Scientific name of Honey tree: Madhuca longifolia, Bassia latifolia
Name of Honey tree in different languages:
English: Butter tree, Mahua Tree, Maura butter Tree
Sanskrit: Madhuk, Tikshnasar
Hindi: Madhukam
Malayalam: Eruppa, Madukajam, Madukam (ഇരിപ്പ, മധൂകജം, മധൂകം)
Plant description:
The honey tree is an Indian sub-tropical tree, It is a fast-growing, deciduous tree, that grows up to 20 meters in height, sometimes semi-evergreen foliage, leaves are simple alternate and clustered, and young leaves are yellowish in color, the bark is reddish-brown or dark red vertically cracked, Fruits are greenish, fleshy. It is planted in India to get a beverage (alcohol) spirit made from its flowers.
Leaf Arrangement
| Shape-Oval |
Margin-Entire |
Venation-Pinnate |
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Useful plant parts:
leaf, Root, Flower, bark, seeds, oil,
Medicinal uses:
To treat skin diseases, and headaches, purgative treatments, and to prevent excess bleeding, bronchitis flowers are used to enhance lactation in feeding mothers.
Chemical constituents:
Alkaloid glucosidic saponin, sapogenin.
Ayurveda uses of Honey tree
Madhuca longifolia, commonly known as mahua, is a tree native to India and is well-known in Ayurvedic medicine for its various therapeutic properties. Different parts of the Madhuca longifolia tree are used for various purposes in Ayurveda. Here are some of the common Ayurvedic uses of Madhuca longifolia:
- Digestive Health: The flowers of Madhuca longifolia are believed to have digestive properties. They are sometimes used in traditional remedies to treat digestive disorders, including indigestion and constipation.
- Respiratory Disorders: Various parts of the tree, including the flowers and bark, are used in Ayurveda to address respiratory issues. They are believed to have expectorant properties and may be used in formulations to alleviate conditions like coughs and bronchitis.
- Skin Care: The oil extracted from the seeds of Madhuca longifolia, known as mahua oil, is used in Ayurvedic formulations for its emollient properties. It is believed to be beneficial for moisturizing and nourishing the skin.
- Rheumatism and Joint Disorders: Some traditional Ayurvedic formulations use parts of the Madhuca longifolia tree to address joint pain and inflammation associated with conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
- Wound Healing: The oil derived from the seeds of Madhuca longifolia is sometimes applied topically to wounds to promote healing. It is believed to have antibacterial properties that can help prevent infections.
- Anti-inflammatory Properties: Certain parts of the tree are believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties and may be used in Ayurvedic remedies to reduce inflammation in the body.
- Anti-diabetic Potential: Some studies have suggested that Madhuca longifolia may have potential anti-diabetic properties. It may help in regulating blood sugar levels.
- Liver Health: In Ayurveda, Madhuca longifolia is sometimes used to support liver function. It is believed to have hepatoprotective properties.
- Antioxidant Activity: The tree contains compounds that may have antioxidant properties, which can help protect cells from damage caused by free radicals.
- Aphrodisiac Properties: Some traditional remedies use parts of the Madhuca longifolia tree to improve sexual vitality and libido.
It’s important to note that while Madhuca longifolia has a long history of traditional use in Ayurvedic medicine, scientific research on its efficacy is ongoing, and not all of its traditional uses have been conclusively supported by modern scientific evidence. As with any herbal remedy, it’s advisable to consult a qualified healthcare practitioner or an Ayurvedic expert before using Madhuca longifolia or any other herbal treatment, especially if you have any pre-existing medical conditions or are taking medications.
How to prepare medicines:
Fermented flowers are used to make tonics,
The honey tree is one of the ingredients in Ayurveda medicines like-
Learn more:
http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00217-005-0155-2#/page-1
