The Sal tree, scientifically known as Shorea robusta, is one of the most prominent and economically significant trees in the Indian subcontinent. It holds immense religious, commercial, and medicinal value, deeply rooted in the traditional healing systems of South Asia, particularly in Ayurveda, Siddha, and Unani. The information below is compiled from various traditional and scientific sources to provide a comprehensive analysis of this multi-therapeutic plant.
Herb's Introduction
Shorea robusta Gaertn. f. is a majestic, large, late-deciduous to evergreen tree belonging to the family Dipterocarpaceae. Commonly known as the Sal tree, it is revered as a holy tree in both Hinduism and Buddhism. According to Buddhist scriptures, Queen Maya Devi held onto a branch of a Sal tree when giving birth to Siddhartha Gautama (the Buddha), and it was under the shade of a pair of Sal trees that the Buddha passed away. In the context of traditional medicine, the tree is highly valued for its resin, known as Sal Dammar, Indian Dammar, or Rāla/Kungiliyam, which serves as a potent medicine for a wide array of diseases. The tree's name, robusta, aptly describes its magnificent size, straight trunk, and durable wood, symbolizing strength and resilience. It is an indispensable source of hardwood timber and numerous Non-Timber Forest Products (NTFPs).
Name in Different Countries
Shorea robusta is known by a multitude of names across its native range, reflecting its widespread cultural and economic importance. Region/Language Name(s) Significance Scientific Name Shorea robusta Gaertn. f. Family Dipterocarpaceae English Common Names Sal Tree, Sāla, Sakhua, Indian Dammar Sanskrit Shaal, Ashvakarnak, Sarj, Ashvakarnika, Rāla (Resin) Ashvakarnak refers to the seed's winged sepals resembling a horse's ear. Hindi Sal, Sakhu, Salwa Nepali Saal, Sakhuwaa The dominant tree of the Terai region. Tamil Kungiliyam, Attam, Venkungiliyam Kungiliyam specifically refers to the resin. Malayalam Karimaruthu, Kungiliyam Bengali Sal, শাল (উদ্ভিদ) Marathi Guggilu, Rala, Sajara Chinese 婆罗双 (Pó luó shuāng) Export to Sheets
Terminology
The traditional and scientific terminology associated with Shorea robusta is crucial for understanding its medicinal applications: Botanical Classification: It belongs to the Order Malvales, Family Dipterocarpaceae, and Genus Shorea. Key Products and Names: The main medicinal exudate is the oleoresin, commercially known as Sal Dammar or Indian Dammar. In Ayurveda, the resin is called Rāla or Sāla-veshta, while in Siddha medicine, it is often referred to as Kungiliyam. Ayurvedic Properties (Rasa Panchaka): These principles define the herb's physiological effects: Taste (Rasa): Primarily Astringent (Kashaya), which contributes to its binding and healing effects. The resin also possesses a Bitter (Tikta) taste. Physical Property (Guna): Dry (Rooksha) and Heavy (Guru) (for the resin). Potency (Veerya): Cold Potency (Sheeta), making it cooling and effective in managing pitta and inflammatory conditions. Post-Digestion Effect (Vipaka): Pungent (Katu). Effect on Tridosha: It is known to primarily Balance Vata and Kapha doshas. Phytochemical Constituents: The therapeutic potential of Sal is attributed to a rich blend of bioactive compounds, including Triterpenoids (such as Ursolic acid, Asiatic acid, Lupeol, and α- and β-Amyrin), Flavonoids, Saponins, Tannins, and Phenols.
Availability
Shorea robusta is an indigenous and widely available species across its native range in South Asia. Geographic Distribution: It is native to the Indian subcontinent, encompassing Bangladesh, India, and Nepal. Its range extends south of the Himalayan regions, from Myanmar in the east to the Shivalik Hills in India. Availability in Nepal: The Sal tree is one of the most vital and abundant forest species in Nepal. It is predominantly found in the Terai (lowland) and Inner Terai regions, particularly within the Sivalik Hills (Churia Range) in the subtropical climate zone. Sal forests cover vast areas and are often the dominant forest type, making the herb readily available for traditional practitioners in the region. Conservation Status: The species is currently listed as Least Concern (IUCN 2.3), reflecting its wide distribution and abundance, though sustainable harvesting practices are crucial due to its economic importance.
External Look
The Sal tree is a magnificent species characterized by its robust, tall stature and distinct features: Stature and Trunk: A large tree that typically reaches a height of 20 to 40 meters, with some individuals growing up to 50 meters. The trunk is straight, cylindrical, and can reach up to 2 meters in diameter. Bark: The bark is thick, gray to dark reddish-brown, and becomes deeply fissured and longitudinally flaky on older trees. Leaves: The leaves are large (10–40 cm long), ovate to oblong, glossy dark green, and thinly leathery. They are tardily deciduous, meaning the tree is rarely completely bare of leaves. Flowers: Flowers appear in early summer (February to May) in large, branched clusters (panicles) up to 25 cm long. They are small, creamy-yellow, or pale-yellow, often with a subtle pink stripe. Fruit and Seed: The fruit is an ovoid nut surrounded by five unequal, elongated, spatula-shaped sepals that develop into wings. This aerodynamic structure helps the seed disperse with the wind, earning it the common name "helicopter seed."
