Kadamba (Kadamba (Priyaka, Neepa, Vrittapushpa, Halipriya))
Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba) is a tropical tree used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for its various therapeutic properties. It is known for its antidiabetic, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects.
Botanical name: Neolamarckia cadamba. Also known as: Kadamba, Kadamb, Kodom (Bengali), Bur flower tree, White Jabon, Laran, Leichhardt pine, Chinese autocephalous, Wild cinchona, Priyaka.
Properties
Antidiabetic activity, Antimicrobial activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antioxidant activity, Hepatoprotective effects
Dosage
Bark powder: 3 to 6 grams. Fruit juice: 10 to 20 ml. Decoction: 30-40 ml. Kadamba powder: Generally 3–6 g per day with warm water or honey
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Sweet, astringent, saline
- Virya: ["Cooling"]
- Vipaka: ["Sweet"]
Benefits
- Stambhana (astringent)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Pittahara (reduces Pitta)
Traditional uses
- Jwara (fever)
- Atisara (diarrhea)
- Daha (burning sensation)
- Rakta Pitta (bleeding disorders)
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: balancing
- pitta: balancing
Preparation methods
- Decoction: Kadamba bark decoction is used to wash infected wounds and for gargling to treat mouth ulcers and gum inflammation. A decoction of the bark (5–10 g in 200 mL water) may reduce episodes of chronic diarrhea.
- Powder: The bark is powdered and formulated with sugar candy in a proportionate dose of 5-6 gm for nausea treatment and vomiting.
- Paste: A paste of Kadamba leaves can be applied to wounds and skin infections to promote healing. The paste prepared from the bark of Kadamba can reduce black spots and pimples.
- Fresh Juice: The fresh juice of the leaf is consumed in a dose of 10-15 ml to treat leucorrhoea and increased menstrual flow. The juice of the fruit of kadamba is given in a dose of 40-50 ml to treat excessive sweating, thirst, and burning sensation of the body.
- Extracts: Ethanolic extracts of Cadamba bark powder.
Contraindications
- Caution advised during pregnancy.
- Caution advised for individuals on anticoagulant medications.
- Consult an Ayurvedic doctor before adding Kadamba to your regimen.
Side effects
- Excessive use of Kadamba, due to its Ushna (hot) nature, can aggravate Pitta dosha, leading to digestive issues, heartburn, or skin rashes.
- Rare mild nausea or burning sensation if taken on an empty stomach.
- Very occasional skin rash from topical application.
- It can cause constipation.
Interactions
- No major interactions documented, but exercise caution if on anticoagulants; saponins may mildly affect platelet aggregation.
- Seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines.
Clinical evidence
Clinical evidence for Kadamba (Neolamarckia cadamba) remains preliminary and limited, with some studies suggesting potential in wound healing and glycemic control. Further research is needed to validate traditional uses in managing fever, diarrhea, inflammation, and skin disorders.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Stambhana (astringent)
- Shothahara (anti-inflammatory)
- Pittahara (reduces Pitta)
Classical clinical indications
- Jwara (fever)
- Atisara (diarrhea)
- Daha (burning sensation)
- Rakta Pitta (bleeding disorders)