shringtaka :

Streblus asper Trunk and canopy Photograph by: AlleinStein

General Use:

The root is prescribed as a cure for elephantiasis.

Roots are astringent, bitter, acrid, anti-inflammatory, healing, haemostatic, febrifuge and anteseptic.

They are useful against vitiated conditions of kapha, ulcers, sinusitis, elephantiasis, boils, haemorrhage, bronchitis, diarrhoea, dysentery, syphilis and hemorrhoids.

The bark is used for constipation and ulcers.

Therapeutic Uses:

Raktapitta (Bleeding disorder)

Arsha (Piles)

Shlipada (filaria)

Apachi (scrofula glandular swellings)

Prameha (Urinary problems)

Kushtha (Skin disease)

Gandamala (Cervical lymphadenitis)

Systemic Use:

The twigs of Streblus asper are used as an insect repellent and as toothbrushes in pyorrhea.

The milky juice is antiseptic, sedative, astringent and the latex is massaged over the aching parts of the body. It is also applied to chapped hands, sore heels and to cure redness of eyes and to promote clarity of vision.

The latex from the plant is rubbed on the temples and it is considered effective in treating neuralgia.

The root juice is an antidote to snakebite, antiseptic, astringent, used for fever, ulcers, and in the treatment of excessive menstrual bleeding.

The root bark powder is applied for toothache.

The dry roots powder is applied on ulcers and snakebite.

The bark extract is used in urinary diseases and gingivitis.

The leaves are depurative, laxative and galactagogue.

The leaves are useful in agalactia, swellings, bubose and hyperhidrosis.

Administration:

Decoction

Pharmacological:

It is used in filariasis, leprosy, toothache, diarrhea, dysentery, wounds, scabies, psoriasis, and dental care. The tender twigs of tree are used as tooth brush as they show selective bactericidal activity towards bacteria responsible for tooth cavities. Brushing with twigs also helps in pyorrhea

Dr Mohamed Rifas

A dual country licensed Ayurveda Physician, currently working in Dubai as Head of Ayurveda and Yoga department. He also works as visiting doctor for Dr Hassan Ayurveda Brain and Spine Specialty Hospital. He is specialized in joint issues, brain and spine related issues and gastrointestinal issues with respect to anxiety.
Doctor profile: Click here