Scientific name of Screw pine: Pandanus odoratissimus
Name of Screw pine in different languages:-
English: Fragrant Screw Pine, Umbrella tree, Screw tree
Hindi: गगण धूल Gagan dhul, जम्बाला Jambala, जम्बूल jambul, केतकी Ketaki
Sanskrit: हनीलःHanilha, जम्बूल jambul, केतकी Ketaki, पांसुका Pansuka, सुगंधिनी Sugandhini
Tamil: கேதகை Ketakai, தாழை Talai
Malayalam: പൂക്കൈത-Pookaitha, കൈനാറി-Kainaari, കൈത-Kaitha, Thazha-തഴ
Plant description
Pandanus odoratissimus – Screw pine is an evergreen spiny shrub with a single trunk, that grows to 4 to 14 m. tall. Leaves are long and sword-shaped with a toothed margin, up to 150 cm long. The fruit is big, shaped like pine corn, and dark green.
In Ayurveda, Screw Pine (Pandanus tectorius) is known as Ketaki or Ketaka. It has several traditional uses:
- Digestive Aid: The roots of Screw Pine are used to improve digestion and alleviate digestive disorders.
- Anti-inflammatory: It is employed as an anti-inflammatory agent in Ayurvedic medicine to soothe inflammation and related conditions.
- Relieving Skin Disorders: Screw Pine is used topically to treat skin conditions like itching, rashes, and allergic reactions.
- Cooling Agent: It is considered to have cooling properties and is used to balance Pitta dosha.
- Astringent Properties: The plant is known for its astringent properties, which can help in conditions like diarrhea.
- Fragrance: The fragrant leaves are used in perfumes and incense, and its aroma is considered refreshing.
- Rheumatic Pain Relief: In some cases, Screw Pine is used to alleviate rheumatic pain and joint disorders.
- Detoxification: It is believed to have detoxifying properties, aiding in the removal of toxins from the body.
- Respiratory Aid: The leaves are used in traditional remedies for respiratory issues like coughs and asthma.
It’s important to note that while Screw Pine has been used in traditional Ayurvedic practices, scientific research on its specific medicinal properties is limited. Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner or healthcare professional before using any herb for medicinal purposes.
Leaf root, flower
Medicinal uses: to treat Hemorrhoids
Screw pine is one of the ingredients in Ayurveda medicines like-
Maharajaprasarini Thailam
