Wax tree

Rhus succedanea

Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, tonic, expectorant, stimulating, promotes bile; for cough, tuberculosis, asthma, fever, lack of appetite, stomach irritation, diarrhoea (also in teething children); paste for psoriasis.

Safety notes

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: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.

Preparation

Powder of the galls 0.5–1.5 g; paste externally; decoction or lotion as a gargle.

Use in traditions

Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Karkatashringi. In Japan vegetable wax (mokuro) for candles was obtained from the fruits. In Ayurveda galls of related trees are used under the name karkatashringi for coughs and asthma. The milky sap causes severe skin inflammation, like poison ivy.

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

Astringent, tonic, expectorant, stimulating, promotes bile; for cough, tuberculosis, asthma, fever, lack of appetite, stomach irritation, diarrhoea (also in teething children); paste for psoriasis; stops bleeding gums and nosebleeds.

Preparation and amount

Powder of the galls 0.5–1.5 g; paste externally; decoction or lotion as a gargle.

Caution: Serious illnesses such as infections, cancer or hepatitis need a doctor: there is no evidence that this remedy cures them.

Ways to prepare herbs: Decoction Compress, poultice and paste Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Asia →