Herb · Asia
Flame of the forest
Butea monosperma
Traditionally attributed effects: leaves astringent, diuretic, tonic, aphrodisiac; seeds expel worms and laxative; flowers tonic; for diarrhoea, heartburn, diabetes (lowers blood sugar), flatulence, haemorrhoids, worms, leucorrhoea, inflamed throat.
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
Seed powder 0.5–1.5 g (with honey 3 times a day for 3 days against roundworms); gum 0.5–2 g; leaf decoction as a vaginal douche or mouthwash; seed paste on ringworm.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Palasa. The tree blooms with fiery orange flowers on bare branches; the dye for the Holi festival was made from the flowers. In Ayurveda (palasha) the seeds are used against worms and the gum for diarrhoea. The leaves serve as plates.
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
Leaves astringent, diuretic, tonic, aphrodisiac; seeds expel worms and laxative; flowers tonic; for diarrhoea, heartburn, diabetes (lowers blood sugar), flatulence, haemorrhoids, worms, leucorrhoea, inflamed throat.
Preparation and amount
Seed powder 0.5–1.5 g (with honey 3 times a day for 3 days against roundworms); gum 0.5–2 g; leaf decoction as a vaginal douche or mouthwash; seed paste on ringworm.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionCompress, poultice and pasteSyrup, honey and oxymelPowder and kitchen