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Indian rose-chestnut

Also Known As : Ceylon Ironwood, Nagkesar, Steelwood tree, Cobra’s Saffron, Ironwood Of Assam, Nag Champa, Naga Curam, Penaga Lilin, Penaga, Lenggapus, Mesua, Poached Egg Tree, Sembawang Tree
Technical Name : Mesua ferrea
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Vegetarian

Usage Tips

  1. Indian rose-chestnut seeds can be well cooked and eaten.
  2. Its wrinkled, reddish fruit is edible and can be consumed when ripe.
  3. Its young, tender leaves can be eaten raw.
  4. The oil extracted from its seeds can be used for culinary purposes as well.
  5. Its flowers are also edible and are eaten in Thailand.

Common names and forms

  1. Mesua ferrea

Description

Indian rose-chestnut is a tropical, evergreen tree native to the wet evergreen forests of India, Indochina, Myanmar, Malaysia, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, and Sumatra. It belongs to the Calophyllaceae family and is the national tree of Sri Lanka. It is named "Ironwood" after the heaviness and hardness of its timber. It is grown as an ornamental tree because of its large, fragrant white flowers, grayish-green foliage with a beautiful pinkish-red flush of drooping young leaves. It is considered a sacred tree in India and is harvested for its oil-rich seed and aromatic flowers. Its seeds are edible containing 76% oil and are commonly known as "surli nuts". Its fruit resembling chestnut in shape and size can also be eaten.

Health benefits

  • Indian rose-chestnut flowers can be used to treat gastrointestinal diseases like acidity in the stomach, gastritis, vomiting, loss of appetite, peptic ulcer, pain in the intestine and heartburn.(1)
  • Its flowers can also be used to treat bronchitis, cough, and asthma.(1)
  • Its hardwood has anti-inflammatory activities that can help to treat rheumatism and gout. -Its flower, especially the stamen is used in arresting bleeding and thus recommended for heavy menstrual flows.(1)
  • It has hemostatic property and is used to cure diseases like bleeding piles and dysentery.(1)
  • The oil from its seeds can be used to treat skin disorders like itching, oozing, and discoloration of the skin.(1)
  • Its seed oil can also be used to soothe pain and burning sensation associated with gouty joints.(1)

Resource & Links

(1) https://www.healthbenefitstimes.com/ironwood-tree/

- Disclaimer
"Information here is provided for discussion and educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice or product or ingredient review/rating. The information may not apply to you and before you use or take any action, you should contact the manufacturer, seller, medical, dietary, fitness or other professional. If you utilize any information provided here, you do so at your own risk and you waive any right against Culinary Communications Private Limited, its affiliates, officers, directors, employees or representatives.”