Home › Catalogue › Flame of the Forest (Palash / Bastard Teak)
Flame of the Forest (Palash / Bastard Teak)
Butea monosperma
ପଳାଶ (Palasa)पलाश (Palash)Palasha
- Family
- Fabaceae
- Origin
- Indian subcontinent
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Habitat
- Outdoor
About the Plant
Medium deciduous tree with crooked trunk and grey fibrous bark; trifoliate large leaves, and massed racemes of brilliant fiery-orange pea flowers ('Flame of the Forest').
Traditional Uses
Intestinal worms, fractures, diabetes, kidney stones, and chronic diarrhea
Parts Used
Flowers, seeds, gum, bark
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Kashaya, Tikta, Katu
- Guna: Laghu, Ruksha
- Virya: Sheeta
- Vipaka: Katu
Health Benefits
- Eliminates intestinal helminths, heals bone fractures, and controls excessive diabetic urination
Precautions
Avoid large doses in debility; seeds contain butin which has mild antifertility activity
Interesting Facts
When in full bloom before leaves emerge in spring, the forest looks ablaze with flaming scarlet flowers