Alexandrian Laurel Remedies For White Discharge, Conjunctivitis

By Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD (Ayu), PhD

Introduction

Punnaga is known as Alexandrian Laurel. Its botanical name is Calophyllum inophyllum. Its Kernel oil is well-known as Tamanu oil. This is very commonly found in coastal region especially in the back water and river side’s. This beautiful dark green tree has multiple health benefits. Being a very good vata – pittahara drug it has wide applications in the treatment of skin diseases, wounds, arthritis, cough etc.

Important classical formulations of Punnaga are-
Punnagadi taila, Nishosiradi taila , Eladi oil, Asana Eladi tailam  etc.

Home remedies

Its leaves, flowers, seeds and bark are useful in different forms to treat diseases being home remedies and simple remedies.
Few of the important simple remedies are discussed here below-
Read related: Punnaga – Calophyllum inophyllum Uses, Research, Side Effects

Conjunctivitis

1. Punnaga leaf in conjunctivitis:
3-4 mature leaves of punnaga are taken and crushed well. This is soaked in water and retained for 30 minutes.This becomes viscous solution. This is used to wash the eyes in the conditions of conjunctivitis. This procedure can be carried out for 3-4 times in a day.
This helps to cure conjunctivitis as well as purulent discharge from the eyes.

Hyper pigmentation

2. Punnaga flower paste in hyper-pigmentation:
Tender flowers are collected and fine paste is made by adding a little rice washed water. This paste is applied over the  dark skin lesions where  hyper pigmentation is found. 15-20 days application gives good result.

After delivery

3. Punnaga seed oil in body ache of the pregnants and delivered women:
The seed oil of Alexandrian Laurel is used abundantly by the  traditional practitioners especially in the pregnant as well as delivered women. This oil is applied all over the body and warm water bath is taken after 1-2 hour of oil application.
As this is a potent Vatahara oil this decreases pain significantly and relieves the body exhaustion.

Chronic wounds

4. Bark decoction in chronic wounds and gangrenous conditions:
1-2 pieces of stem bark (red colored) is taken and decoction is made. This is used to wash the wounds. This helps to disinfect (shodhana) the wounds as well as ion early healing of the gangrenous lesions even (Vranaropana).

Foot crack

5. Seed paste in foot crack:
Fine paste of the cream/yellow colored  seed is very effective in curing the crack of the heel and sole.

Vaginal discharge

6. Bark and leaf decoction wash in vaginal discharge:
The fresh decoction of the leaves and bark is used to wash the vagina.
It is useful in vaginal white discharge, gonorrhoea, cervical erosion, itching of the genitalia etc.
Click to consult Dr MS Krishnamurthy MD (Ayu), PhD