Hindi: काजू Kaju, Kajoo
Malayalam: Kashumavu – കശുമാവ്, Kappalumavu, Parangi mavu
Tamil: முந்திரி Mundiry
Sanskrit: Agnikrita
The cashew tree is a tropical evergreen tree that grows up to 14 meters and produces the cashew nut. Leaves are dark green ovate, elliptical, apex rounded, stem irregularly, multi-branched, flowers are small, white or pink, aromatic, flowering in May-June.
Useful plant parts:
Bark, seed, resin
Medicinal uses:
To treat Vata disorders, sexual weakness, and low blood pressure, Nutshell’s oil is used to treat athlete’s foot.
While the cashew nut itself is well-known for its culinary uses, various parts of the cashew tree (Anacardium occidentale) also have traditional applications in Ayurveda. Here are some of the Ayurvedic uses of the cashew nut tree:
1. Anti-inflammatory Properties: Various parts of the cashew tree may be used to alleviate inflammation, making it potentially beneficial for conditions like arthritis.
2. Digestive Health: The bark and leaves are believed to have digestive properties and may be used to address gastrointestinal issues.
3. Skin Conditions: Oil extracted from the cashew nut is used in traditional medicine for its potential to soothe skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis.
4. Respiratory Health: The leaves and bark may be used in remedies for respiratory conditions like coughs and asthma.
5. Stress Relief: Cashew nuts and their derivatives are sometimes used to support mental well-being and reduce stress and anxiety.
6. Wound Healing: The oil extracted from cashew nuts is believed to aid in wound healing when applied topically.
7. Antioxidant Properties: Cashew nuts are rich in antioxidants, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
8. Heart Health: Some traditional uses suggest that components of the cashew tree may be beneficial for cardiovascular health.
9. Anti-diabetic Properties: While more research is needed, some studies suggest that certain compounds in cashew nuts may have potential benefits for managing blood sugar levels.
10. Hair and Scalp Health: Cashew oil is sometimes used for its potential to nourish the hair and scalp, promoting healthy hair growth.
Always consult with a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare provider before using any part of the cashew tree for medicinal purposes. Individual responses to herbs can vary, so it’s important to approach any herbal remedy with caution and under professional guidance. Additionally, scientific research on the specific medicinal properties of the cashew nut tree is ongoing, so its use should be based on traditional knowledge and expert advice.
10 grams of cashew nut ground well and mixed in milk is used in after-delivery care, Burn the nutshell in stone collect the oil, and apply it on affected areas of athletes’ foot diseases.
Chemical contents:
Caustic phenolic resin, Urushiol, nutshell produces a corrosive oil
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