Details :

General description(Size, commonly seen , status of availability etc.)

Madhuca longifolia is a large deciduous tree which grows to a height of 16-20m under dry tropical and sub-tropical climatic conditions. It is widely distributed in various parts of India and has a religious and aesthetic value in the tribal culture. It has a short and stout trunk, with a grey and vertically cracked bark. Young leaves are pinkish or reddish-brown in colour and are arranged alternately or and clustered at the end of branchlets. Flowers are cream-coloured and occur in bunches. Pollinated flowers develop into a fleshy, greenish ovoid fruit containing 1-4 shiny, oily brown seeds which are elliptical and flattened on one side.   

Medicinal properties

Madhuca longifolia is a traditionally used medicinal plant, whose various parts are used in the treatment of different diseases. Flowers of this plant are utilized as a cooling agent, tonic, aphrodisiac, and treatment for conditions like helminths, tonsillitis, pharyngitis, and bronchitis. Bark is employed for rheumatism, chronic bronchitis, diabetes, and as a remedy for itch, swelling, fractures, and snake-bite poisoning. The leaves serve as an expectorant and are used for conditions like chronic bronchitis, Cushing's disease, verminosis etc. The seeds have emollient properties and are used against skin diseases, rheumatism, headaches and piles.

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