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Kamala Tree (Kapila / Rohini / Kampillaka)
Mallotus philippensis
କମଳାଗୁଣ୍ଡି (Kamalagundi) / ସିନ୍ଦୂରୀकबीला (Kabila) / रोहिणी / कमलाKampillaka
- Family
- Euphorbiaceae
- Origin
- Tropical South Asia & Australasia
- Plant Type
- Tree
- Habitat
- Outdoor
About the Plant
Small-to-medium evergreen tree with whitish bark; alternate ovate-lanceolate leaves, and pendulous terminal spikes yielding globose 3-lobed capsules densely coated with scarlet powder.
Traditional Uses
Intestinal tapeworm, ringworm, scabies, and constipation
Parts Used
Glandular hairs of fruit (Kamala powder)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Rasa: Katu, Tikta
- Guna: Laghu, Ruksha, Teekshna
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Katu
Health Benefits
- Expels tapeworms, cures ringworm, and clears chronic skin eruptions
Precautions
Red glandular powder is a strong cathartic; avoid during pregnancy and diarrhea
Interesting Facts
Kamala powder coats the fruit and was historically prized as a natural bright scarlet silk dye