AAK

Introduction:

Two types of Aak are mentioned in Ayurveda, White and red, both have medicinal properties. Aak is tall erect shrub, up to 2 meters in height. Leaves are thick and big. Flowers are pale purple or greenish-white having five petals and a crown. Flowering throughout the year. Fruits are follicle, Oblong having seeds. Ripened fruits have silk like threads. Stems and leaves when broken gives milky liquid. All parts of Aak including bark and root bark are used in Ayurveda. Used for relief in pain, vomiting therapy and swedan therapy. The milk that drains from leaves and flowers may damage your eyesight if you get the juice in your eyes. Aak is used in many religious ceremonies in India.

Uses:

1. Used for digestive disorders including diarrhea, constipation, stomach ulcers, as purgative and to treat indigestion and nausea. Good for liver disorders and intestinal worms.

2. In inhalation therapy, smoke from the bark is inhaled for cough, asthma, and to cause sweating.

3. Traditionally, the plant has been used as an antifungal, antipyretic and analgesic agent. The powdered leaves are used for the fast healing of wounds, skin diseases, inflammation, epilepsy, hysteria, fever, muscular spasm, warts, leprosy, gout etc.

4. Hot poultices are made from the leaves and applied to the stomach to relieve pain, and stop headaches and also applied to sprains to ease the swelling and pain.

5. The flowers are used to treat a variety of complaints including cough and asthma and are also used to treat piles and hemorrhoids when prepared in the form of a paste. The tender leaves are also used to treat migraine.

6. The dried leaves are used as an expectorant, and anti-inflammatory, for the treatment of paralysis and rheumatic pains.

7. The dried latex and dried root are used as an antidote for snake and scorpion poisoning.

8.  Aak Leaves are useful in treatment of diabetes and obesity.

Side Effects:

Aak is unsafe in high doses. It can cause serious side effects including vomiting, diarrhea, slow heartbeat, convulsions, and death. Not recommended for use during pregnancy and breast feeding. Not to be used for Children.