Herb · Asia
Mahua
Madhuca longifolia
Traditionally attributed effects: flowers cooling, soothing, expectorant, tonic, nourishing; bark astringent and tonic; for diabetes and rheumatism, bleeding gums, tonsil and throat inflammation, itching, bronchitis, cough, haemorrhoids.
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
Flowers 25–60 g; bark decoction 56–112 ml; bark lotion (5 ml extract in 280 ml water) as a gargle; ointment of leaf ash; seed oil externally.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Madhuka. The sweet, fleshy flowers of the mahua fall at night and are gathered by Adivasi communities in central India, eaten and distilled into mahua liquor. The seeds yield oil. The tree is sacred to them.
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
Flowers cooling, soothing, expectorant, tonic, nourishing; bark astringent and tonic; for diabetes and rheumatism, bleeding gums, tonsil and throat inflammation, itching, bronchitis, cough, haemorrhoids; oil for skin diseases, rheumatism, headache, constipation; ointment for burns.
Preparation and amount
Flowers 25–60 g; bark decoction 56–112 ml; bark lotion (5 ml extract in 280 ml water) as a gargle; ointment of leaf ash; seed oil externally.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- DecoctionSalve and balm