Sal Tree

*Botanical name-  Shorea robusta

*Common name-  Shorea robusta, the sal tree, shala tree, sakhua, or sarai. Hindi: Dhuna, Jall, Damar, Salwa, Sal, Shal;

*Family name- Dipterocarpaceae

1. Wound healing

Sal tree sap is used for treating agonizing swelling. It has rala which acts as effective astringent and anti-microbial properties. Rala cleanses wounds and facilitate healing of wounds.

2. Acts as astringent

Tree has astringent properties which are found to be helpful for treating dysentery and diarrhea. Tree extracts are considered to be strong astringent agents. It is beneficial for those suffering from diarrhea.

3. Skin health

Sal tree possess astringent properties which is an ingredient in herbal ointments for skin problems and ear ailments. Various shorea ointments are available in the market for skin ailments. Moreover, it nourishes the skin being rich in essential vitamins and minerals. It is a smart choice to get radiant skin naturally without artificial methods.

4. Therapeutic properties

Sal tree has effective therapeutic properties which is beneficial for maintaining overall health. It has therapeutic properties from oleoresin that contains triterpenoids, the derivatives of ursonic, triterpene and olenane acid.

5. Healthy hair

Sal tree extracts have astringent properties which is beneficial for maintaining skin care and hair care. It cleanses the hair as well as skin.

6. Treatment for piles

It is commonly used in Ayurveda, Unani and tribal systems of medicine. It is effective to halt bleeding piles and also provide relief to the patients experiencing piles.

7. Helpful for arthritis

The resin obtained from sal tree bark is helpful in providing relief from arthritis. Mix few grams of resin with egg whites and apply this paste to the affected portion. It provides relief from joint pain caused due to arthritis.

8. Antibacterial properties

It possesses antibacterial properties that eliminate germs and bacteria. The herbal cream prepared from leaves of Shorea is helpful to speed up the healing process.

9. Treat infections

Shorea robusta has antioxidants that exterminate infections in the body. It has antioxidants that neutralize infections. It promotes infection combating capabilities of the body resulting sooner recovery from infections.

10. Strengthen immunity

Shorea robusta helps to promote immunity of the body. This herb is beneficial for those who wish to promote immunity level of the body. It is incredible to maintain overall health.

*Economic Importance: -

Sal wood ranks with teak and deodar as one of the best sleeper woods in India; and in great demand in the form of bellies and poles.

Sal resin yields an essential oil called Chua oil, used as a fixative, and for flavouring chewing as well as smoking tobacco; also employed for ear troubles and cutaneous diseases.

*Environment benefits of Sal Tree:- The Sal forest ecosystem supports a rich and diverse variety of flora and fauna, which includes 221 plant species and 220 animal species.

Though Sal is the single most important tree species in this forest , approximately 500 undergrowth species have been reported in association with Sal trees.