AMALTAS

Introduction:

A medium sized oval shaped tree with brilliant yellow flowers and long cylindrical pods. The pods contain approximately 30-100 large hard flat, light brown round seeds. All parts of tree have medicinal value and used extensively in Ayurveda.

Uses:

1. Skin diseases: Juice and paste of leaves provide relief from skin irritation, swelling and pain. Also used to treat ringworm and inflammation in the hand or feet caused due to cold conditions. The leaves and seeds are useful in leprosy.

2. Laxative: Fruit pulp is used as mild laxative. Soak pulp in water overnight and strain it. Mix sugar in it and use it to treat constipation.

3. Cold: Pulp mixed with jaggery is used to prepare pills which may be used in treatment of common cold. Inhalation of smoke from burning root can treat a running nose.

4. Wounds:  Pulp of leaves is used for treating wounds.

5. Fever: Extract of root is used for reducing fever.