Kakra Singhi - Kakda Singi - Pistacia Integerrima - Zebrawood

What is Kakadasinghi (Pistacia Integerrima):

Kakadasinghi is a poisonous tuber which is found in the forests of Assam. It is a glabrous shrub, dark grey or blackish bark, and grows up to 16 meters. The leaves are 20-25 cm long, with or without terminal leaflets: four to five pairs of leaflets, lanceolate in shape, coriaceous and base oblique. The odor of this plant is peculiar.

The leaves are dark green in color which turn bright red in autumn. This is the time when they are more easily recognized. Flowers are in lateral panicles, male compact, pubescent, ferrale lax and elongated. The plant wears the flowers and fruits in spring, which have large clusters of tawny colored fruit in winter. These fruits are eaten by species of birds. Seeds of plant are with a membranous testa.

In Sushurta Samhita Kakadasinghi is classified as poisonous tuber.

• It is herb which produces singi (gall) which are produced by an insect produces the hom like outgrowths on the branches of this herb which are called as hollow,
• thin-walled,
• generally cylindrical
• and tapering to either extremity.

Uses:

• It is a very effective herb in the treatment of Edema. This herb helps to reduce fluid accumulation in the tissues and provides relief from swelling, especially in legs, hands, arms and ankle.
• It is also good for gum diseases like pyorrhea, gingivitis etc. Decoction of this herb help to remove pus from gum. Furthermore its anti-inflammatory properties help to reduce pain associated with these conditions. This herbs is packed with wound healing properties and thus it helps in healing of wounds and cuts.
• It also acts as astringent and carminative, which help reduce flatulence in gastrointestinal tract. It is also good to resolve respiratory complications like coughs and dyspnea.
• Being bitter and pungent in taste it acts as expectorant which helps clear mucus from throat or lungs.