The Scientific name of Asian palmyra palm: Borassus flabellifer
Name of Asian palmyra palm in different languages:-
English: Toddy palm, Sugar palm
Malayalam: കരിമ്പന – Karimpana
Sanskrit: Taalah
Hindi: Taad, Tal, Trinaraaj
Tamil: தாலம் Talam
Plant description of Asian palmyra palm
Palmyra palm is a tropical plant, found throughout India. It is a large tree that grows up to 30 m high a trunk up to 1.6 m at the base and a little tapered upward. Leaves are leathery, grayish green, and fan-shaped, with about 25 – 40 leaves found at a time, the leaves are 1 to 3 m wide, folded along the midrib; which are divided at the center into 60 to 80 linear-lanceolate, 0.6 to 1.2 m long, and marginally spiny segments. The strong are, 1 to 1.2 m long, with hard spines. The flowers are in big clusters of long, white string-like inflorences. The fruits are coconut-like shaped, and three-sided when young, they become rounded in maturity and capped with overlapping sepals. Young fruit is hollow and contains a soft jelly inside.
By tapping the inflorescence we get a product which is the sweet sap called toddy is used as a beverage in India, which is sweet and tasty. The toddy is fermented naturally and used as a beverage. The non-fermented toddy yields crude sugar – jaggery, palm candy, and vinegar are the bye products.
Useful plant parts:
Root, Fruit, Toddy
Medicinal uses:
To treat gonorrhea, hyperdipsia, skin diseases, burning sensation, inflammation, dyspepsia, flatulence, colic, constipation, intestinal worms, Leprosy, and hemorrhages.
Chemical content:
Restorative, diuretic and anthelmintic
Uses of Asian Palmyra Palmin in Ayurveda
The traditional system of medicine in India. Here are some of the common applications:
- Fruit: The fruit of the Asian Palmyra Palm, commonly known as “Taal” or “Toddy Palm,” is used in Ayurveda. It is considered to have cooling properties and is used to alleviate conditions associated with excess heat in the body. The fruit is rich in nutrients and is often consumed for its nutritional value.
- Juice: The sap of the Asian Palmyra Palm, known as “Toddy,” is collected from the unopened flower stalk and consumed as a beverage. In Ayurveda, Toddy is believed to have rejuvenating and aphrodisiac properties. It is also considered good for digestion and is used in some traditional remedies.
- Leaves: The leaves of the Palmyra Palm are used for various purposes. They are woven into mats, and baskets, and even used as thatch for roofs. In Ayurveda, the leaves are sometimes used for medicinal purposes, although this is less common compared to other parts of the plant.
- Roots: The roots of the Asian Palmyra Palm may be used in Ayurveda for their potential therapeutic properties. They are believed to have diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the use of the roots in Ayurvedic practice is not as prevalent as other parts of the plant.
- Oil: The oil extracted from the fruit pulp or kernels of the Asian Palmyra Palm is known as “Palmyra Palm Oil” or “Taal Oil.” In Ayurveda, this oil is used for massage and as a base oil for certain herbal formulations. It is considered to have nourishing and moisturizing properties for the skin.
- Seed: The seeds of the Palmyra Palm, known as “Taal Makhana,” are sometimes used in Ayurvedic preparations. They are believed to have cooling and rejuvenating properties. The seeds are often powdered and incorporated into various herbal formulations.
- Ash: The ash obtained from burning certain parts of the Palmyra Palm, such as the fruit or leaves, may be used in Ayurvedic formulations. This ash can be used externally or sometimes taken internally under the guidance of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner.
It’s important to note that while Asian Palmyra Palm has been traditionally used in Ayurveda, its effectiveness and safety should be approached with caution. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner or an Ayurvedic expert before using any herbal remedies, especially if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
One of the ingredients in the Ayurveda medicine:-
Panaviraladi Bhasmam
