Indian rosewood
StarDalbergia sissoo
Synonyms: Pterocarpus sissoo, Amerimnon sissoo, Dalbergia pendula, Endespermum diversifolium
Western Herbalism Properties
Traditional Uses
In Ayurveda the heartwood, bark and leaves of Dalbergia sissoo (Sanskrit Shimshapa, Hindi Shisham) are considered bitter, astringent and alterative (rakta-shodhaka, blood-purifying), and are used in decoctions for skin diseases, leucoderma, dysentery, leucorrhoea, scabies and wound washes; root and leaf preparations are also recorded in Indian and Pakistani folk medicine for similar indications (Khare, 2007).
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Botanical Description
Dalbergia sissoo, known as shisham, sisu or Indian rosewood, is a medium to large deciduous tree of the family Fabaceae (Faboideae), native to the Indian subcontinent and southern Iran and widely planted across South Asia as a timber and shade tree. It reaches 15–25 m in height with a crooked trunk, light brown deeply furrowed bark, and a light, open crown. The leaves are alternate, imparipinnate, with 3–5 alternate, broadly ovate to suborbicular leaflets, each with an abruptly acuminate tip and a glaucous underside. Small, fragrant, whitish to pale yellow papilionaceous flowers are borne in dense axillary panicles. The fruit is a flat, strap-shaped, indehiscent legume containing 1–4 seeds. Its heartwood is golden brown, durable and one of the principal furniture timbers of South Asia.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before using any herbal remedy, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, or taking medications.
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