Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sour (Amla), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sour (Amla)
- Key Constituents
- Tannins, Organic acids
- Also Known As
- English: Governor's Plum, Batoko Plum
Sanskrit: विकङ्कत, स्वादुकण्टक
Hindi: बिलंगड़ा
What is Governor's Plum?
Small, sour and borne on a thorny forest tree, Governor's plum is the kind of fruit you would snack on fresh or dried rather than take as a medicine. Ayurveda values it for exactly that: a food that wakes up the appetite and steadies the digestion.
In English it is called Governor's plum or Batoko plum. Its Sanskrit names are Vikankata (विकङ्कत) and Svadukantaka, and in Hindi it is Bilangada. Botanically it is Flacourtia ramontchi L'Herit.
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6, verse 30, describes it as a thorny tree of the Indian forests whose fruit is appetizing and used in digestive disorders. Its bark is astringent.
Benefits of Governor's Plum
Governor's plum is sour and astringent in taste (Amla and Kashaya Rasa), heavy (Guru), hot in potency (Ushna Virya) and sour after digestion (Amla Vipaka). Its two recorded actions both centre on the gut.
Appetite
It is classed as an appetizer (Ruchya, something that restores taste for food). Its sour taste and hot potency help explain why it sharpens interest in eating.
Digestion and Loose Stools
It is an absorbent (Grahi), a remedy that binds and firms the stool, and is used in digestive disorders. The astringent taste supports this binding action, and the bark is itself astringent.
Both actions are recorded in the Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6.
How to Use Governor's Plum
The classical dose for Governor's plum is simply as food. You eat the fruit, fresh or dried.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fresh fruit | As food | Appetite, digestive disorders | With or before meals |
| Dried fruit | As food | Appetite, digestive disorders | With or before meals |
Our sources record no vehicle (Anupana) or seasonal guidance. The bark is described as astringent, but no preparation or dose is given for it, so use the fruit.
Safety & Side Effects
Governor's plum is a food fruit, and our sources record no specific contraindications, drug interactions or overdose signs.
Its properties suggest two sensible limits. It is heavy, so large amounts may sit poorly if your digestion is weak. And because it is an absorbent that binds the stool, it is not a good choice if you are already constipated.
Our sources give no pregnancy guidance. Food amounts aside, ask your doctor before using it medicinally if you are pregnant, nursing or on medication.
Recommended: Start Here
The easiest way to start with Governor's plum is the way the Bhavaprakash Nighantu prescribes it: eat the fruit as food. A few fresh or dried fruits around mealtime is the whole method.
It is most useful when your appetite is dull or your stools are loose, since it is an appetizer and an absorbent. If you are constipated, choose something else.
The fresh fruit is hard to find outside India, so dried fruit or plants for growing your own are the practical options.
Find Governor's Plum on Amazon ↗ Bhavaprakasha Nighantu Book ↗
Safety note: the fruit binds the bowels, so avoid it if you are constipated.
Governor's Plum vs Other Herbs & Supplements
The useful comparisons for Governor's plum are between its parts and between the digestive situations it suits. Each row keeps to what our sources record.
| Comparison | Governor's Plum | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fruit vs bark | Fruit: sour, appetizing, used in digestive disorders; eaten fresh or dried. | Bark: astringent. | Use the fruit. No preparation is recorded for the bark. |
| For loose stools vs for constipation | An absorbent that binds the stool. | Constipation, where binding is unhelpful. | Good for loose stools, a poor choice for constipation. |
| Governor's plum vs a cooling digestive | Hot in potency and sour after digestion. | A digestive with a cooling profile. | Choose Governor's plum for a dull, sluggish appetite. If you run hot, a cooling option may suit better. |
Governor's Plum for Specific Populations
Our sources give no population-specific guidance. Since the dose is simply as food, the notes below are mostly practical.
Pregnancy & Nursing
No guidance is recorded. Ordinary food amounts aside, ask your doctor before using it medicinally.
Children
No pediatric dose is recorded beyond use as food. Small food portions are the cautious approach.
Elderly
Useful for a dull appetite, but it is heavy and binding, so keep portions modest if digestion is weak or constipation is a problem.
Athletes
No performance use is recorded in our sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Vikankata in Ayurveda?
Vikankata is Governor's plum, Flacourtia ramontchi. The Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6, describes it as an appetizing fruit used in digestive disorders.
How much Governor's plum should I eat?
The classical dose is simply as food. Eat the fruit fresh or dried in ordinary portions.
Is Governor's plum heating or cooling?
Heating. It is hot in potency and sour after digestion.
Does Governor's plum help loose stools?
It is classed as an absorbent (Grahi), a remedy that binds the stool, so it suits loose stools rather than constipation.
What does Governor's plum contain?
Our sources list tannins and organic acids among its chemical constituents.
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.