It is medium to large sized deciduous tree with grey bark exfoliating in small irregular flakes, 15-25mt in height and closely related to cashew. Leaves are simple alternate, oblong, rounded at apex glabrous above and pubescent beneath. Flowers appear in panicles greenish white in color appears in May and June. Nut of this plant is smooth, ovoid, lustrous black about 2.5cm long. Fruits ripen from December to March. Seeds inside the black fruit is called godambi, is edible when prepared properly. Fruits of this tree are also used for dye.
Habitat
Semecarpus anacardium is moderate sized deciduous tree native to India easily found in outer Himalayas to Coromandel Coast. It is found in hotter parts of India up to 3500ft height. This plant is easily found in Assam, Bihar, Orissa, Chittagong, and Bengal. It is also found in western peninsula of East Archipelago and Northern Australia.
Classification
Vernacular Names
- Latin– Semecarpus anacardium
- Common– Marking nut, Geeru veej, Dhobi nut tree, Indian nut tree
- Sanskrit– Angika, Agnimukh, Anala, Bhallataka, Arushkara
- Hindi– Belatak, Bela, Bhilava
- Marathi– Bhillava, Bhallataka, Bibba, Bibbu
- Tamil– Kalakam, Kavaka , Senkotai
- Malayalam– Alakcueer, Thennukota
- Telugu– Bhallatamu
- Kannada– Geru, Ger-kayi
- Oriya– Bhollataki
- Urdu– Baladur, Bhilavan
- Gujarati– Bhilama
- Arabian– Habvul kab
- French– Anacardier D’orient
- Nepali– Bhilai
- Spanish– Anacardo
Ayurvedic Properties
Hindi / Sanskrit
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English
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Rasa
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Katu, Tikta, Kashaya
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Taste
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Pungent, Bitter, Astringent
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Guna
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Laghu, Tikshna, Snigdha
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Physical Property
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Light, Sharp, Uncutous
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Virya
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Ushna
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Potency
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Hot
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Vipaka
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Madhur
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Metabolic Property (After Digestion)
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Sweet
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Effects on Doshas
There is not any type of kapha imbalance which cannot be cured by this herb.
Charak Samhita
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Sushrut Samhita and vagbhata
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Deepaniya – Herbs which stimulate digestive fire.
Bhedniya – Herbs which induce mild purgation.
Shirovirechan – Herbs which are good for cleansing the head / Sinuses.
Kusthghna – Herbs which are used in skin disorders
Mutra sanghrehniya – Herbs used to increase volume of urine.
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Nyagrodhadi gana, Mustadi gana
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Practical uses of Semecarpus anacardium
- It’s a common saying about this herb that there is not any kapha dosha disorder that cannot be treated by this versatile herb.
- This herb is appetizer and used to stimulate digestive system. It is good for improving digestion.
- Bhallatak is purgative in nature and used to induce purgation. It is very good for relieving constipation, digestive disorders, abdominal distention, ascites, piles and various types of worm infestation.
- The herb is best used to cure various skin related disorders such as skin rash, itching and swelling etc.
- It also acts as brain tonic, useful in brain weakness and used to improve intelligence.
- Bhallatak is a good expectorant and used to cure cough and asthma. Flowers of this plant are very beneficial for asthma.
- It is used to treat various nerve related disorders caused by vata dosha like sciatica, epilepsy, facial paralysis etc.
- Semecarpus anacardium is a cardiac stimulant, enhancer of white blood cells and used to cure cardiac debility.
- Bhallataka is good for both male and female reproductive systems, in women it stimulates uterus due to its hot potency. In men it is used for improving sperm count and sexual power.
Products from Semecarpus anacardium
- Sanjeevani vati
- Bhallataka oil
- Bhallataka kasheer
Doses
- Oil – 1-2 drops
- Awleha – ¼ – ½ tola
- Kasheer pak – 1-2 tola
Cautions
- Bhallataka in ayurvedic medicine is used after purification. Medicine should be taken under medical supervision and this herb should not be used as home remedy.
- Due to its hot potency it should not be used in extremely hot weather.
- It is best to be avoided by children, pregnant and lactating mothers.
- Fatal dose may lead to death within 12-24 hours.
- Excess use of Bhallataka may induce abortion in pregnant women.