Asoka Tree (അശോകം)

Details :

General description(Size, commonly seen , status of availability etc.)

The ashoka is a rain-forest tree. Its original distribution was in the central areas of the Deccan plateau, as well as the middle section of the Western Ghats in the western coastal zone of the Indian subcontinent. The ashoka is prized for its beautiful foliage and fragrant flowers. It is a handsome, small, erect evergreen tree, with deep green leaves growing in dense clusters. Its flowering season is around February to April. The ashoka flowers come in heavy, lush bunches. They are bright orange-yellow in color, turning red before wilting.   

 

Medicinal properties

The tree has many health benefits and has long been used in traditional Indian medicine. Bark, flower, leaves, roots and seeds of ashoka are used as medicine. Bark is extremely useful in gynecological problems, especially in the treatment of menstrual disorders and uterine spasms. The bark is used to cure dyspepsia, dysentery, piles, and sores, whereas the dried flowers are used for treatment of syphilis, hemorrhagic, diabetes and dysentery.