Food · Asia
Chironji
Buchanania lanzan
Traditionally attributed effects: soothing, cleansing, laxative, diuretic; seeds nutritious, gum for diarrhoea, ointment for itching and skin blemishes, oil for swollen neck glands, substitute for almond oil.
Safety notes
Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Preparation
Bark decoction 56–112 ml; seeds 12–24 g; kernels as an ointment; oil externally.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Piyala. The small, almond-like seeds are used in Indian sweets such as kheer and halva. The tree grows in dry forests and is an important source of income for Adivasi communities.
Applications
Use by tradition
How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.
Ayurvedic materia medica
Attributed effects
Soothing, cleansing, laxative, diuretic; seeds nutritious, gum for diarrhoea, ointment for itching and skin blemishes, oil for swollen neck glands, substitute for almond oil.
Preparation and amount
Bark decoction 56–112 ml; seeds 12–24 g; kernels as an ointment; oil externally.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionSalve and balm