What is Butea Monosperma? Benefits & Uses of Palash Flower, Side Effects of Tesu Phool. Hair Pack Recipe

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Butea Monosperma, commonly known as Palash or Tesu, is a species of flowering tree native to the Indian subcontinent. This vibrant tree holds great cultural and medicinal significance, particularly for its beautiful and fragrant flowers. In this article, we will explore the benefits of Palash flowers and how to use them effectively. However, it's important to be aware of potential side effects associated with Butea Monosperma, ensuring its safe usage.

2. What is Butea Monosperma?

Palash botanical name is Butea Monosperma and other common names are tesu, dhak ke Phool, Palash, bastard teak, Bengal kino, and butea gum. Butea also known as the “flame of the forest” with scarlet and orange flowers is a well-known tree in India. It is a medium-sized tree with compound leaves.

This tree is indigenous in India and found chiefly in the mixed or dry deciduous forests of Central and Western India. Butea monosperma is a sacred tree, called a treasurer of the gods. Sacred utensils are made from its wood.

Butea Monosperma Leaves

The leaves fall in winter and flowers bloom in February-March in small but dense clusters, generally on leafless branches and the tree appears to be aflame. The leaves are compounded with 3 leaflets, young leaves softer. They have astringent, depurate, diuretic, and aphrodisiac pharmacological properties. They stimulate and promote diuresis and menstrual flow.

Butea Monosperma Flower

The flower contains glucosides, butrin, butin, and neteroside. A few fatty acids have been isolated from the oil. They are in large bunches, bright orange-red, covered with black hairs, conspicuous from a distance due to their red color. Each flower has 5 petals, two wings, and a beak-shaped keel which is resembling a curved parrot’s beak.

Butea Monosperma Seeds

The seeds contain a yellow-fixed oil called moodooga oil or kino-tree oil, small quantities of resin, and large quantities of a water-soluble albuminoid. The fresh seed contains proteolytic and lipolytic enzymes. Seeds contain a nitrogenous acidic compound, along with palasonin.

Butea Monosperma Gum

Butea monosperma gum is red-colored, called Bengal kino or butea gum. It is obtained from the tree, and it is rich in gallic and tannic acid.

Buy Butea Monosperma Flower Powder

Buy Butea Monosperma Flower Tea

Buy Butea Monosperma Gum Powder

Buy Butea Monosperma Gum Dry

3. Ayurvedic properties of Butea Monosperma Flower & Leaves

It is a medicinal plant used in Ayurveda for its various therapeutic properties. Both its flowers and leaves are utilized for their medicinal benefits.

Ayurvedic properties of Butea monosperma flowers:

1. Rasa (Taste): The flowers of Butea monosperma are believed to have astringent (Kashaya) and slightly sweet (Madhura) tastes.

2. Virya (Potency): They are heating in nature (Ushna Virya).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is pungent (Katu Vipaka).

4. Dosha Effects: Butea monosperma flowers primarily balance Pitta dosha and, to a lesser extent, Kapha dosha. However, in excess, they may increase Vata dosha.

Ayurvedic Uses:

1. Skin Care: The flowers are used in Ayurveda for various skin conditions due to their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. They can help manage skin issues like itching, rashes, and inflammation.

2. Wound Healing: Butea monosperma flowers have wound-healing properties and can be used to support the natural healing process of wounds and cuts.

3. Anti-inflammatory: The flowers possess anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial in managing inflammatory conditions.

4. Liver Health: They are believed to have a positive impact on liver health and may support liver function.

Butea Monosperma Leaves:

1. Rasa (Taste): The leaves of Butea monosperma are considered to have astringent (Kashaya) taste.

2. Virya (Potency): They are cooling in nature (Sheeta Virya).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is pungent (Katu Vipaka).

4. Dosha Effects: Butea monosperma leaves mainly balance Pitta dosha and, to a lesser extent, Vata dosha. They are cooling in nature, which helps pacify excess heat in the body.

Ayurvedic Uses:

1. Digestive Support: The leaves are used to support healthy digestion and manage digestive disorders like diarrhea and dysentery due to their astringent properties.

2. Anti-inflammatory: Butea monosperma leaves possess anti-inflammatory effects and can be used to manage inflammatory conditions.

3. Respiratory Health: They are used to support respiratory health and manage conditions like cough and bronchitis.

4. Skin Care: In Ayurveda, Butea monosperma leaves are used in certain skincare preparations to manage skin conditions like acne and promote healthy skin.

