Shaal
Shaal (Shorea robusta)
Treasures of Nature (Prakriti Ka Khazana) – Shaal
Sale or Shaal or Sakuha is a native tree to the Indian subcontinent where it occurs as a dominant tree in forests. The tree has a great religious significance in Hindu and Buddhist texts. Sal is one of the important sources of timber which is hard, light or dark brown colored, course-grained wood. The leaves of Sal are used in betel nut preparations and in snack making and also as leaf plates. The seed oil is also extracted from Sal which is refined and used as cooking oil.
Shaal is used in treating non healing wounds, boils on skin, diabetes and deafness. Plant parts of Sal like Bark, sapwood, Heartwood, resin, oil, seeds, seed oil etc. Are used in numerous therapeutic purposes. Sal is astringent, sweet, dry, pungent and has hot potency.
Medicinal uses of Shaal:
- Shaal is very useful in treating fractured wounds.
- It has anti-inflammatory properties which relieves pain in wounds and burns.
- The resin of Shaal has anti-microbial properties.
- It has anti-toxic properties which aids in cleaning and quickening wound healing.
- The absorbent properties of Shaala are useful in diarrhea and IBS.
- It is used in treating ear disorders and deafness.
- It relives excessive sweating, itching and purities.
- Painful swellings can be treated with the resin of Shaala when applied externally in the form of paste.
- Due to its wound cleansing and healing properties, it is used as an ingredient in herbal ointments.
- Used in treating skin diseases and obesity.
- Used in medicines to treat anemia and vitiligo.
- Very useful in treating urinary tract infections, frequent urination problem, menorrhagia and leucorrhea.
There are no known side effects using medicines made from Sal tree. However, it is advisable to get medical advice before using such products in pregnancy or lactation.