PALASH, Butea monosperma

Latin name: Butea monosperma

English name: Flame of the forest, Bastard teak

Sanskrit name: Palasah

Indian name: Dhak, Palash

Medicinal parts used: Bark, Flower, Extract, gum and Seeds

Butea monosperma is a species of Butea native to tropical southern Asia, from Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and western Indonesia.  It is also known as kesudo in Gujurati. 

It is a quick growing tree that bears bright red flowers.  It is also known as ‘bastard teak’, Butea gum tree, etc and is usable as an Ayurvedic medicine.  The bark of butea tree secretes red resin, known as butea gum, which is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery etc. 

Therapeutic use:

It is a good anti-inflammatory agent and also helps in reducing pain. 

It improves digestion and also stimulates liver for proper functioning. 

It also helps in proper absorption of water in the intestines hence preventing dehydration.