Overview
Gamboge Tree is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. Tamala is the Gamboge tree, a drastic purgative dosed in mere grains: 1-2 grain of resin clears Krimi (worms), Kushtha skin disease, and dropsy. Bitter, hot, Kapha-cutting.
How Gamboge Tree Helps with Skin Disorders
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Gamboge Tree has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing skin disorders:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Tikta (bitter), Kashaya (astringent)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Safety & Precautions
Gamboge resin is a drastic purgative and should never be self-administered. Most Ayurvedic herbs have a comfortable margin between a useful and a harmful dose. Gamboge does not.
- Tiny therapeutic dose: the classical dose is just 1 to 2 grains of resin.
- Overdose signs: at larger doses the resin causes vomiting (emesis) on top of violent purgation.
- Heating and drying: its hot, dry, light nature makes it unsuitable for people who are already depleted, dehydrated or overheated.
- Practitioner supervision only: use it only if a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner prescribes and prepares it.
- Pregnancy, nursing, children and medication: our sources give no safety data. Given its strength, avoid it entirely in these situations.
The edible fruit is a separate matter from the medicinal resin. Our sources give no safety notes for it beyond calling it edible.
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.