Thespesia populnea (L.) Sol. ex Correa.
Common Names:
• English: Pacific Rosewood, Indian Tulip Tree, Tulip Tree
• Malayalam: Pooparutthi, Poovarasu, പൂപ്പരുത്തി, പൂവരശ്
• Tamil: பூவரசு, , Poovarasu
Key Characteristics:
• Tree Type: A small to medium-sized tropical tree.
• Height: Typically grows up to 10-12 meters.
• Leaves: Large, heart-shaped, and glossy with a rough surface; the edges are typically lobed.
• Flowers: Showy, funnel-shaped, and yellow or orange, resembling tulips. They have a distinctive purple center.
• Fruit: A woody capsule containing several seeds, which is also called a “cotton tree fruit.”
• Bark: Grayish-brown with rough texture.
• Wood: Light, soft, and yellowish in color, which is used for various small applications.
Medicinal Uses:
Thespesia populnea has a range of traditional uses, particularly in folk medicine across different cultures. It has been used in Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for its therapeutic properties:
1. Anti-inflammatory: The leaves and bark are used to reduce inflammation, especially in cases of joint pain and arthritis.
2. Antimicrobial: Extracts from the leaves, flowers, and bark have been shown to exhibit antimicrobial properties, useful in treating infections.
3. Wound Healing: The paste of the leaves is used as a poultice for wounds and ulcers to accelerate healing.
4. Anti-diabetic: Some studies suggest that it has properties that help in controlling blood sugar levels.
5. Digestive Issues: The bark or roots have been traditionally used to treat digestive disorders, including diarrhea and dysentery.
6. Respiratory Health: Used for treating cough, bronchitis, and other respiratory issues. The flowers, when made into a decoction, are sometimes used to soothe the throat and clear the airways.
7. Skin Care: The leaves are used for treating various skin issues such as boils, skin irritation, and even fungal infections.
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