SHALMALI

Introduction:

Shalmali is a tall tree having thorns all over with a long life. Leaves are alternately arranged. Beautiful cup shaped large red flowers found at the end of branch. Stem and bark are light gray in colour. Bears woody cylindrical fruits containing dark brown seeds having white silky fibers. Fibers are used in a manner cotton is used. Flowering season is Kartik and Margshirsh, bears fruits in Chaitra, wood is smooth and sticky hence used in making boats etc. Gives gum which is red in colour and is called Mochras, turns black on getting old. All parts of the tree is used in Ayurveda. Two varieties of Shalmali white and red, also known as Bombax ceiba and Bombax malabaricum.

Uses:  

1. Powder of bark is given in milk for treatment of leucorrhea.

2. Powder of bark and fruits with sugar is useful in urinary tract disorders.

3. Powder of bark and roots are used to treat dysentery and diarrhea.

4. Powder of roots and gum with honey is useful in giving strength to body.

5. For heart diseases, boil bark in milk and take regularly for some time.

6. Powder of gum is given with milk and sugar for male reproductive system disorders, improves semen quality.

7. Roots powder is given as tonic and is aphrodisiac, cures impotency.

8. Apply paste of silky fibers from the fruits on wounds and boils.

9. Paste of flowers is used for skin disorders, and to treat piles and hemorrhoids.