Shatala (Saptala, Vasanti, Sehunda-bheda, Sara, Vimala, Vidula)

About

Shatala (Altingia excelsa) is a tall evergreen tree found in Southeast Asia, traditionally valued in Ayurveda for its resin's medicinal properties, which include supporting respiratory health, skin protection, and mental clarity.

Properties

Antimicrobial, Antioxidant

Dosage

The powder of gum resin can be used in a dose of half to one gram per day. Internal administration is rare and not well-documented. Some obscure Siddha texts mention around 50-100 mg of finely powdered resin mixed with ghee or honey for respiratory cleansing under expert supervision.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Pungent, Bitter
• Virya: ["Cooling"]
• Vipaka: ["Pungent"]

Benefits

• Skin-astringent

Traditional uses

• Respiratory imbalances
• Mental fog
• Minor wounds
• Coughs
• Asthma
• Throat issues
• Scabies
• Leucoderma

Dosha effects

• vata: increasing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Powdered Resin: Freshly collected gum was either allowed to harden and then powdered.
• Heated Resin: Freshly collected gum can be gently heated for topical or fumigatory use.
• Resin Solution: The resin can be dissolved in hot water or added with honey.
• Decoction: A decoction using the resin is prepared and given in patients suffering from dysmenorrhea.

Contraindications

• Internal consumption of Altingia excelsa poses some concerns and lacks modern safety data for human use. It should be used externally unless otherwise directed by an Ayurvedic specialist.
• Possible allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially those allergic to balsams or resinous substances.
• Respiratory irritation if the smoke (from burning the resin) is inhaled excessively.
• Not advised for asthmatics, pregnant women, or children under 12.
• Combining it with internal detox plans (like Panchakarma) should only happen under a licensed Ayurvedic doctor's guidance.
• Use with caution with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. It is advisable to consult your doctor. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Side effects

• Possible allergic reactions in sensitive individuals, especially those allergic to balsams or resinous substances.
• Respiratory irritation if the smoke is inhaled excessively.

Interactions

• Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. It is advised to seek a doctor's advice when taking Altingia excelsa with other western medicines. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take the Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
• This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
• Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

Active compounds

• Cinnamic acid derivatives
• Benzoic acid
• Resin acids
• Volatile oils
• Triterpenoids

Clinical evidence

Early-stage lab studies show promise. A 2021 Indonesian study found that A. excelsa resin extracts exhibit moderate antimicrobial activity against *Staphylococcus aureus*. A 2019 Malaysian study indicated antioxidant potential in methanolic extracts from the bark. Limited comprehensive clinical trials are available.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Skin-astringent

Classical clinical indications

• Respiratory imbalances
• Mental fog
• Minor wounds
• Coughs
• Asthma
• Throat issues
• Scabies
• Leucoderma

Frequently asked questions