Desert date

Balanites aegyptiaca

Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, expels worms; seeds for cough and colic, oil on burns and freckles, seed extract lowers blood pressure.

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

Decoction 25–75 ml; fruit pulp or powder 0.5–1 g; oil 0.5–1 ml; oil on burns.

Use in traditions

Stones of the desert date have been found in Egyptian tombs from the earliest dynasties. In the Sahel the bittersweet fruits are eaten, oil is pressed from the kernels and the saponin-rich fruits serve as soap. In Ayurveda (ingudi) the bark is used for skin diseases. Research has looked at using the fruits against the snails that transmit bilharzia. Sanskrit name: Ingudi-vraksha.

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

Laxative, expels worms; seeds for cough and colic, oil on burns and freckles, seed extract lowers blood pressure.

Preparation and amount

Decoction 25–75 ml; fruit pulp or powder 0.5–1 g; oil 0.5–1 ml; oil on burns.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Africa →