Semecarpus Anacardium or Bhallataka :

Semecarpus Anacardium or Bhallataka is a medium-to-large-sized deciduous tree that grows up to 25-30 meters in height. Leaves remain simple alternate, oblong, rounded at the apex glabrous above, and pubescent beneath. The flowers appear in panicles that remain greenish-white in color. Flowering occurs in May and June. The nut is smooth, ovoid, and lustrous black. They appear from December to March. The fruit is a drupe 1 inch long.

Bhallataka is considered the most useful, powerful, and fast-acting Ayurvedic herb. According to Ayurveda, this herb helps to pacify Kapha dosha in the human body. The red-orange part of this plant is collected then dried in sun and used for various medicinal purposes. It is considered the best herb in both male and female reproductive health.

Medicinal properties according to Ayurveda :

• Rasa (taste) – Katu (pungent), Tikta (Bitter), and Kashaya (Astringent)
• Guna (qualities) – Laghu (light), Snigdha (Unctuous), and Teekshna (piercing)
• Vipaka (Undergoes taste conversion after digestion)- Madhura (Sweet)
• Veerya (Potency)- Ushna (Hot)

Ayurvedic medicines contain Semecarpus anacardium as an ingredient: Sanjivani Vati, Bhallatakadi Modaka.

Ayurvedic medicinal uses :

Bhallataka is used in Ayurveda for centuries. It reduces Vata/wind, and Kapha/mucous but increases pitta. It has varied uses in Ayurveda and is useful in skin diseases, fever, piles, loose motions, epilepsy, neuralgia, and ulcers. Pericarp oil promotes the flow of bile into the intestine. Seed oil is used externally for rheumatism.

Bhallataka seeds are toxic. So in Ayurveda, they are used only after proper detoxification. For this purpose, the fruits (after removing the attachment of the thalamus) are soaked in go-mutra/cow’s urine for seven days and thereafter in go-dugdha/cow’s milk for 7 days. The seeds are then put into a bag containing coarse brick powder with which they are rubbed carefully to reduce the oil content. Then the fruits are washed with water and dried in air.

Medicinal uses of Semecarpus Anacardium :

Being highly toxic, the seeds used for the medicinal use must undergo shodana (purification). They soak the seeds in water and they take those that sink to the bottom. They cut these nuts into two and soak them in brick powder. The toxic oils come out and the nuts become suitable for use in medicine. This is the process of Bhallataka shodana.

• Kindle the digestive fire: It helps the digestive process and lights the internal fires. Bhallataka removes all problems associated with digestion. It helps stabilize the stomach and makes the digestive juices flow. You get instant relief from dyspepsia.
• Strengthen the lungs: For those with weak lungs, the use of Bhallataka helps very much. It improves the breathing by making the lungs strong.
• Fights inflammation: You feel the action of Semecarpus Anacardium in the way it fights inflammation in the body. Those with gout and arthritis get relief from the pain and inflammation by using Semecarpus Anacardium.
• Improve the reproductive system: The tonic prepared from Bhallataka proves a veritable tonic for improving the sexual health. People who are not performing well can become virile and productive again by having the Bhallataka health tonic.
• Cure for ascites: When you have an abnormal accumulation of fluids in the abdominal cavity, you can use Bhallataka fruit to cure it. Eat the fruit once in the morning daily until you get relief.
• Use specific combinations: For instance, you should use Amalaki, frankincense, and turmeric with the Semecarpus Anacardium fruit for arthritis. For skin diseases, use turmeric, manjishtha, and bakuchi along with the fruit.