Screw Pine

The Screw Pine, which belongs to the plant family Pandanaceae is a shrubby, sword-like leaved plant that grows from 2-6 metres high. Its stem is supported by aerial roots with multiple root caps. The male flowers found in spadix inflorescences are fragrant and protected by shield-like spathes. These flowers are used by the perfume industry. The female flowers found in solitary spadix inflorescences have 6-10 carpels and the stigmas are short, kidney shaped and yellow  in colour. The fruit resemble pineapples or female cones of gymnosperms. The screw pines is planted outdoors as an ornamental plant in tropical and subtropical countries. The leaves are used for making thatches, baskets, mats, hats, and other fancy articles.



MEDICINAL USE:
*Promotes the flow of urine and is a tonic for the heart.
*Antiabortion tonic, leprosy, leucoderma and scabies.
*Rheumatism, earache and headache.

HOW TO USE:
*The decoction of the stems and leaves promotes the flow of urine and is used as a tonic for the
  heart.
*The decoction has also been used in cases of threatened abortion, leprosy, leucoderma and scabies.
*The external use of the root in decoction  helps in rheumatism, earache and headache.

PARTS USED:
*The stems, leaves and roots.

DOSE:
As recommended above.

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