Sal Tree: Benefits, Uses and Side effects
2022-07-06 00:00:00
Sal tree also known as Shorea robusta, Salwa, Sakhwa, Kandar, Shal or shala tree. It belongs to the family of Dipterocarpaceae. Sal tree is especially worshiped in Hindu culture as it is mentioned as an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is also believed to be devout to Jainism and Buddhism.
Importance of Sal tree in Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, taking powdered Sal tree with honey, helps treat female ailments such as metrorrhagia (bleeding at irregular intervals) and leucorrhoea (white discharge from the vagina) due to its sita (cold) and kashaya (astringent) properties. It also helps in joint pain and arthritis by relieving pain and inflammation due to its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Benefits of Sal tree
- Heal wounds:Roots of the Sal tree have astringent and cooling properties. Sal tree balances Vata and Pitta doshas that heals all types of bleeding, inflammation and wounds.
- Cures ear infection:Karna roga hara found in Sal trees helps cure ear infection and relieves the pain caused by them. It has been considered useful in treating ear ailments since Ayurvedic times.
- Lemon:Consuming lemon is very beneficial to get relief in motion sickness. Using it while traveling will reduce the problem of vomiting or nausea to some extent. Squeeze a lemon in a glass of water and drink it.
- Removes bad body odor:Svedahara is a very strong element found in the Sal tree. It fights against excessive sweating of the body and thus one can effectively deal with bad body odor.
- Treats diarrhea:One of the important elements in this tree is Grahi, which helps treat diarrhea by improving digestive problems. It has absorbent properties that have been shown to be effective in treating all intestinal disorders.
- Helps Relieve Pain:Bhagnasandhanakrut, an essential element found in the Sal tree, helps repair fractures and cracks. It also treats the pain caused by the problem.
- Relieves Itching:Itching or boils can cause discomfort to humans. Sphotahara and Kandunashana found in the Sal tree helps treat it effectively.
- Prevents arthritis:Due to its analgesic or pain-relieving properties, Sal tree can be used to treat arthritis and helps treat any pain.
- Boosts immunity:Sal trees boost the immune system, fight germs and protect the body from various infections. It also exhibits the presence of strong antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal properties, which are typical in preventing infections such as fever, cold, sore throat and other respiratory disorders.
- Aids in weight loss:This herb reduces the buildup of LDL (low-density lipoprotein or bad cholesterol) in the body and increases metabolism which helps the body maintain a proper weight.
Uses of Sal tree
Sal tree can be used in the form of
- Sal tree powder:Sal tree powder is used to treat diseases and health problems such as diarrhea, dysentery, indigestion, ulcers and arthritis. Its astringent, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties help in treating ailments. This powder form is easy to mix and consume.
- Sal tree paste:Sal tree is also available in paste form. This narrow tree form is mainly used externally to treat skin diseases, inflammation, scars and wounds.
- Sal tree oil:Sal tree oil is mainly used to treat hair loss. Regular use of sal tree oil can help in the growth of thick and strong hair.
Side effects of using Sal tree
There are no side effects of the Sal tree. It is consumed primarily for ease in digestion, but also because it offers many health benefits. It is provided to breastfeeding mothers to increase milk production. However, if you are pregnant, it is always considered safe to consult a doctor before consuming.
Sal barks, leaves or resin paste can cause allergies when taken with honey or rose water or if your skin is hypersensitive.
Where is it found?
Sal trees are grown in the lower Himalayas, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Assam, and Madhya Pradesh.