Root: Purgative.

Toxicity of Stem and Leaf: Hairs (trichomes) are an urticant.

Fruit: Irritant hairs on the fruit are mixed with a greasy solid substance and made into pills which are consumed as an anthelmintic. This acts as a purge to expel the parasitic worms.

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Range. Himalyas, India, Sri Lanka, Southeast Asia, and Malaysia. In Myanmar, found in Bago, Chin, Kayin, Mandalay, Sagaing, Shan, and Yangon.

Uses. Known for a bitter-sweet taste, cooling properties, and control of flatu­lence and gall bladder.

Leaf: Boiled, eaten with fish paste or fish sauce as a dip, is used as a remedy for male maladies; it is also given to mothers to increase lactation, prevent vomiting, and stop bleeding.

Fruit: Used as a de-worming medicine; also pulverized and mixed with water, then ingested as a remedy for urination problems. 

Seed: Used in a tonic. The seeds and seed cases are used in preparations to increase sperm, stimulate lactation, improve circulation, promote vitality and weight gain, expel intestinal worms, and strengthen the senses. Seed cases are rubbed on affected areas to alleviate numbness. Stir-fried or otherwise cooked young seeds are eaten to stop vomiting and bleeding. Fried in butter, they are given to promote strength and weight gain. Crushed seeds are used to make a poultice applied to scorpion and cen­tipede bites. They are also used in medicines to increase strength and vitality, to cure venereal diseases and paralysis, and to stimulate formation of new tissue in the heal­ing of sores and wounds. A mixture of powdered seeds and milk is used to increase sperm and stimulate lactation, and one of equal amounts of the pulverized seeds, root, and sugar is taken for health and vitality; it is also considered extremely ben­eficial for the vitality of semen.

Root: Serves as an emmenagogue, tonic, aphrodisiac, and purgative. Boiled in water and reduced to one-third the starting volume, given with honey for cholera. With diuretic properties, they are used in preparations to strengthen the blood vessels. Root powder mixed with water is taken for dysentery. To treat edema in the abdominal area, crushed root is rubbed onto the stomach; to reduce edema in the joints of fingers and toes, it is formed into pieces and tied to the affected areas; the juice can be taken daily to cure paralysis and atrophied arms. Filtered oil from cooking root powder is rubbed onto affected areas to alleviate en­largement and hardening from elephantiasis.

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Origin:

Nigeria

Part used

hairs on the pods

Medicinal uses

intestinal worms,genito-urinary disorders

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Toxicity:
- Avoid in pregnancy
- Allergenic to skin
Notes
This product is ingested before breakfast
Origin:
Mexico
Medicinal  properties:
- The “hairs” covering pod are mixed with porridge or soft cheese to expel worms
- This product is ingested before breakfast
- Avoid in pregnancy
- Allergenic to skin

1) Robertt, A., et al.. Medicinal Plants of the Guianas (Guyana, Suriname, French Guyana)/Smithsonian NMNH. cited online: 17-08-2017

2) DeFilipps, Robert A.; Krupnick, Gary A. / PhytoKeys, v. 102. - - p. 1 - 314,  2018.

3) Abd El-Ghani1, Monier M./ Traditional medicinal plants of Nigeria: an overview: Agric. Biol. J. N. Am., 2016, 7(5): 220-247. - p. 234.

4) Armando González Stuart/ Plants Used in Mexican Plants Used in Mexican Traditional Medicine Traditional Medicine: Their Application and Effects In Traditional Healing Practices. - p. 136.