Mahua

(Mahua)
Sanskrit: मधूक • Botanical: Bassia latifolia Roxb.

Madhuka (Mahua) is a large deciduous tree found extensively in Central India. The flowers are the most important part - they are fleshy, sweet and fall in large quantities. They are collected, dried and eaten or fermented into country liquor (Mahua). The flowers are rich in sugars and are nutritive. Mahua butter (oil from seeds) is used in cooking, soap-making and as a substitute for ghee. The bark is used in fractures and as an astringent. The flowers are also used in making distilled spirit. The timber is hard and durable. The tree is of enormous economic importance to tribal communities. Chemical analysis shows 50-60% sugars in dried flowers. Dose: Flowers as food; bark decoction 1-2 tola. Verses: 35.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Unctuous (Snigdha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Key Constituents
From fermented flowers (Sugars (50-60%), Fat, Saponins, Vitamins, Alcohol)
Also Known As
English: Mahua, Butter Tree
Sanskrit: मधूक, मधुष्ठील, मधुपुष्प, गुडपुष्प
Hindi: महुआ

What is Mahua (Madhuka / मधुका)?

Madhuka (Mahua) is a large deciduous tree found extensively in Central India. The flowers are the most important part - they are fleshy, sweet and fall in large quantities. They are collected, dried and eaten or fermented into country liquor (Mahua). The flowers are rich in sugars and are nutritive. Mahua butter (oil from seeds) is used in cooking, soap-making and as a substitute for ghee. The bark is used in fractures and as an astringent. The flowers are also used in making distilled spirit. The timber is hard and durable. The tree is of enormous economic importance to tribal communities. Chemical analysis shows 50-60% sugars in dried flowers. Dose: Flowers as food; bark decoction 1-2 tola. Verses: 35.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Vrishya (aphrodisiac)
  • Brinhana (nourishing)
  • Balya (strengthening)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 6

Mahua by Condition

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

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Mahua for Male Sexual Health

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.