Aralu (Ailanthus Excelsa)-Uses, Benefits, Properties & Side Effects

Ailanthus Excelsa is another name for aralu; “sona patha” is another popular name for this herb. It is a member of the family Simarubaceae. It’s a large tree with an unpleasant taste and smell.

Aralu and Shyonak (Oroxylum Indicum), another significant herb in the Ayurvedic medical system, have often been contrasted. It is usually found growing up to 1,000 feet above sea level in Sri Lanka and India.

Description

Large, 18–25 m tall, deciduous tree Ailanthus excelsa has a straight trunk that is 60–80 cm in diameter. Its light grey, smooth bark can turn grey–brown and rough on larger trees, and it has a fragrant, slightly bitter flavor.

Botanical Name:

Ailanthus Excelsa

Family:

Simaroubaceae

Leaves:

Aralu is primarily distinguished by its huge, pinnately complex leaves. These leaves feature 8–14 pairs of leaflets and can grow up to 90 cm in length. Every leaflet is oval in shape and has pointy ends.

Flowers:

Aralu blooms are tiny, greenish-yellow, and not very striking. They are grouped loosely into what are known as panicles—branching clusters.

Fruits:

Aralu yields samaras, which are single-seeded fruits, when it flowers. With a single seed enclosed in a flattened structure that aids in wind dissemination, these fruits mimic winged seeds.

Bark:

The smooth, light gray bark of young Aralu trees is dotted with obvious leaf scars. The bark of the tree changes with age to a granular texture and a harsh, grayish-brown tint. A portion of the bark has long been utilized in some medical procedures.

Parts Used:

  • Bark
  • Leaves

Dosage:

  • Powder 1-3 kg
  • Juice 10-20 ml
  • Solid extract 1 g

Sanskrit Synonyms

Pooti Vruksha – the tree yields bad ododur

Deergha Vrunta – Long leaves

Mahanimba – abig tree, similar toneem

Katvanga – Having bitter taste

Other Language Names of Aralu (Ailanthus Excelsa)

Tamil name – Perumaram, Agal, Perumaruntu

Telugu name – Pedda manu

Marathi name – Maharuk

Kannada name – Dodda Mara, Dodda bevu

Malayalam name – Matti Pongilyam, Peru, Perumaram

Hindi name – Adu,Ghoda Neem, Ghoda Karanj

English name – Coramandel ailanto, Indian Tree of Heaven,

Gujarati name – Ardusi

Scientific Classification

Kingdom Plantae
Subkingdom Tracheobionta
Superdivision Spermatophyta
Division Magnoliophyta
Class Sapindales
Order Simaroubales
Family Simaroubaceae
Genus Ailanthus
Species Ailanthus excels

Ayurvedic Properties

Rasa (taste) – Tikta – bitter,Kashaya – Astringent

Guna (qualities) – Rooksha – Dryness

Vipaka (taste conversion after digestion) – Katu (Pungent)

Veerya (potency)-Sheeta – Cold

Effect on Tridosha – Balances Kapha and Pitta Dosha

Aralu (Ailanthus Excelsa) Uses

  • It works well to strengthen the digestive system so that the body can dissolve and digest ama. Additionally, it increases digestive fire, which helps to prevent ama production in the first place.
  • Aralu (Ailanthus Excelsa) possesses stabilizing and restorative qualities. As a result, it is highly helpful in lowering the frequency of stools in cases of dysentery and diarrhea. Aralu can help to clear the illness so that mucous discharges can be minimized, particularly in dysentery when there is a lot of mucous secretion along with feces. Additionally, it aids in the relief of bloating and stomach pain brought on by diarrhea and dysentery.
  • The postpartum phase benefits from Aralu’s stabilizing influence. In this case, it’s used to lessen bleeding and speed up the uterine musculature’s repair so the mother can quickly mend and feel normal and healthy very soon.
  • These individuals experience several nutritional deficiencies, perhaps as a result of bad eating habits or food allergies that impede normal absorption of nutrients in the intestines rather than a lack of a nutritious diet. Aralu can be quite beneficial in this situation because it encourages the big intestines to absorb food and its vital nutrients.

Aralu (Ailanthus Excelsa) Benefits

Wound healing:

Traditionally, aralu bark has been used to lessen inflammation and encourage the healing of wounds. Aralu extract has been demonstrated in certain tests to potentially hasten the healing process.

Digestive health:

aralu is good for digestive health. It might aid in the relief of constipation, diarrhea, and ulcer symptoms.

Liver health:

Aralu extract may help shield the liver from harm, according to studies.

Skin health:

Aralu is occasionally applied topically to address psoriasis and eczema.

Don’t miss: Vasaka, Malabar nut (Adhatoda Vasica): Uses, Benefits and Side Effects

Aralu (Ailanthus Excelsa) Side Effects

Toxicity:

Certain chemicals found in aralu have the potential to be harmful in excessive dosages. Liver damage and symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping in the stomach may result from this.

Skin irritation:

Aralu’s sap and leaves have the potential to irritate skin, resulting in blistering, redness, and itching Avoiding touch is advised, particularly if you have sensitive skin.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

aralu may harm an unborn child or newborn, it is not advised for women who are pregnant or nursing. These days, not enough research has been done on its safety.

Interaction with medications:

If you use any prescription or over-the-counter medications, it’s crucial to see your doctor before using Aralu since it may interfere with them.

Conclusion

Arlu, also known as Shyonaka Bark, has stabilizing and restorative properties. It is therefore very helpful in lowering the frequency of stools in cases of diarrhea and dysentery. can aid in clearing the infection and lowering mucous secretions, particularly in cases of dysentery when there is a lot of mucus secretion along with feces. Additionally, it eases bloating and pain in the abdomen brought on by diarrhea and dysentery.

FAQS

What are the health benefits of Aralu?

It treats leprosy and worms and aids in digesting, deepening, accepting, and healing. Its bark treats fever, appetite suppression, diarrhea, anthelmintic, karnash, and skin conditions.

Why is the Ailanthus tree used?

Ailanthus has been demonstrated to withstand pH levels as low as 4.1 , and it has been used to re-vegetate places where acid mine drainage has occurred. It is resistant to both extremes of salinity and very low phosphorus levels.

What is the Aralu plant’s scientific name?

Ailanthus Excelsa is another name for aralu; “sona patha” is another popular name for this herb. It is a member of the family Simarubaceae. It’s a large tree with an unpleasant taste and smell.