Overview
Ceylon Oak is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. Koshala (Ceylon Oak) is a large deciduous tree found in the forests of Central and Southern India. The tree is important as it is the host tree for lac insects. The seed oil (Kusum oil) is used in skin diseases and as hair oil. The bark is astringent and used in skin diseases. The tree grows to 4-12 feet in diameter and can reach significant height. The leaves are used as fodder. The oil from seeds is edible and used medicinally. The bark decoction is used in itching, eczema and skin diseases. Dose: Oil externally; bark decoction 1-2 tola. Verses mentioned.
How Ceylon Oak Helps with Skin Disorders
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Ceylon Oak has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing skin disorders:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Astringent (Kashaya), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Tannins, Fixed oil from seeds, Lac
- Also Known As
- English: Ceylon Oak, Lac Tree
Sanskrit: कोशाम्र, द्रावक, क्षुद्राम्र
Hindi: कोसम
Other Herbs for Skin Disorders
See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders page.
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.