हिंदी ब्लॉग 
Flame of the forest or Flame tree is most commonly called Palash; it is because the flower of the Palash tree is red and looks like a flame.
Palash is a very versatile plant, and various parts of it, like the flower, leaves seed is used in many Ayurvedic preparations. The most popular use of Palash is to treat intestinal worms due to its anthelmintic property. It is anti-microbial and astringent, thus used in diarrhea. Palash acts like an antioxidant and prevents free radical mediated cell damage. This is used for liver diseases, kidney stones, diabetes.
Palash leaves have Ropan or healing property as well as anti-microbial property. These properties, along with the astringent function, help to reduce skin problems like acne, pimple, and also proves to be a great wound healing product when applied externally as a paste.It also shows that it helps treat vaginal infection and urinary problems as it possesses antifungal and anti-microbial properties.Palash was also used as a natural red color, and It was used in the famous festival of colors, also called "Holi."
From where the name “Palash” originated?
Butea monosperma, which is the scientific name of Palash, originates from India. It gets its name from the place Palashi where the famous historical Battle of Plassey took place.
Palash has many other names across India like Dhak, Tesu, Raktapuspak, and many more.
Benefits of using Palash in Ayurvedic treatment
● Worm problem
Flatworms, roundworms are parasitic intestinal worms that cause health problems. Intestinal worms can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, fatigue, unexplained weight loss.
Palash seeds have excellent anti-worms or Krinighna property. That’s why powder of Palash seed is taken orally to prevent worm infestation in the intestine. Ayurvedically the Palash seed powder is available as a preparation called Palash Kshar with the incredible anti-worm property.
● Diarrhea problem
Diarrhea is the discharge of watery, loose stools, which decrease stools' consistency and increase bowel movements. According to Ayurveda, Diarrhea (Atisar) occurs due to impure water, toxins in food or water, improper food, or even mental stress. Besides all of this, one of the biggest reasons is a weak digestive system or Agnimandya. All of this causes a serious imbalance in metabolism, this causes other tissues to lose water, and that water comes to the intestine and mixes with the stool. Making the stool watery and thus causes diarrhea.
The astringent or Kashaya property and anti-microbial property of Palash makes it a good antidiarrheal agent. Being an anti-microbial prevents the growth of diarrhea-causing microbes, and the astringent property helps to contract the mucous membrane, thus reduces the frequent bowel motion.
● Managing blood glucose level
According to Ayurveda, diabetes or Madhumeha happens due to Vata dosha and indigestion. A weak digestive system leads to an accumulation of toxic undigested food or Ama in the pancreatic cells, which impairs its function and disturbs insulin levels.
Plash leaves powders are Tikta (bitter) and Kapha-pitta balancer (earth water and fire element of the body, according to Ayurveda). These properties help to improve metabolism and overall digestion. Strong digestive fire reduces Ama and preserves pancreatic function, thus regulate high blood glucose levels.
● Sexual weakness
A stressful and unhealthy lifestyle creates lots of problems related to sex. It could be a sexual weakness where one or both partners, male or female, face low sex drive or loss of sexual desire, also known as loss of libido. Or, it could be a decrease in semen retention power, or we can say early discharge of semen in case of male partners.
According to Ayurveda, Palash has Vajikarna property, which means it will act as an aphrodisiac and increase sex drive in both partners. It also improves sexual weakness and sexual dysfunction. In sexual problems, it is preferred to take Palash flower powder with milk at night.
● Skin related problems
Palash seeds have Kashaya or astringent property along with antiseptic function. Both of these helps to reduce the eczema itching problem. The antiseptic property also helps in other skin disorders when applied externally as paste form.
● Wound healing
Palash seeds have excellent wound healing properties. The astringent or Kashaya quality of Palash seed creates tension at the opening of the wound and contracts it; thus, it helps to stop bleeding. It also has Ropan or healing property, which promotes fast healing of the wound. Plash seed decoction is used for this purpose.
● Vaginal discharge due to infection
Infection in the vagina with bacteria, yeast, other microorganisms, or STD causes leucorrhea, where abnormal white or yellowish vaginal discharge happens. In these situations, Ayurveda recommends to wash genital parts with Palash leaves decoction regularly to cure leucorrhea. The Kashaya property and anti-microbial property of Plash leaves help to cure the virginal infection.
● Urine retention problem
Urine retention occurs due to an imbalance in Vata dosha (imbalance in body energy). Ayurveda recommends to wash the pubic region with Palash flower decoction, the Vata balancing nature of Plash flowers increase the urine flow and cures urine retention problem.
