Basonym Of Drug
Bhallataka
Main Synonym
- Arushkara
- Agnimukhi
- Viravruksha
- Sophakrita
- Agnika
Regional Name
- Bengali: Bhela
- Gujarati: Bhilamo
- Hindi: Bhilava
- Tamil: Shenakotthe
- Telugu: Jidichettu, Jidivittalu
- English: Marking Nut Tree
Botanical Name
Semicarpus anacardium Linn. f.
Family
Anacardiaceae
Classification (Gana)
- Aacharya Charaka mentioned Bhallataka in Dipaniya, Bhedaniya, Kushthaghna, Mutrasamgrahaniya Mahakashaya.
- Aacharya Sushruta and Vagbhatta mentioned in Nyagrodhadi and Mustadi Gana.
External Morphology
Deciduous moderate-sized tree
Useful Parts
- Nut
- Kernel Oil
- Fruit
Important Phytoconstituent
Biflavanoids, Nallaflavone, Bhilawanols, Anacardic Acid
Rasa Panchak
- Rasa: Katu, Tikta, Kashaya
- Guna: Laghu, Tikshna, Snigdha
- Virya: Ushna
- Vipaka: Madhura
Action
Kaphavatahara
Therapeutic Indication
- Deepen (Increase appetite)
- Bhedana (Purgative)
- Vrushya (Aphrodisiac)
- Krumighna (Antihelmintic)
- Medhya (Good cognitive power)
Therapeutic Uses
- Romashatana - Bhallataka Taila and Snuhi Kshira applied to the skin as a hair remover.
- Urustambha - Bhallataka, Pippali, and Pippalimoola paste with honey are beneficial in Urustambha.
- Arsha - Bhallataka with oil is beneficial for piles.
- Vrushya - Bhallataka seed pulp is beneficial as an aphrodisiac.
Dose
- Oil - 1-2 drops
- Avaleha - 2-5 gm
- Kshiapaka - 10-20 ml
Formulations
- Amrutabhallataka Avaleha
- Bhallataka Vati
- Sanjivani Vati
- Bhallataka Taila
Adverse Effect
Skin exposure may lead to blisters and skin rashes.
Remedial Measure
- Externally, coconut oil, rala malhar, and coriander leaves paste are applied on blisters.
- Internally, coconut water and grated coconut are beneficial.