Names: Aak, Ak, Arka, Akvana, Aaknad, Asfota, Apple Of Sodom, Alarka, Akand, Akone, Aakado, Akado, Akda, Arkagid, Ashur, Ravi, Bhanu, Calotropis Gigantea, Calotropis Procera, Ekk, Ekkdagid, Ekkegid, Jilledu, Kapok Tree, Kharak, Kharaq, Mandara, Milkweed, Mudar, Madar, Madar Tree, Myhara, Mandaram, Neela Eukku, Rubber Bush, Rubber Tree, Retoakah, Swallow-wort, Surya Patra, Sodom Apple, Toolaphala, Tapana, Ushae, Ushar, Vikirana, Zahar Nak, Zahook

Other Names: Aak Ke Phool, Aak Flower, Aak Phool, Aak Phul, Aak Ki Rui, Aak Cotton, Aak Rui, Aak Ki Cotton, Aak Ruyi, Cotton For Pooja, Puja, Aak Ki Leaves, Aak Leaves, Aak Patti, Aak Pattiya, Aak Ki Sookhi Patti, Aak Ki Sukhi Leaves, Aak Ki Lakadi, Aak Lakdi, Aak Wood, Aak Phul, Aak Leaves Dried

Form: Dried Raw Herb, Flower, Cotton, Leaves, Wood

Uses of Aak in Hawan & Pooja in Sanatan Dharma (Hindu Religion):

Aak Wood is used in Hawan as Samidha to please God Surya. Aak Cotton (Ruyi) is used to make Jyot, Wick, Baati to please and increase the Power of God Surya. The smog of wood & cotton is preferable by God and also removes negative energy from the Environment.

Aak tree is worshiped in a country like India. It is believed that Lord Ganesha resides in the Roots of Aak tree. Also, it is a favorite tree of Lord Shiva. This tree produces cotton. This cotton is essential in the Hindu religion. The battis made out of this cotton has a Significant Role in the poojas. Its Believed God loves the worship done by using Aak cotton Batti.

Ayurvedic Medicinal Properties of Aak

Qualities (Guna): Lightness (Laghu), Dryness (Rukha), and Teekshna

Taste (Rasa): Bitter (Tikta) and Pungent (Katu)

Vipaka: Pungent (Katu) taste after digestion

Potency (Veerya): Ushna. Hot. Branch, leaves, roots, the flower has hot potencies.

Metabolic Property: Pungent

Effect on Tridosha: Mainly balances Vata and Kapha dosha

Medicinal Properties of Aak: Anti-fungal, Anti-diabetic, Anti-carcinogenic, Expectorant, Aphrodisiac, Anti-inflammatory, Anti-coagulant, Anti-dysenteric, Anti-syphilitic, Anti-rheumatic.

Nutrients of Aak: Nutrients found in it include A and B Amarin, Cyanidin-3-Rhamnoglucoside, Procesterol, B-sitosterol, Calactin, Catoxin, Calotropagenin, Calotropin, Calotropain, Proceroside, Proceragenin, etc.

Medicinal Benefits and Uses of Aak

Its latex is useful in Vamana (vomiting therapy) and virechana (purgation therapy) to include vomit ad purgation.

Gulmahara- Used in abdominal bloating and tumors

Kushtahara- Treats skin-related issues

Udarahara- It is useful in ascites

Krimihara- Treats intestinal worm infestation

Deepana- Increases appetite

Sara- Proper bowel movements

Kanduhara- Treats itching

Pleehahara- Useful in sleep-related issues

Shophahara- Acts as an anti-inflammatory

This herb is used as a laxative (in constipation) and also useful in cough and cold

Other Uses of Aak:

Gastritis: A medicine called Arka Lavana which is prepared from the leaves of arak that are processed with Saindhava Lavana (salt). This formulation is widely used in treating gastritis and apply its latex is used in relieving toothache.

Snakebite: It has been used since ancient times in snake bites. Its latex was applied over the wound and its leaves were chewed.

Benefits of Aak:

Every part of the plant is medicine and every part is useful.

Benefits of Aak Leaves for Inflammation:

Since ancient times, leaves of Aak have been used to remove inflammation of the body. Apply oil on the smooth surface of the leaves (ventral side), heat them, and apply to the swelling affected part of the body. If this treatment is used regularly for 5 to 6 days it definitely helps reduce inflammation.

Benefits of Aak Flower to Cure Asthma:

Mix Rock Salt with Grinded Flower of Aak. Consuming or drinking it with warm water may help in getting relief from Asthma, cough, cold, etc.

Benefits of Aak Milk for Skin:

Its milk is very beneficial in skin-related disorders. Using this milk you can overcome various types of skin problems for sure. Apply this milk on the affected areas of skin and useful in ringworm, boils, or sores. The antioxidants present in it are helpful in healing skin problems.

Benefits of Aak Cure Digestion:

May help in treating abdominal tumors, abdominal bloating, acidity, and constipation.

Aak leaves to Relieve Deafness:

Administered a few drops of its leaves juice into the ear may help in treating deafness of the ear. Consult the doctor before as ears are sensitive organs.

Aak for Cure Diabetes:

Keep leaves under the feet every morning and wear socks. Remove these leaves before sleeping at night. It may help in controlling Diabetes.

Along with its useful medicinal properties, it also has a poisonous tendency. Consult a doctor before using this plant for any medication. High intake results in vomiting, diarrhea, slow heart rate, convulsions, and even death. Pregnant women and breastfeeding women should avoid it.

Part used:

Flowers, latex, leaf, seeds, and root bark

Dosage:

• Root bark powder: 0.5 to 1 gm
• Flower powder: 1 to 2 gm
• Fatal dose: More than 500 mg