Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Bitter (Tikta), Astringent (Kashaya)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Palasonin, Butein, Monospermoside, Isomonospermoside
- Also Known As
- English: Flame of the Forest, Bastard Teak
Sanskrit: किंशुक, पलाश, पर्ण, ब्रह्मवृक्ष
Hindi: पलाश, ढाक, टेसू
What is Butea (Palasha / पलाश)?
Palasha (Butea) is one of the most striking trees in India, known for its brilliant flame-colored flowers that appear in spring when the tree is leafless. It is a moderate-sized deciduous tree found throughout India up to 3000 feet elevation. The tree yields a gum known as 'Bengal Kino' which is astringent and used medicinally. The seeds are one of the most important anthelmintic drugs in Ayurveda - particularly effective against roundworms. The flowers yield an orange-red dye used in Holi festival. The bark decoction is used in piles and fistula. The leaves are traditionally used as plates (Pattal). The gum is used in diarrhea. The seed paste is applied externally in skin diseases. Chemical analysis shows the bark contains about 18% tannin. Dose: Seeds 3-6 masha; bark decoction 1-2 tola. Verses: 27.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
- Krimighna (anthelmintic)
- Gulma nashaka (cures abdominal tumors)
- Arshoghna (anti-hemorrhoidal)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5
How to Use Palash by Condition
Explore how Palash is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (5 sources)
References in Charaka Samhita
[256-257] Pippalyadi rasakriya: Rasa-kriya (thin paste) prepared out of pippali – Piper longum, juice of kimsuka – Butea monosperma, snake’s fat, saindhva/ rock salt and old ghee cures all types of eye-diseases.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 26: Three Vital Organs Treatment (Trimarmiya Chikitsa / त्रिमर्मीयचिकित्सा)
References in Charaka Samhita
The paste prepared from devadaru (Cedrus deodara), palasha (Butea monosperma), arka (Calotropis procera), hastipippali (Scindapsus officinalis), shigru (Moringa oleifera) and ashvagandha (Withania somnifera) added with cow’s urine should be applied on the abdomen as pradeha (paste) [108].
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
In the same way the decoction prepared from palasha (Butea monosperma), kattruna (Cymbopogon citratus) and rasna (Pluchea lanceolata) may be used for parisheka (pouring medicated liquids on body parts).
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
Oil is prepared successively with each of the kshara of agnimantha (Clerodendrum phlomidis), shyonaka (Oroxylum indicum), palasha (Butea monosperma), stalk of tila (Sesamum indicum), bala (Sida cordifolia), kadali (Musa paradisiaca) and apamarga (Achyranthes aspera).
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा)
The leaves of trivrit (Operculina terpentum), danti (Beliospermum montenum), palash (Butea monosperma), changari (Oxalis corniculata) and chitraka (plumbego Zylanicum) should be fried with ghee and oil.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा)
), palasha (Butea monosperma (Linn.
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 17: Hiccup and Dyspnea Treatment (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa / हिक्काश्वासचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 13: Abdominal Diseases Treatment (Udara Chikitsa / उदरचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 14: Hemorrhoids Treatment (Arsha Chikitsa / अर्शचिकित्सा); Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 17: Hiccup and Dyspnea Treatment (Hikka Shvasa Chikitsa / हिक्काश्वासचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Another (depilatory) paste: Talaka (orpiment) two Shanas, Shankha Churna (conch shell powder) six Shanas, and Palasha Kshara (alkali of Butea monosperma) two Shanas -- grind together.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Palasha Kshara (alkali ash of Butea monosperma) provides a strong alkaline medium that enhances the hair-dissolving action of orpiment.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
For vaginal tightening (Yoni Sankochaka): fruits of Palasha (Butea monosperma) and Udumbara (Ficus racemosa), combined with sesame oil and honey, applied to the vaginal canal -- this is an excellent tightening (Gadhikarana) agent.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
References in Sushruta Samhita
A pasted compound of Sirisha, fruit and Kushtha with the washings of the ashes of Kimsuka (flower) should be given.
— Sushruta Samhita, Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 6: Mushika-Kalpa
A pasted compound of Sirisha, fruit and Kushtha with the washings of the ashes of Kimsuka (flower) should be given.
— Sushruta Samhita, Mushika-Kalpa
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Kalpa Sthana, Chapter 6: Mushika-Kalpa; Mushika-Kalpa
References in Sushruta Samhita
Perform oblations with sticks of Khadira (Acacia catechu), Palasha (Butea monosperma), Devadaru (Cedrus deodara), and Bilva (Aegle marmelos) — or of Nyagrodha (Ficus benghalensis), Udumbara (Ficus racemosa), Ashvattha (Ficus religiosa), and Madhuka (Madhuca longifolia) — smeared with curd, honey, and ghee, while reciting the Pranava (Om) and Maha-vyahritis.
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 2: Shishyopanayaniya Adhyaya - Initiation of the Student
Palasha (Butea) blood-red sap is useful for anjana (collyrium), or shallaki with sugar and camphor.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis)
The barks of Rohini, Sarja (sal), Khadira (Acacia catechu), Palasha (Butea monosperma), and Kubha should be decocted, and in that decoction, ghee should be cooked with Sattira.
— Sushruta Samhita, Uttara Tantra, Chapter 34: Shitaputanapratishedha
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 2: Shishyopanayaniya Adhyaya - Initiation of the Student; Uttara Tantra, Chapter 10: Pittabhishyanda Pratishedha Adhyaya (Chapter on Treatment of Pitta-type Conjunctivitis); Uttara Tantra, Chapter 34: Shitaputanapratishedha
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.