds known as tannins that have astringent property. This causes contraction of mucous membranes and reduces the discharge of essential substances through diarrhea[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Palash (Butea monosperma) can be used to manage diabetes. The ethanolic extracts of Palash possess insulin-like activity and can thus regulate blood sugar levels[6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Palash can be used for the management of worms. It has anthelmintic property which kills parasitic worms such as roundworm and threadlike worm[7].
Modern Science View
Yes, the extract of Palash flowers can be used to manage liver disorders. Studies state that Palash contains two antihepatotoxic flavonoids, butrin and isobutrin which increases the level of glutathione. Glutathione is an antioxidant that scavenges free radicals and prevents damage of liver cells [8].
Modern Science View
Yes, the antiseptic, astringent and anti-inflammatory properties of Palash (Butea monosperma) can be useful for the treatment of skin disorders [4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Palash can be used to manage the healing of wounds. Topical application increases collagen synthesis and cellular proliferation at the wound site[5][6].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India.Part 1.Volume 1.
- Muthuswamy R, Senthamarai R.Anatomical investigation of flower of Butea monosperma Lam.Anc Sci Life.2014;34(2):73–79.
- Rasheed Z, Akhtar N, Khan A, et al.Butrin, isobutrin, and butein from medicinal plant Butea monosperma selectively inhibit nuclear factor-κB in activated human mast cells: Suppression of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8.J Pharmacol Exp Ther.2010;333(2):354-363.
- Burali DA, Khade AB. A Comprehensive review on Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze.Phcog Rev.2007;1(2):94-99.
- Sindhia VR, Bairwa R.Plant review: Butea monosperma.international journal of pharmaceutical and clinical research.2012;2(2):90-94.
- Gunakkunru A, Padmanaban K, Thirumal P.Anti-diarrhoeal activity of Butea monosperma in experimental animals.J Ethanopharmacol.2005;98(3):241-244.
- Sharma N, Garg V.Antidiabetic and antioxidant potential of ethanolic extract of Butea monosperma leaves in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.2009;46:99-105.
- Gurav SS, Gulkari VD, Duragkar NJ, Patil AT.Antimicrobial activity of Butea monosperma Lam. Gum.Iran J Pharmacol Ther.2008;7(1):21-24.
- Kumar A, More A, Gujjarwar V et al.Study the antimicrobial effect of “ Palash beej and Palash pushp ” on urinary tract infection through culture and sensitivity test.international journal of pharmaceutical research & analysis.2016;5(1):224-233.
- Tambekar DH, Khante BS.Antibacterial properties of traditionally used medicinal plants for enteric infections by adivasi’s (bhumka) in Melghat forest (Amravati district).Int J Pharm SCi Res.2009;1(9):120-128.
- Sumitra M, Manikandan P, Suguna L.Efficacy of Butea monosperma on dermal wound healing in rats.Int J Biochem Cell Biol.2005;37(3):566-573.
- Meena R, Ramaswamy RS.Herbs for combatting dermatophytosis-a review.Int J Pharmacognosy.2014;1(6):373-379.
- Shrirao AV, Kochar NI, Chandewar AV.Butea monosperma: An ornamental plant to precious herb.International Journal of Pharmaceutical & Biological Archives.2017;8(5):01-09.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.