● Tinea Cruris
Tinea Cruris, commonly known as Jock itch, is a fungal infection of the skin, mainly on the genitals, inner thighs, or buttock regions. This problem most commonly occurs due to the waring of tight clothing for too long, which traps moisture and promotes fungal growth, thus causing infection.Palash seed paste, when applied externally, gives relief from the itching because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. It also cures jock itch because it also possesses Ropan (healing) property. To enhance its function and to get a greater result, adding lemon juice in the Palash seed mixture is recommended.
Forms of Palash in Ayurveda with Recommended Dosage
1. Palash churna
Palash churna is mainly used to treat worm infestation in the intestine and to treat the wound. Because Palash is anti-microbial, astringent, and has healing properties.One-forth – half teaspoon of Palash churna is mixed with 1-2 teaspoons of honey or a water cup. Consume it after lunch and dinner.
2. Palash Kshar
It is an Ayurvedic preparation used for many cases like chronic fever, gastric problems, dyspepsia, and slow poisoning.
- generally, one or two pinches of Palash Kshar with one teaspoon of honey is taken before lunch or dinner.
3. Palash with rose water
Palash leaves, flower, and seed powder with rose water help to treat skin conditions like a pimple, acne.
- 2.5 – 5 grams of Palash leaves, flower, or seed powder is mixed with rose water to make a paste.
- apply this paste on the affected regions once a day regularly for great results.
4. Palash decoction
The decoction of Palash leaves or flowers is mostly used in the treatment of leucorrhea, urine retention, and diabetes. It has astringent and anti-microbial properties.
- Palash leaves of the flower are used to make a decoction, and rose water is added to it.
- the affected area is washed with the decoction to have beneficial effects.
FAQ’s about Palash
1. How can Palash flower and leaves benefit our health?
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Palash is an anti-worm that prevents worm infestation in the intestine; it's anti-microbial and heal property helps heal wounds. It is astringent, that's why it causes contraction of skin, thus manages pimple problem. It also has a diuretic property, which increases urine production. |
In Ayurvedic, Palash leaves and flowers are Kashaya or astringent, so it helps reducing acne and pimples. It also possesses Vrushya or aphrodisiac property that helps in sexual weakness. It is also good for digestion. |
2. Can Palash help with diarrhea?
Yes, Palash is anti-microbial, so it prevents the growth of diarrhea-causing bacteria growth. It is astringent, which contracts tissue and contains tannins. These two components cause a contraction in the internal mucosal membrane and reduce the release of essential substances and water through diarrhea.
3. Is Palash good for diabetes?
Yes, Palash helps in managing diabetes. Palash contains ethanolic extracts that act as insulin or gives insulin-like activity. It also improves digested fire and metabolism, which in turn helps to manage blood sugar levels. So, Palash can be used in diabetes.
4. Can Palash help in liver disorders?
Palash contains many bioactive molecules; among those, butrin and isobutrin are two flavonoids that give antihepatotoxic effect (reduce liver toxicity). Butrin and isobutyric increases glutathione levels in the blood, glutathione being an antioxidant, it prevents free radicals mediated damage in liver cells. This way, it helps to maintain proper liver function.
5. Is Palash good for worms treatment?
Yes, Palash, especially the seeds, is a good anti-worm; it prevents worm infestation in the intestine because of its anthelmintic property. Consuming Palash seed powder kills the worms inside the intestine.
6. Can Palash produce any beneficial effect for kidney stones?
Kidney stone primarily occurs due to the deposition of calcium oxalate. Palash is very beneficial in reducing the risk of kidney stones because it reduces the deposition of calcium oxalate. This way, Palash reduces the risk of kidney stone and maintain proper kidney functioning.
7. Can we use Palash to treat infertility in men?
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Palash is an aphrodisiac, which helps to improve sexual stamina, and it also increases sperm count and improves sperm motility. So Palash can be used for treating infertility in men. |
Ayurvedically, consuming Palsh flower powder with milk and mishri twice a day or at night can help in men's infertility. Its Vrushya (increase sexual desire) property enhances sexual performance and also improves the quantity of sperm. |
8. Is Palash good for treating hair loss?
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Ayurveda |
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Hair loss can happen due to many reasons. The application of Palash can help in hair loss. It prevents damage to the hair roots and follicles and improves overall hair health and hair texture. |
Palash’s Kashaya (astringent) property gives strength to hair root and controls hair fall. It also manages hair health and texture. It is recommended to take Palash flower powder and mix it with rose water to make a paste and apply it properly on the scalp. Leave it there for 20 – 30 minutes and wash it with shampoo. Doing this procedure twice a week reduces hair fall. |
9. How Palash heals wound?
Palash seed has astringent property, and the leaves are good for healing. When applying externally, Palash helps to close the wound's opening and promote healing of the wound; it also increases collagen synthesis and proliferation of cells at the wound site, which helps the wound heal. The anti-microbial property also prevents any chance of infection.
