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Herbs & Cultures
Image of Indian gamboge

Asia · Herb · № 501

Garcinia morella

Region
Asia
Origin
Asia (Southern India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh)
Sanskrit
Tamal
Traditions
Ayurveda
1 traditionImage: Franz Eugen Köhler, Köhler's Medizinal-Pflanzen · Public domain

Herb · Asia

Indian gamboge

Garcinia morella

Traditionally attributed effects: laxative, expels worms, wound-healing; for oedema, absent menstruation, stubborn constipation, 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

Gum resin.

Use in traditions

Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Tamal. In Ayurveda the yellow gum resin was used as a strong laxative. A related species from Cambodia supplied gamboge, a bright yellow pigment for painters and for dyeing Buddhist monks' robes.

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, wound-healing; for oedema, absent menstruation, stubborn constipation, worms.

Preparation and amount

Gum resin.