Shalmathi - Bombax malabaricum
Salmalia malabarica
(DC) Schott & Endl.
Synonym Bombax ceiba Linn.
Bombax malabaricum DC.
Gossampinus malabarica (DC.) Merr.
Family Bombacaceae.
Habitat The hotter parts of India,
up to 2,000 m.
Ayurvedic Shaalmali, Mochaa,
Mochaahva, Pichhila, Raktapushpa,
Sthiraayu, Kankataadhya, Tuulini.
Shaalmali-veshtaka (gum).
Unani Semal. Mochras (gum).
Siddha Mul Ilavam. Ielavampisin
(gum).
Folk Semar.
Action Young roots (Semulmusali)—
astringent, (used for
dysentery) stimulant, demulcent.
Fruits—stimulant, diuretic,
expectorant. Used for chronic inflammation
of bladder, kidney also
for calculus affections. Flowers—
astringent and cooling, applied
to cutaneous affections. Leaves—
anti-inflammatory. Stem bark—
demulcent, styptic. Aqueous extract
with curd is given for blooddysentery.
Bark—paste is applied to
skin eruptions, boils, acne, pimples.
Seeds used for chickenpox, smallpox,
catarrhal affections, chronic
cystitis and genitourinary diseases.
Gum—astringent, demulcent, styptic.
Used for diarrhoea, dysentery,
haemoptysis, bleeding piles, menorrhagia,
spermatorrhoea. Root and
pod—used for the treatment of low
vitality and debility.
