Cashew

Cashew is a widespread tree, grown in all tropical countries. Generally it has a crooked trunk. The leaves are oval in shape with rounded tips. The yellowish flowers are small, crowned at the tips of the branches and the petals are sometimes with pink stripes. The fruit is pear- shaped, producing a kidney- shaped nut outside and under the fruit. The cashew nut is well- known as a delicacy.



MEDICINAL USE:

* Diarrhea, diabetes, infectious swellings and mouth ulcers.
* Relieves toothaches, sore gums and dysentery.
* Promotes the flow of urine.
* Alcoholic solution of the pericarp is used to expel worms from the body. It is an effective insecticide.

HOW TO USE:

* The bark of the tree is used in decoction for diarrhea, diabetes, swellings and mouth ulcers.
* Infusion of the leaves and the bark relieves toothaches, sore gums and dysentery.
* The juice from the pericarp promotes flow of urine and the alcoholic solution of the pericarp expels worms. The juice of the ripe fruit is good for dysentery.
* The gum extracted from the bark is an effective insecticide.

PARTS USED:

Bark, leaves, fruits and gum.

DOSE:

As indicated above or normal.

Normal Dosage For:

Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day

A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp


1 litre = 7 or 8 cups