Madhuca

Botanical Name: Madhuca indica
Indian Name: Mahua

Madhuca, also known as butter tree, is a large deciduous tree, 20 metres in height with a spreading top. It
has thick leathery leaves and small, fleshy, pale or dull white musk scented flowers in dusters near the end
of branches. Its fruits are fleshy, greenish, with brown and shining seeds. The bark, leaves, flowers and
seeds of the tree constitute the drug. The trade name, madhuca, is based on the Sanskrit name of the
plant. The leaves of the tree contain alkaloid glucosidic saponin. The seeds contain a fatty oil.

Madhuca is useful in arresting secretions or bleeding because of its tannin content. The bark of the tree is an astringent and tonic. The flowers promote the removal of catarrhal matter and phlegm from the bronchial tubes. They also exercise a soothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes. A spirit prepared from the flowers is considered to be nutritive and a tonic.

Bleeding Gums A lotion is made by mixing 4 ml of the liquid extract of the bark of the madhuca tree with 300 ml of water is an excellent gargle for bleeding and spongy gums.

Tonsilitis This lotion can also be used as a gargle in the treatment of acute and chronic tonsilitis and pharyngitis.

Skin Disorders The ash of the leaves, mixed with butter , is often used as a dressing for burns and scalds. For the cure of itching, a paste of the bark is applied locally. The oil extracted from the seeds can also be applied locally in skin diseases.

Eczema The leaves of madhuca are effective in the treatment of eczema. The leaves, smeared with sesame oil, warmed over a fire and bandaged on the affected parts provide relief. They should be changed after every 3 to 4 hours.

Bronchitis The flowers of the tree are effective in bronchitis and coughs. They should be given in doses of 30 grams with 250 ml of milk.

Rheumatism A decoction of the bark can he given internally in rheumatic diseases. The oil extracted from the seeds can also be applied locally on the affected area.

Piles Madhuca oil extracted from the seeds has laxative properties. It cures piles by relieving chronic constipation.

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