Herbarium of the Ancients — Detailed Record

Balanites roxburghii

Read before use: the information below describes traditional and informational uses — it does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. In case of doubt, pregnancy, breastfeeding, ongoing treatment, or use in children, seek advice before use.

Enhanced precautions for this plant: This plant contains saponins and other compounds whose potential toxicity is documented; internal use should only be undertaken under the supervision of a qualified professional. Avoid any use in pregnant or breastfeeding women, in the absence of sufficient safety data. Do not administer to children without prior medical advice. If undergoing drug treatment, consult a healthcare professional before any use, as interactions cannot be ruled out.

Decoction — Bark

Bark decoction

The dried bark was traditionally boiled at length in water to extract the active principles, then filtered before use. A healthcare professional or experienced herbalist should be consulted before any internal use, due to potentially irritating compounds. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Infused oil — Seeds

Infused seed oil

The seeds were pressed or cold-infused in a vegetable oil for external use only, applied in gentle massage on the concerned skin areas. A preliminary test on a small area of skin is recommended. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Compress — Bark

Crushed bark poultice

Fresh or rehydrated bark was crushed then applied locally as a poultice on painful joints, wrapped in a clean cloth. This use remains external and traditional, with no precise documented dosage. Dosage must be validated with a healthcare professional or recognized pharmacopoeia before use.

Where to find it

Obtaining the plant

Balanites roxburghii is found wild in arid and semi-arid zones of the Indian subcontinent; it is rarely offered in Western herbalist shops and is mainly found through practitioners specialized in Ayurvedic medicine or during travels in South Asia.

Harvest season

When to harvest it

The fruits are generally harvested at maturity at the end of the dry season, while the bark is collected year-round from mature branches of the tree.

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