Healing Properties
The therapeutic efficacy of Shorea robusta is well-documented in traditional texts and increasingly supported by scientific studies. The main healing properties include: Astringent and Absorbent (Grahi/Stambhana): This is the most valued property, primarily found in the resin and bark. It helps in drying out exudates and stopping abnormal discharges, making it excellent for conditions involving fluid loss or bleeding. Wound Healing and Anti-ulcer (Vrana Shodhana & Ropana): The resin and bark have significant antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects. They cleanse wounds, promote rapid tissue regeneration, and accelerate the healing of cuts, burns, ulcers (including peptic and mouth ulcers), and sores. It also helps in fracture healing (Bhagnasandhanakrut). Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic (Vedana Sthapana): Bioactive compounds like triterpenoids provide potent relief from pain and inflammation associated with arthritis, joint pain, muscle spasms, and external injuries. Antimicrobial and Antiseptic: The resin possesses strong anti-microbial properties, useful in managing infections like those in the urinary tract, skin, and reproductive system (e.g., Gonorrhea). Antidiarrhoeal and Antidysenteric: Due to its astringent and absorbent nature, it is highly effective in managing loose stools and intestinal inflammation. Anti-hyperlipidemic and Anti-diabetic: Traditional use and some modern studies suggest its role in regulating lipid levels and managing blood sugar, making it beneficial for diabetes and obesity. Swedahara (Anti-perspirant): It helps decrease excessive sweating and body odor.
Advantages
Beyond its primary healing benefits, Shorea robusta offers numerous practical and ecological advantages that highlight its importance: Superior Timber Quality: Sal wood is one of the most durable hardwoods in South Asia, highly resistant to termites, fungi, and decay. This makes it a preferred material for construction, railway sleepers, furniture, and traditional household items, providing significant economic advantage. Eco-Friendly Consumer Products: The leaves are extensively used in Nepal (where they are called tapari, doona, and bogata) and India to make biodegradable, disposable plates and bowls (patravali). This practice reduces plastic pollution and offers a sustainable livelihood for local communities. Source of Edible Oil/Fat: The seeds yield a vegetable fat known as Sal Butter or Sal Seed Oil. After refining, this oil is used as a cooking medium and is also used in confectionery and cosmetic industries, diversifying its commercial value. Traditional Incense and Fumigation: The resin (Rāla/Sal Dammar) is widely burned as incense (Dhupa) in Hindu ceremonies, temples, and sick rooms for its aromatic, purifying, and anti-microbial properties, serving as a natural air cleanser. Multi-Therapeutic System Integration: Its recognition and documented use across Ayurveda, Unani, and Siddha systems validate its broad and time-tested medicinal safety and efficacy.
Uses
The various parts of the Sal tree—resin, bark, leaves, roots, and fruits—are traditionally utilized to treat a comprehensive range of health issues: For Diarrhoea and Dysentery: The most common internal use. The resin is given mixed with honey, sugar, or curd. A decoction of the bark or a paste of the pounded fruit is also used. For Wounds and Ulcers: The resin or powdered stem bark is applied externally as a paste or poultice to cuts, burns, chronic ulcers, and unhealing sores to stop bleeding, prevent infection, and hasten tissue healing. For Female Reproductive Health: The resin is used to manage excessive vaginal discharge (Leucorrhoea) and heavy menstrual bleeding (Menorrhagia). Traditionally, root paste has been used as a vaginal contraceptive. For Pain and Inflammation: A paste of the resin mixed with mustard oil or egg whites is applied externally to relieve joint pain, arthritis, neuralgia, and painful swellings. For Skin Disorders: Leaf juice or a paste of the bark/resin is used for various skin diseases, including leprosy, itching, ringworm, boils, and cracked feet (Vipadika). Other Internal Uses: Used as an aphrodisiac, to improve weak digestion, to manage respiratory issues like cough and bronchitis (as an expectorant), and in formulations for diabetes and urinary tract disorders.
Using way
The traditional preparation and application methods vary depending on the part of the plant used and the ailment being treated: Plant Part Preparation Method Usage & Dosage Resin (Rāla/Kungiliyam) Powder (Churna): Fine powder of the resin. Internal Dose: 1 to 3 grams per day, in divided doses. Taken with vehicles like hot milk, honey, or treacle for dysentery, cough, or general debility. Ointment/Paste: Resin powder mixed with beeswax, sulphur, ghee (clarified butter), or egg white. External Application: Applied directly to wounds, burns, scalds, ulcers, cracked soles, and painful inflammatory joints (like in Rheumatoid arthritis). Bark Decoction (Kwath): Bark boiled in water until reduced. Internal Dose: 50 to 100 ml of decoction. Used for internal conditions like diarrhoea, dysentery, and diabetes. Paste: Fresh bark ground into a paste. External Application: Applied to fresh cuts and cuts to stop bleeding and promote healing; decoction is also used as ear drops for earaches. Fruit Paste: Pounded fruit ground into a paste. Internal Use: Consumed orally to treat diarrhoea. Root Paste: Fresh roots ground with water. Traditional Use: Paste is reportedly poured into the vagina before sexual intercourse as a traditional contraceptive (Note: modern medical consultation is advised). Export to Sheets
Conclusion
Shorea robusta, or the Sal tree, is a cornerstone of South Asian traditional healthcare and economy, perfectly embodying the concept of a multi-utility medicinal plant. Its resilience in the forests of Nepal, India, and Bangladesh is mirrored by its remarkable therapeutic profile, which centers on its powerful astringent, anti-inflammatory, and wound-healing properties derived mainly from the oleoresin (Rāla/Kungiliyam) and bark. From managing acute digestive disorders like dysentery to offering relief from chronic ailments such as arthritis, and its crucial role in promoting the healing of wounds and fractures, the Sal tree remains an invaluable resource. Its ecological and cultural significance, highlighted by its role as a premier timber source and a producer of sustainable products like leaf plates, firmly establishes Shorea robusta as an enduring pillar of regional biodiversity and a revered heritage in the field of ethnobotany and traditional medicine.
