Erythrina indica.

 

1. Botanical Name: Erythrina indica.
2. Family: Fabaceae.
3. Parts Used: Leaves, flowers, seeds, bark, etc.
4. Habitat: The wedding tree is commonly found in the southern parts of India. It is also distributed in Southeast Asia, Vietnam, Bangladesh, North China, and India. It is cultivated in Tamil Nadu and other states. The wedding tree is grown along roadsides in Tamil Nadu and is grown to protect agricultural crops. It can grow up to about 85 feet in height. Its leaves are large and abundant. Its flowers are mostly red. Its fruits and seeds are found in pods. It is a tree with robust stems and branches. Its seeds are black. The wedding tree is also known as Murugamaram. It is used for medicinal purposes.

Medicinal Uses: It has a bitter and astringent taste. The leaves are boiled in water and taken to treat fever, cold, cough, jaundice, urinary disorders, mouth ulcers, and abdominal pain. It is also used to treat diseases of the respiratory system and oral cavity. The leaves are crushed and applied to the affected area externally to reduce inflammation and pain. The bark is used to treat fever and body pain. The seeds are ground into a fine powder and used to treat various ailments. The flowers are used to prepare a decoction to treat respiratory diseases. The wood of the tree is used to make various utensils. The tree is also used for its ornamental value.

Dosage: The recommended dosage of the leaf extract is 50 ml twice daily for ten days to alleviate pain. The leaf extract, mixed with ghee, is consumed three times a day for three days to treat abdominal pain. The leaf extract, mixed with honey, is consumed three times a day for forty days to expel intestinal worms. The leaf extract, mixed with water, is consumed daily for fifty days to treat urinary disorders. It is beneficial for pregnant women.

Side Effects: Excessive consumption may lead to stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting.