Scientific name – Albizia lebbeck
Family name – Leguminosae
Albizia lebbeck is commonly known as ‘Shirish’ and is a medicinal tree.
It is a tree growing to a height of 18-30 m tall with a trunk 50 cm to 1 m in diameter. The leaves are bipinnate, 7.5 -15 cm long, with one to four pairs of pinnae, each pinna with 6-18 leaflets.
Part Used: – Stem Bark.
Chemical constituents:
The main chemical constituent in bark is Saponins (labbeekanins and sapogenins), condensed tannins, gums and acid isomers etc. Tannins also contains D-Catechin; Isomers- d- leucocyanidin, friedelanone, malacicidin, neo-leucoanthocynaidin, lebbecacidin, tridelin; Alkaloid- β sitosterol; Acids- echinocystic acids are present in bark of Sirish
Properties:
Rasa: Madhura, Katu, Tikta, Kasaya.
Guna: Laghu.
Vipaka: Katu.
Virya: Anusna.
Karma: Sothahara, Tridosahara, Visghna, Tvagdosa, Varnya
Pharmacological action: Shirish is discussed under various headings as Anti-asthmatic activity, Effect on anaphylactic shock, Pulmonary eosinophilia: anti-tussive activity, Allergic conjunctivitis, anti-fertility activity, Anti-diarrheal activity, antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory activity, analgesic
Benefits:
1-Albizia lebbeck for animal bites
One of the important health benefits of Albizia lebbeck is its ability to treat poisonous animal bites. It is a very effective anti-dote for a large number of venoms including animal venom and plant venom.
2-Albizia lebbeck for skin diseases
Albizia lebbeck is loaded with anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. The paste prepared from the leaves of this plant can be applied externally on the skin in case of wounds and other skin diseases. It helps improve skin complexion and detoxifies the skin.
3-Albizia lebbeck for blood disorders
Albizia lebbeck has been used as a potent blood purifier in Ayurveda for decades. The powder of the seeds of Albizia lebbeck is used for treating blood disorders and other blood-related health conditions.
4-Albizia lebbeck for breathing problems
Albizia lebbeck is a Swasahara in Ayurveda. Since it pacifies all three doshas, Albizia lebbeck is used in the treatment of all kinds of breathing problems. It provides relief from cough, cold, and chest congestions.
5-Albizia lebbeck for sexual health
The seed powder of Albizia lebbeck along with milk acts as a powerful aphrodisiac. It boosts sexual desire in men and improves the quality and quantity of sperms.