Kadamba
Kadamba is an evergreen, tropical tree native to South and Southeast Asia. A fully mature tree can reach up to 45 m (148 ft) in height. It is a large tree with a broad crown. A special thing about Kadamba is that its leaves are very big and gum comes out of it. Leaves are 5.1–12.6 inches long. Flowering usually begins when the tree is 4–5 years old.
Its flowers are sweetly fragrant, red to orange in colour, occurring in dense, globular heads of approximately 5.5 cm (2.2 in) diameter. The fruit of kadamba occur in small, fleshy capsules packed closely together to form a fleshy yellow-orange infructescence containing approximately 8000 seeds.
It is commonly known as burflower-treein English. Botanical name of Kadamba is Neolamarckia cadamba which belongs to Rubiaceae family.
Many indigenous trees are designated as sacred trees as they are associated with mythology, religion and folklore. A few are symbolic of specific God(s). ‘Kadamba’ is one such tree associated with Lord Krishna. The flowers are offered in temples and used in tribal festivals.
Chemical Constituents –
The preliminary phytochemical screening of Kadamba whole plant showed the presence of saponins, terpenes, sesquiterpenes glycosides, alkaloids and absence of anthraquinones and flavonoids.
Properties –
• Anti-inflammatory
• Analgesic
• Astringent
• Antifungal
• Antibacterial
Part Used –
A decoction of the bark of the leaves, flowers, roots and stems of Kadamba is used more.
Benefits –
• Cough
If there is no relief from cough, then consuming Kadamba in this way is very beneficial. Taking 5-10 ml decoction of the bark of the stem of Kadamba is beneficial in cough.
• Diabetes
Frequent use of Kadamba is highly beneficial for the patients suffering from diabetes mellitus. It is a metabolic disorder characterized by increased levels of blood sugar due to the alterations in the metabolism of carbohydrates.
• Pyorrhoea
Gargling after making a decoction of Kadamba leaves is beneficial in diseases like mouth odor and pyorrhoea.
• Anticancer
Kadamba can produce anti-tumor activities in the body. The symptoms of prostate cancer, colon cancer, breast cancer and esophageal cancer can be controlled by its consumption . Consuming Kadamba can limit the growth of cancer cells spreading in the body. It contains several bioactive compounds that can produce an action similar to that of chemotherapeutic agents.
• Wound Healing
Use of Kadamba is beneficial in foot injury and swelling. The use of it in case of injury or inflammation helps in quick healing of wounds and reduces swelling as it has anti-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Decoction of the bark of Neolamarckia cadamba is used to wash the infected wound.
• Worms
This herb is effective in the management of several parasitic infections including roundworm, tapeworm, pinworm, and threadworm. It can also help to reduce the symptoms of these infections such as pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, loose motions, and reduced appetite.
• Antifungal
Kadamba has anti-fungal properties. Skin and ear infections can be treated with its use.
• Analgesic
It may also prove beneficial in the treatment of health conditions such as arthritis, muscle stiffness. Paste of the leaves of kadamba are tied over the wound or area affected with localized pain and swelling to reduce the complaints.
• Gynecological problems
Fresh juice of the leaf is consumed in a dose of 10-15 ml can be to treat leucorrhoea and increased menstrual flow(menorrhagia).
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