Helicteres isora: A Magical medieval plant
Helicteres isora, sometimes called the Indian screw tree, is a small or large shrub. It usually falls under the family Malvaceae. It is a tropical Asian plant. It grows throughout India and Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.
The tree is five to eight meters in height. It has grey bark and alternately arranged, hairy, ovate leaves with serrated margins. Its flowers are red or orange-red, and its fruits are green when raw, brown or grey when dried, and twisted, with a screw at its pointed end. The English name of the Indian Screw Tree is probably due to the shape of the fruit.
Seeds of the plant are black or brown and are highly polished, roughly rhomboid, and rectangular or triangular. The red flowers are pollinated mainly by sunbirds, butterflies, and Hymenoptera.
This plant is relatively unfamiliar in our country as ordinary people only want to see the necessary plants. Locally it is called Antamora. People would use it for rope making as shrubs or fuel as dried shrubs. Antioxidants, carbohydrates, proteins, fiber, calcium, phosphorus, and iron are abundant in H. isora.
The following are a few of its most significant health benefits.
- A superb human digestive problems remedy
The Indian Screw tree’s ability to treat gastrointestinal issues is one of its most significant health benefits. Orally, this plant’s root juice and fruit paste use a treatment to treat dysentery, stomach ache, and diarrhea.
- New mothers’ health supplement
The fruit powder is combined with various other nutritional herbs and spices and given to new mothers as a health-booster food to help them cope with postpartum weakness.
- For skin problems, the Indian screw tree
The Indian Screw Tree leaf is rich in antioxidants and antibacterial agents. Externally, the lead paste can use as a treatment to treat various skin conditions, including eczema and scabies.
- Contributes to diabetic control
The Indian screw tree is one of the most effective herbs for enhancing physical endurance and strength. It acts as an insulin sensitizer, stabilizing blood sugar levels and assisting in the management of diabetes.
- Respiratory diseases: effective treatment
The chemical constituents of this Ayurvedic plant are highly effective in treating respiratory conditions such as bronchitis and throat dryness. Additionally, it is incredibly beneficial in treating Tuberculosis and sputum with a bloody tinge.
The Indian screw tree is one of the most potent Ayurvedic herbs known to humanity for its regenerative properties. However, the Indian screw tree’s numerous impressive health benefits are not widely known. Thus, it is past time for us to appreciate and utilize this herb for our health’s benefit.
