Karanj
Karanj (Millettia pinnata)
Treasures of Nature (Prakriti Ka Khazana) – Karanj
Karanj (Latinname - Millettia pinnata), a native tree of India which is extensively found throughout the country is an important bio-fuel crop. The oil from this tree is not edible but can produce bio-gas which is extensively used in villages as a substitute for diesel and to run power grid systems to run water pumps. Karanja is a herbal medicine used in Ayurveda which predominantly is used in treating skin diseases. From ancient times, the twigs from this tree is used as a tooth brush.
Karanj is bitter, pungent, astringent in taste, easy to digest, has piercing and hot potency qualities. The fruits, leaves, stem bark, root bark, seeds and twigs are used in medicinal preparation.
Medicinal uses of Karanja:
- It is very useful in treating skin diseases.
- It has properties which can detoxify the vagina and treat uterine disorders.
- Used in treating piles and haemorrhoids.
- It can relieve bloating, flatulence and stomach ailments.
- It can relieve worm infestation and aids quick wound healing.
- The leaves of Karanja can relieve inflammation, diarrhea and constipation.
- The fruits of Karanja is used to treat diabetes.
- The fruits are also used to treat psoriasis and skin infections.
- The oil of Karanja is used as a bio diesel.
- It helps to reduce boils, abscess and eczema.
- It relives pain and inflammation caused due to open wounds and burns.
- Traditionally it is used to treat scorpion bites, fever and poisoning.
- Used to treat gout and syphilis.
Apart from these medicinal uses, Karanja is used in therapeutic use called as ‘Blood letting therapy’ to cure skin diseases. In conditions where the skin lesions turn numb and there is no pain or itching, they are rubbed with Karanja stem to initiate bleeding. This lets off the impure blood to cure the skin lesions.