Gamboge Tree

(Indian Gamboge Tree)
Sanskrit: तमाल • Botanical: Garcinia morella Desr.

Tamala (Indian Gamboge) is a large evergreen tree found in the forests of Western Ghats and Southern India. The tree exudes a yellow resin (Gamboge) from incisions in the bark, which is used medicinally and as a pigment. The resin is a powerful purgative. Tamala bark yields approximately 40 percent resin. The tree grows up to 2000 feet elevation in the Western Ghats. The bark is thick and exfoliating. The fruit is edible. The Gamboge resin is used in small doses as a drastic purgative and in larger doses causes emesis. It is used in dropsy, worm infestations, and constipation. Dose: Gamboge 1-2 grain (very small doses as it is a powerful purgative). Verses: 24.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Gambogic acid, Morellin C33H38O7, Resin
Also Known As
English: Indian Gamboge Tree, Gamboge
Sanskrit: तमाल, ताम्रपर्ण, बहुछद
Hindi: तमाल

What is Gamboge Tree (Tamala / तमाल)?

Tamala (Indian Gamboge) is a large evergreen tree found in the forests of Western Ghats and Southern India. The tree exudes a yellow resin (Gamboge) from incisions in the bark, which is used medicinally and as a pigment. The resin is a powerful purgative. Tamala bark yields approximately 40 percent resin. The tree grows up to 2000 feet elevation in the Western Ghats. The bark is thick and exfoliating. The fruit is edible. The Gamboge resin is used in small doses as a drastic purgative and in larger doses causes emesis. It is used in dropsy, worm infestations, and constipation. Dose: Gamboge 1-2 grain (very small doses as it is a powerful purgative). Verses: 24.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Kaphavatahara (alleviates Kapha and Vata)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Vranashodhana (wound healing)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

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.