English names: Lac tree, Gum lac tree
Sanscrit: mukulaka, raktamra, lakshavriksha, koshamra
Hindi: Kusum( कुसुम )
Malayalam: Poovam പൂവം, പൂവണം Poovanam
Tamil: கும்பாதிரி Kumpatiri
Ceylon oak-Schleichera oleosa is a large deciduous tree,(Sometimes evergreen tree) that grows to a height of 45 m. tall, The leaves are green, and pinnate, with each leaf having 2 to 4 leaflets, Young leaves are bright red and turn green when ripe. The flowers are tiny and found in yellow clusters. The fruit is a plum, small, ovoid size up to 3 cm long, seeds are 1.5 cm long, smooth, and brown, ellipsoid contains oil.
Leaf Arrangement
Shape-Oblong-elliptic | Margin-Entire | Venation-pinnate |
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Useful plant parts:
Wood, oil
Medicinal uses:
To treat skin problems like acne, itching, and burn. It is also used as a massage oil to relieve rheumatism pain.
Ceylon Oak (Schleichera oleosa) holds significant medicinal value in Ayurveda, offering a range of health benefits. Here are some of its traditional medicinal uses:
1. Digestive Aid: Ceylon Oak is known to improve digestion. Its leaves and seeds are used to prepare remedies that aid in digestion and alleviate digestive disorders.
2. Anti-inflammatory Properties: The oil extracted from Ceylon Oak seeds is used topically to reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis and joint pain.
3. Wound Healing: The oil from Ceylon Oak seeds is applied externally to wounds and cuts for its wound-healing properties. It helps prevent infection and promotes faster healing.
4. Skin Conditions: The oil is used in the treatment of various skin conditions like eczema, dermatitis, and psoriasis. It helps soothe irritated skin and promote overall skin health.
5. Respiratory Disorders: Ceylon Oak is used in Ayurvedic formulations to alleviate respiratory problems such as coughs, colds, and asthma.
6. Rheumatism and Arthritis: Its anti-inflammatory properties make it beneficial in reducing pain and inflammation associated with rheumatism and arthritis.
7. Antimicrobial Properties: Some preparations of Ceylon Oak are used for their antimicrobial properties, which can help treat infections.
8. Cardiovascular Health: In Ayurvedic practice, Ceylon Oak is believed to have properties that support heart health, although scientific evidence on this is limited.
9. Astringent Properties: The leaves of Ceylon Oak possess astringent properties and are used in certain formulations to tone tissues and control bleeding.
10. Boosts Immunity: Some traditional remedies incorporate Ceylon Oak for its potential to strengthen the immune system.
It’s important to note that while Ceylon Oak has been traditionally used for these purposes in Ayurveda, scientific studies on its medicinal properties may be limited. Always consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner or Ayurvedic expert before using any herb or plant for medicinal purposes.
Oleic acid, Gadoleic acid, Fatty acids, myristic acid, Palmitic acid, Palmititoleic acid, linolenic acid, Behenic acid, Erucic acid, Lignoceic acid and Arachidic acid
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