Herb · Asia
Marking nut
Semecarpus anacardium
Traditionally attributed effects: pungent, stimulating, aids digestion, antispasmodic, cleansing, strengthens the nerves, caustic, strengthens the heart; for leprosy, scrofula, syphilis, skin diseases, epilepsy, nervous weakness, nerve pain, asthma, indigestion, haemorrhoids, enlarged spleen.
Safety notes
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Do not take the oil internally yourself. Not in pregnancy. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them. Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Cautions by tradition (1)
- Ayurvedic materia medica: Do not take the oil internally yourself. Not in pregnancy. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.
Preparation
Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Bhallataka. The black juice from the nut was used in India to put indelible marks on laundry ('marking nut'). The juice causes blisters; in Ayurveda the nut is used only after purification, among others for skin diseases and haemorrhoids. The fruit stalk is edible.
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
Pungent, stimulating, aids digestion, antispasmodic, cleansing, strengthens the nerves, caustic, strengthens the heart; for leprosy, scrofula, syphilis, skin diseases, epilepsy, nervous weakness, nerve pain, asthma, indigestion, haemorrhoids, enlarged spleen; expels worms.
Caution: Do not take the oil internally yourself. Not in pregnancy. Poisonous or risky: only under expert supervision. No dosage is given here on purpose. Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.