Salmali

   Salmali is a tall deciduous tree that grows throughout India. The herb is commonly known as Silk cotton tree and have many therapeutic uses. Salmali bears beautiful red flowers and alleviates Diarrhoea, hence the name given. Dr. Varun Ram Raj of Ayurvedatarian uses the herb Salmali for the treatment diseases caused by the vitiation of Pitta and Vata doshas as the herb is Pitta Vata samaka in it’s action. Salmali is used to treat numerous diseases including Freckles , Abdominal tumors, Diarrhoea etc. Nowadays it is also used as an Astringent , Demulcent and Anti-inflammatory agent as it contains Phytoconstituents like Lupeol , Quercitin etc.

General aspects and geography

Botanical name : Salmalia malabarica          

Family :  Bombacaceae 

Habitat: Through out India 

Parts used

• Exudate

Classical categorization based on Ayurveda textbooks

Charaka Samhita – Purisasangrahaniya varga (Constipative)

Susruta Samhita – Priyangvadi gana

Pharmacological action

• Astringent 
• Diuretic 
• Demulcent 
• Antiinflammatory 

Medicinal property according to Ayurveda

• Grahi (Constipative)
• Rasayana (Rejuvenative)
• Vrishya (Aphrodisiac)
• Visaghna (Antipoisonous)

Therapeutic indications

• Hemorrhage (Rakthapitta)- Milk processed with Exudate of Salmali alleviates Bleeding.
• Freckles (Vyanga)- Powder prepared from Salmali mixed with milk and applied over face.

Dosage

Powder (Churna) – 3 g

Juice (Swarasa)- 10 ml

Exudates (Niryasa)- 3 g

Tablet - 2 tablets twice daily or as per the advice of the Ayurveda doctor 

Note: Ayurveda medications must be taken only after consulting an Ayurveda doctor. 

Formulations 

• Candanadi taila
• Salmali ghrtha
• Pushyanuga curna

Morphology :

A tall deciduous tree with spreading branches. Leaves are lanceolate. Flowers are bright red. Fruits are capsules.

Vernacular names of Salmali

English – Silk cotton tree

Hindi- Nurma

Malayalam – Mullulavamarum

Sanskrit – Salmali 

Synonyms 

• Purani
• Mocha
• Pichila

Rasapanchaka 

Rasa-  Madhura (Sweet)

Guna-  Laghu (Light)

Vipaka- Madhura (Sweet)

Virya-  Sita (Cold)

शाल्मली शीतला स्वाद्वी रसे पाके रसायनी |

श्लेष्मला पित्तवातास्त्रहारिणी रक्तपित्तजित् ।।

(Bhavaprakasa Nighantu -Vatadi varga-shloka 5)

Salmali is Pitta Vata samaka because of it’s properties like Sweet taste and cold potency. The herb is used to alleviate diseases caused by Pitta and Vata doshas like Haemorrhage , Freckles etc. Ayurvedatarian lead by Dr. Varun Ram Raj, is currently conducting various researches based on ancient Ayurvedic textbooks, involving Salmali for preparing various combinations of medicines to alleviate conditions involving vitiation of Vata and Pitta. Reach Ayurvedatarian for better health management.

Frequently asked Questions

1)What is the common name of exudate of Salmali?

   The exudates of Salmali is commonly known as mocarasa.

2)What is the scientific name of Salmali  ?

Botanical name of  Salmali is Salmalia malabarica