Custard apple

Annona squamosa

Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, tonic, expels worms, laxative, diuretic, insecticidal; unripe fruit for diarrhoea and dysentery, leaves for non-healing ulcers and fainting, seed powder against lice.

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

Fruit 24–48 g; root powder 2–5 g; leaf paste on ulcers; seed powder as a hair wash; seeds not in pregnancy.

Use in traditions

The sweet, grainy fruit comes from tropical America and was brought to India by the Spanish and Portuguese, where it is called sitaphal and was adopted into Ayurveda. Leaves are laid on sores and the seed powder serves as a remedy against head lice. Sanskrit name: Sitaphalam.

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

Astringent, tonic, expels worms, laxative, diuretic, insecticidal; unripe fruit for diarrhoea and dysentery, leaves for non-healing ulcers and fainting, seed powder against lice.

Preparation and amount

Fruit 24–48 g; root powder 2–5 g; leaf paste on ulcers; seed powder as a hair wash; seeds not in pregnancy.

Ways to prepare herbs: Compress, poultice and paste Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Central America and the Caribbean →