Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Sweet (Madhura), Astringent (Kashaya), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Laghu, Snigdha, Tikshna
- Potency (Virya)
- Very hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Sweet (Madhura)
- Key Constituents
- Bhilawanol (a phenolic compound — vesicant/caustic), Semecarpol, Anacardic acid. The black tarry juice between shell layers is the caustic agent.
- Also Known As
- Sanskrit: भल्लातक, अग्निमुख, वीरवृक्ष, अरुष्कर
Hindi: भिलावा, भेला, भिलावां
What is Marking Nut (Bhallataka / भल्लातक)?
Bhallataka (Marking Nut) is described as both a poison and a medicine. The fruit/nut of Semecarpus anacardium contains a highly caustic black oil (Bhilawa oil) that causes severe blistering. After proper Shodhana (purification through brick powder rubbing and processing with lime water), it becomes a powerful Rasayana. Purified Bhallataka is used in piles, skin diseases (especially leprosy), digestive disorders, and as a rejuvenative. The oil causes severe contact dermatitis in unpurified form. It is contraindicated in Pitta constitution and summer season. Verses: 171-178.
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 7
Therapeutic Actions (Karma)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1
How to Use Marking Nut by Condition
Explore how Marking Nut is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
▶ Classical Text References (4 sources)
References in Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan
its fleshy part makes the body stout, is sweet in taste, mitigates vata and pitta and not easily digestible its tendril is easily digestible cures cough, asthma, hiccup, alchoholic intoxication dryness of the mouth, disorders of vata and kapha, constipation, vomiting, loss of taste, abdominal tumor, enlargement of the abdomen, haemorrhoids, colic and dyspepsia 131-133 भ लातक य तव मांसंबं ृहणं तद वाद ु शीतलम ् यि नसमं मे यं कफवातहरं परम ् Bhallataka (marking nut) The outer rind and fleshy part
— Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food
Source: Astanga Hridaya Sutrasthan, Annaswaroopa Food
References in Charaka Samhita
| In amaja trishna, decoctions prepared form trikatu, sweet flag, marking nut and drugs of bitter groups are useful;
— Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Chikitsa Sthana — Therapeutic Principles, Chapter 22: Thirst Disorders Treatment (Trishna Chikitsa / तृष्णाचिकित्सा)
References in Sharangadhara Samhita
Also included are: Shodhana (purification) methods for Jayapala (Croton tiglium), various Vishas (poisons), Vatsanabha (aconite), Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium — marking nut), and other toxic substances used in Rasa Shastra (Ayurvedic alchemy and iatrochemistry).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations)
Semecarpus (marking nut) is a potent allergen causing severe contact dermatitis.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
or the juice of Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium, marking nut).
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
For destroying Apachi (cervical lymphadenopathy/scrofula): burn mustard (Sarshapa, Brassica nigra), Arishta (neem, Azadirachta indica) leaves, and Bhallataka (Semecarpus anacardium/marking nut), grind with goat's urine -- this paste destroys Apachi.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Madhyama Khanda, Chapter 12: Rasadishodhana-Maranakalpana (Mercury and Rasa Preparations); Uttara Khanda, Chapter 11: Lepa Vidhi (Topical Paste Application)
References in Sushruta Samhita
The Nyagrodhadi Gana consists of: nyagrodha (banyan), udumbara (fig), ashvattha (peepal), placha, madhuka, kapitana, kubha, amra (mango), koshamra, choraka, patrajambu (two types), priyala, madhuka, rohini, vanjula, kadamba, badari (jujube), tinduki, sallaki, rodhra, savara-rodhra, bhallataka (marking nut), palasha, and nandivriksha (verse 48).
— Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Nyagrodha, Guduchyadi, and Remaining Groups (Verses 48-64) The Nyagrodhadi Gana consists of: nyagrodha (banyan), udumbara (fig), ashvattha (peepal), placha, madhuka, kapitana, kubha, amra (mango), koshamra, choraka, patrajambu (two types), priyala, madhuka, rohini, vanjula, kadamba, badari (jujube), tinduki, sallaki, rodhra, savara-rodhra, bhallataka (marking nut), palasha, and nandivriksha (verse 48).
— Sushruta Samhita, Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
Source: Sushruta Samhita, Sutra Sthana, Chapter 38: Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs; Dravyasangrahaniya Adhyaya - On the Collection of Drugs
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.