Herb · Asia
Dita bark
Alstonia scholaris
Traditionally attributed effects: stimulating, bitter tonic, astringent, expectorant, fever-reducing, antipyretic; quinine substitute for intermittent fever, for indigestion, weakness, skin diseases, liver complaints, chronic diarrhoea; promotes milk flow, expels worms.
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
Tea 12–20 ml; decoction 56–112 ml; bark powder 1.5–4 g; do not use the milky sap internally.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Saptaparna. The English name is devil's tree; school slates were made from the wood, hence the Latin name scholaris. The bitter bark was used in India and the Philippines for malaria and diarrhoea. It is the state tree of West Bengal.
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
Stimulating, bitter tonic, astringent, expectorant, fever-reducing, antipyretic; quinine substitute for intermittent fever, for indigestion, weakness, skin diseases, liver complaints, chronic diarrhoea; promotes milk flow, expels worms.
Preparation and amount
Tea 12–20 ml; decoction 56–112 ml; bark powder 1.5–4 g; do not use the milky sap internally.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionPowder and kitchen