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Indian Beech (Pongam Oil Tree / Karanja)
Pongamia pinnata
କରଞ୍ଜ (Karanja)करंज (Karanj)Karanja
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Origin
- Tropical & Subtropical Asia
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Habitat
- Outdoor
About the Plant
Medium deciduous tree with smooth grey bark; imparipinnate shining dark-green leaflets, drooping axillary racemes of pale pinkish-white pea flowers, and woody flat pods.
Traditional Uses
Eczema, scabies, leprosy, chronic non-healing ulcers, and hemorrhoids
Parts Used
Seed oil, leaves, bark, seeds
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Tikta, Katu, Kashaya
- Guna: Laghu, Teekshna
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
Health Benefits
- Heals chronic skin ulcers, purges parasitic worms, and treats refractory eczema
Precautions
Seeds and crude oil are mildly toxic internally; primarily intended for external application
Interesting Facts
Seeds produce 'Karanja oil' which serves as a potent botanical pesticide and alternative biodiesel fuel