Kimsuka

(Flame of the Forest)
Sanskrit: किंशुक • Botanical: Butea monosperma (Lam.) Kuntze

Palash flowers (Butea monosperma) bloom spectacularly in bright orange-red during spring (February-March). The flowers yield a natural dye used for Holi festival colors. The flower petals, bark, seeds and gum (Kamarkas) are all used medicinally. The seeds are the most potent anthelmintic. The flowers are used as a natural dye and in Pitta disorders. The tree is deciduous with trifoliate leaves. It is found throughout India. The gum (Palash ka gond/Kamarkas) is used as an astringent and tonic. Referenced in Pushpa Varga. Verse: 17.

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 Kimsuka / Flame of the Forest (पलाश / किंशुक)?

Palash flowers (Butea monosperma) bloom spectacularly in bright orange-red during spring (February-March). The flowers yield a natural dye used for Holi festival colors. The flower petals, bark, seeds and gum (Kamarkas) are all used medicinally. The seeds are the most potent anthelmintic. The flowers are used as a natural dye and in Pitta disorders. The tree is deciduous with trifoliate leaves. It is found throughout India. The gum (Palash ka gond/Kamarkas) is used as an astringent and tonic. Referenced in Pushpa Varga. Verse: 17.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Raktashodhana (blood purifier)
  • Sandhaniya (fracture healing)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 4

Kimsuka by Condition

Explore how Kimsuka is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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Kimsuka for Fertility & Conception

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.