BUTTER TREE CURES ULCERS AND LEPROSY AND IS USED FOR FRACTURES

BASSIA LATIFOLIA ROXB.

Bassia latifolia is synonymous to Madhuca indica, popularly known as mahua in India. It is a large handsome tree which may reach a height of 12 to 15 metres. The trunk of the tree is rather short with many spreading branches which provide excellent shade. The leaves are elliptic-oblong in shape. The cream coloured flowers which turn purplish when fully matured and ready to drop are formed in dense fascicles near the ends of the branches. The dry flowers which are brown in colour are sweet and can be eaten. In some parts of India, the tribal folk prepare a local liquor which has a very strong smell. During marriage ceremonies and festivals this liquor is consumed by young and old alike.

Medicinal use:

• For expelling worms from the body.
• Cures biliousness or congestion of the liver.
• Cures ulcers and leprosy and is used for fractures.
• Helps in rheumatism.
• Helps in curing heart diseases and ear complaints.
• Cures diseases of the blood, bronchitis and tuberculosis.
• Promotes the removal of mucous secretions from the bronchial tubes.
• Helps in increasing the secretion of milk in lactating mothers.
• Helps in soothing the alimentary tract and relieving inflammation and is also used for coughs.
• Cures orchitis or the inflammation of the testes.
• Cures piles and is good for skin diseases.

How to use:

• The decoction of the bark is used to take care of the first 3 ailments listed under Medicinal use.
• The milky latex of the tree is used externally to relieve rheumatic pains.
• The decoction of the flowers is used to cure heart diseases, ear complaints, coughs and inflammation; promotes removal of mucous secretions from the bronchial tubes; soothe the alimentary tract.
• The decoction of the fruit takes care of heart diseases, ear complaints, diseases of the blood, bronchitis and tuberculosis.
• The decoction of the seeds helps in increasing the secretion of milk in lactating mothers.
• The dried flowers are used as a fomentation to take care of Orchitis.
• The flowers fried in ghee or clarified butter are eaten by persons suffering from piles.

Parts used:
The bark, latex, flowers, fruits and seeds.

Dose:
Normal.