4. What are the Health Benefits of Palash / Butea Monosperma?

Butea gum, seeds, leaves, and flowers of the tree all have medicinal properties, the leaves of the tree are tonic and aphrodisiac. They are useful in arresting bleeding. It has anti-diarrheal, anthelmintic, anti-diabetic, anti-stress, hepatoprotective, antifungal, astringent, laxative, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Here are some Benefits of Palash Flower & Leaves

For Diabetes

The leaves of the tree have an anti-diabetic property that helps to reduce blood sugar and are useful in glycosuria (the presence of a large amount of glucose in the urine). It is rich in dietary fiber and digests the food easily, it also helps to reduce cravings and assists in burning fat at a quicker pace.

For Diarrhea and Dysentery

The gum of the tree is useful to treat diarrhea and dysentery, its action however mild, is particularly suitable for children and women of a delicate disposition. The infusion or decoction of the gums is a rectal enema that yields quick relief. Fresh juice of the leaves is also beneficial in these diseases.

For Intestinal Worms

The seeds are administrated internally, either in the form of powder or made into a paste with honey as an anthelmintic to kill intestinal worms. They are especially useful in treating roundworms and tapeworms. Experiments have confirmed their effectiveness in eliminating roundworms.

For Leucorrhea

Decoction or infusion of leaves is used as a vaginal douche for treating Leucorrhea.

For Kidney Disorder

The leaves of the Butea are beneficial to maintaining routine tasks of the kidneys and bladder, it helps to release excess acid accumulated in the kidney and at the same time, it helps to maintain proper hydration of the internal organs in the body.

For Skin Health

Palash flowers help to maintain skin hydration and give relief from sunburns and rashes. It helps to moisturize the skin and make it soft and smooth.

For Hair

Palash flower leaves are beneficial in hair growth, it penetrates deep into the layers of the scalp and protects follicles. It is a natural herbal hair pack for long, strong, and thick hair.

For Skin Disorder

It helps with skin disorders like eczema and itching, and the seeds of the plant are helpful to treat ringworm. Leaves of the plant are beneficial in boils, pimples, tumorous piles, ulcers, and swelling. The crushed seeds can be used for killing maggots in wounds and sores.

For Sore Throat

A decoction of leaves is helpful in the treatment of congested and septic throat.

For Dandruff

Palash flowers are beneficial to treat dandruff and flaky hair scalp, it helps to shelter the roots of the hair strands, known as follicles, from the dirt and fungus particles that trigger dandruff.

For Immunity

Butea monosperma leaves and flower contains antioxidants and vitamin C that helps to boost immunity and keep away from cold and flu.

5. How to Use Butea Monosperma / Tesu?

Dosage and uses depend upon the health problems and conditions or as recommended by an Ayurvedic doctor. The general recommended dosage is 5-10 grams of Butea monosperma / Tesu Phool twice a day before an hour of a meal. A decoction of the leaf with honey and water can also be used.

Here are the uses of the Butea Monosperma

• Take 5 grams of Butea Monosperma leaves with water twice a day before a meal, helps to control blood sugar and diabetes.
• A decoction of Butea leaves is beneficial in diarrhea and dysentery.
• Take 10 grams powder of Butea seeds and mixed with honey, take them thrice a day for 3 days, helps to kill intestinal worms.
• Take 5 grams of Butea seeds and mixed them with lemon juice and apply it to eczema skin.
• Take 20 grams of dried flower powder and soaked in water overnight, use this water for a bath, helps to protect from skin problems.
• Take 5 grams powder of dried flower with water, gives relief in mensuration problem, treats impotency.
• Take 20 grams of powder of dried flower and mixed with water and apply it to the pain area, swelling.

6. Side Effects of Butea Monosperma.

All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based, and they don’ have any side effects but they may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have special health issues.

Some side effects are mentioned below.

• Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not take without a doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
• If you are on diabetes or on hypertension medication. Consult first the doctor before consuming.
• If you are suffering from kidney disease, consult the doctor first before consuming Butea Monosperma.
• Do not take Butea Monosperma with liquor, it may interact with it and cause drowsiness.

7. Butea Monosperma Hair Pack Recipe 

Try this hair pack recipe at home, it is best to control hair fall and promotes hair growth. Use this hair pack 2 times a month, you will see the visible results after 4-5 months.

Ingredients

• Butea Monosperma flower powder - 2 tbsp.
• Onion juice - 2 tbsp.
• Indian Gooseberry powder - 1 tbsp.
• Black Cumin (Nigella) powder - 1tsp
• Brahmi Booti powder - 1 tsp
• Egg yolk - 1

Method

• Mix all the ingredients in a bowl and leave for 20-30 minutes.
• Apply this pack on clean hair, and leave it for 25-30 minutes
• Wash hair properly and give a gentle massage of olive oil. 

Buy Indian Gooseberry Powder

Read Blog - Indian Gooseberry Benefits

8. Frequently Asked Question

Q - What is Butea monosperma used for?