Medicinal Plants : Croton punctatus

Name

Kamala

Biological Name

Mallotus philippinensis, Croton philippinesis, Glandulae rottlerae, Croton punctatus, Croton coccineum
Euphorbiaceae

Other Names

Kamala, Rechanaka, Raktang
Kapila, Korangumanjanati, Kunrangumanjal, Kuramedakku, Sindooramaram

Parts Used

Glands and hairs from the capsules or fruits.

Remedies For

Action:

anthelmintic, aphrodisiac, cathartic, lithotriptic

Uses:

aperient
purgative
tapeworms

The main use of this herb is as powder obtained by crushing of the fruits or capsules. The powder is used in eye-diseases. It is also a folk remedy for tape-worm. Taken internally, Kamala reportedly removes leprous eruptions.

The powder from the plant is used to produce orange-brown die for coloring silk.

Description

This small evergreen shrub of the Spurge family is found all over India, Australia, and many other parts of the world. The medicinal properties of this plant was mentioned in Kurmapurana, an ancient Indian text.

Dosage

Ripe fruits are placed in a cloth and beaten until the glandular pubescence is removed; or fruits are rubbed between one's palms or feet.

Safety

This herb may cause nausea or gripping before purging.

No other information about the safety of this herb is available.

Use caution. Ayurvedic herbs are often taken in combination with others to neutralize the toxicity one herb with the opposing effect of other. Do not take except under the supervision of a qualified professional.