English Name : Indian Beech, Karum Tree
Hindi Name : Karanj, Kanj, Kanja, Karanjwa
Latin name : Pongamia glabra Vent.
Persian Name : Khaye Iblees, Khurmae Abujahal
Punjabi Name : Karanj, Sukhchain, Paphri
Sanskrit Name : Karanja, Karanjaka, Naktamala
Urdu Name : Karanjwa
Seeds are used for skin ailments and are valued as antiseptic, astringent, bitter, blood purifier, febrifuge, pungent and tonic. They are useful in bronchitis and whooping cough. The fruit and seed are also useful in piles, urinary discharges, and diseases of the brain, eye and head. They also are useful for chest complaints, chronic fevers, earache, hydrocele, and lumbago. They are considered a good substitute for quinine. "It is a good antipyretic and I have used it in entric fevers successfully". (Dr Younis Munshi, Srinagar)
The oil is popular in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of biliousness, eye ailments, leucoderma, worms, wounds, sores, scabies, eczema, itches, herpes viral infection, eczema, ulcers, and other skin diseases. It is said to promote wound healing and is traditionally applied as an efficacious remedy for rheumatic joints, scurvy diseases of the scalp, and psoriasis. The oil, like Neem oil, has been widely tested for its insecticidal, nematicidal, antiseptic, bactericidal, and cleansing properties.
Recommended Dosage: Seeds : 1 to 2 g powder of dried seeds; Oil : For external application only.
Contraindication: This herb is not recommended during pregnancy or lactation.