SHAGAUN (TEAK)

Description

The teak tree or the Sagwan tree is a large deciduous tree. It can grow up to a height of 30 meters . The branches of the tree are usually greyish brown.
The leaves are ovate-elliptic in shape and can grow up to a length of 15–45 cm. Its leaves are ovate-elliptic to ovate, 15–45 cm (5.9–17.7 in) long by 8–23 cm (3.1–9.1 in) wide, and are held on robust petioles which are 2–4 cm (0.8–1.6 in) long.These flowers contain both types of reproductive organs (perfect flowers). The large leaves of teak trees are often hairy on the lower surface Leaf margins are entire.
The flowers are usually fragrant, and they can bloom from June to August. Fruits appear from September to December. The wood teak is hard in texture and brownish-golden in color .
Properties :
Rasa(Taste) – Kashaya ( Astrignent in taste )
Guna(Qualities) – Laghu ( Light for digestion ) ,Ruksha (Dry )
Veerya ( Potency ) – Sheeta ( Cold )
Vipaka – Katu ( After digestion undergoes pungent)
Dosha Karma ( Actions ) – Kaphapitta shamaka
Kustha, Raktapitta, Mutraroga, Pandu, Prameha, Medoroga, Daha, Srama, Trsna, Krmiroga, Garbhasrava, Garbhapatana
Chemical composition :
In the heartwood, the most abundant compounds were levoglucosan (26.65%), acetic acid (6.34%), cyclohexanecarboxaldehyde, 4-methoxy (5.1%), squalene (4.85%) and isoeugenol.
The chemical composition of leaves showed the C, H, N, S, and O content of 48.88 %, 5.83 %, 0.55 %, 0.18 % , and 30.04 %, respectively are present as an important phytoconstituents.
Benefits :
1- Haemoptysis
Teak leaves can be used for treating haemoptysis. Haemoptysis is a health condition marked by the coughing up of blood.
2 – Gastrointestinal Disorders
Teak wood can be decocted and used for treating gastrointestinal disorders such as dysentery, stomach ache, piles and constipation.
3 – Headache
Studies reveal that the oil extracted from teak wood can be applied on the forehead for relieving headache. This is attributed to the analgesic properties of this plant.
4- Anuria
The roots of the teak plant can be decocted and used for treating anuria. Anuria is a health condition marked by the failure of the kidneys to produce urine
5- Haemostatic Properties
Teak leaves contain haemostatic properties thus can be squeezed and applied on a cut skin to stop bleeding.
6- Bronchitis
Teak flowers are useful for curing bronchitis. Bronchitis is the inflammation of the mucous membrane in the bronchial tubes, which causes bronchospasm and coughing.

7- Asthma- Teak tree leaves have benefits to reduce and prevent asthma. In the study it was found that extracts from the leaves of teak plants had a significant effect as anti-asthma.