A Comprehensive Guide to Ayurvedic Specialties
Bhallataka (Marking Nut)
Latin Name: Semicarpus anacardium Linn.
Family: Anacardiaceae (Amra kula)
Classical Gana/Varga:
Charaka: Dipaniya (Appetizer group), Kushthaghna (Skin disease alleviating group), Murtasangrahaniya (Astringent group)
Sushruta: Mustadi Gana
Sanskrit Synonyms: Arunshkara, Agnika, Shophakrit, Agnimukha, Anala, Vatari, Mahateekshna, Sphotabcejaka.
Regional Names:
Hindi: Bhilava
Marathi: Bibba
Kannada: Bilava
Tamil: Senakottni
Telugu: Fidivittulu
English: Marking Nut
Morphology: A medium-sized tree, 7-8 meters tall. The stem bark is smoky and exudes a black, irritant juice when cut. Leaves are large (30-75 cm long, 12-30 cm broad), terminal, oblong with a rounded tip and 16-25 pairs of veins. Flowers are greenish-yellow, unisexual (with male and female flowers on separate plants), and arranged on slightly hairy, branched inflorescences. The fruit is about 2.5 cm long, cordate (heart-shaped), smooth, and glistening black when ripe. The basal cup is fleshy, orange, and edible. The fruit pulp is oily.
Habitat: Found in hot regions of India, the Himalayas up to 1000 meters, and in states like Bihar, Bengal, and Orissa.
Part Used: Fruit, Seed, Seed Oil.
Purification (Śodhana): Due to its extremely Teekshna (penetrating) nature, Bhallataka must not be used without purification. The classical purification process is as follows:
1. Select nuts that sink in water.
2. Cut the proximal end of the nut.
3. Embed the nuts in brick powder for one week.
4. After one week, wash the nuts in warm water.
5. Finally, boil them in cow's milk.
Preservation: Not mentioned in the provided text.
Attribute (Guṇa) Property
Rasa (Taste) Katu (Pungent), Kashaya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet - secondary)
Guṇa (Quality) Laghu (Light), Snigdha (Unctuous), Teekshna (Penetrating)
Vīrya (Potency) Ushna (Heating)
Vipāka (Post-digestive) Katu (Pungent)
Dosha Karma: Primarily Kapha-Vatahara (pacifies Kapha and Vata). Its Ushna and Teekshna properties effectively digest and eliminate Kapha. It pacifies Vata by its Ushna nature and Snigdha Guna. However, it is strongly Pittakara (aggravates Pitta) and must be used with extreme caution where Pitta is involved.
Srotas Karma (Actions by Body System):
Annavaha Srotas (Digestive System): Its Katu Rasa and Ushna-Teekshna Gunas make it a potent Deepana (appetizer) and Pachana (digestive). It has a Bhedana (laxative) action that alleviates Vibandha (constipation), Anaha (bloating), Gulma (abdominal lump), and Udara (ascites). It is also Malasangrahi (absorbent) in conditions like Amātisāra (diarrhea with indigestion) and Sama Pravahika (dysentery with indigestion), but only when Pitta is absent. It is also a strong Krimighna (anthelmintic).
Pranavaha Srotas (Respiratory System): It liquefies and breaks up thick Kapha (Kapha Vilayana and Chedana), making it useful in Shvasa (asthma) and Kasa (cough).
Rasavaha / Raktavaha Srotas (Circulatory System): It stimulates heart function and clears obstructions in the channels, useful in Hridaurabalya (cardiac debility) and associated Shotha (edema). However, it can vitiate Rakta (blood) if misused.
Mamsa / Medovaha Srotas (Muscle & Fat Tissue): It digests Meda Dhatu (fat tissue) and is highly effective in Kushtha (skin diseases), especially Kapha-Vataja types, by eliminating Kleda (moisture) and Kandu (itching). Useful in Vicharchika (eczema), Pama (scabies), and Dadru (ringworm).
Majjavaha Srotas (Nervous System): It has a Medhya (nootropic) effect and is used in CNS disorders like Apasmara (epilepsy), Grudhrasi (sciatica), Amavata (rheumatoid arthritis), and Pakshaghata (paralysis) by pacifying Vata.
Shukrartavavaha Srotas (Reproductive System): It is Vajikara (aphrodisiac) and Shukravriddhikara (spermatogenic). Its Ushna property stimulates uterine function, aiding in Dysmenorrhoea.
Primary Actions: Deepana (Appetizer), Pachana (Digestive), Bhedana (Laxative), Krimighna (Anthelmintic), Kushthaghna (Antileprotic), Rasayana (Rejuvenative), Vajikara (Aphrodisiac), Medhya (Nootropic), Shothahara (Anti-inflammatory).
Dosage (Mātrā):
Purified Oil: 250 mg (filled in a capsule) for deworming.
Rasayana Regimen: Start with 1/8 of a purified nut (as Ksheerapaka or cooked with rice), gradually increasing to 1-2 nuts per day, then tapering off.
Anupāna (Vehicle): Sugar and Ghee (for oil), Milk, Curd, Jaggery.
Important Formulations (Kalpa): Bhallatakasiddha Dugdha, Bhallataka Modaka, Bhallataka Ksheerapaka.
Contraindications (Nivārita): Contraindicated in children, pregnant women, the elderly, and individuals with Pittaprakriti (Pitta constitution). Absolutely avoid in conditions involving Pitta or bleeding, such as Raktatisara (bloody diarrhea), Raktapravahika (dysentery with bleeding), and during the hot season.
Symptoms of Toxicity (Aśuddha Viṣa Lakṣaṇa): Rash, inflammation of mucus membranes, generalized burning sensation, pruritus of the glans penis and vulva, sweating, thirst, oliguria (scanty urine), and burning, smoke-colored urination.
Antidote & Treatment (Viṣa Chikitsā):
1. Immediately discontinue use.
2. Apply Sesame oil, Coconut oil, or an ointment made from Shallaki gum and Ghee locally to affected skin.
3. Apply Multani Mitti (Fuller's earth) or a paste of Butter and Musta powder or Coriander to allergic rashes.
4. Symptoms typically resolve in 3-4 days.
Chemical Composition: The fruit contains about 32% oil (darkens on air exposure). The oil and seed contain bioactive compounds like Bhilavan and Semicarpol.
Research Notes:
Rheumatoid Arthritis: Clinical studies showed marked improvement, reduced ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), and improved D-xylose absorption. Anti-inflammatory effects were confirmed in experimental models.
Cancer: Chloroform extract of the whole nut provided symptomatic relief in human esophageal cancer and myeloid leukemia. The nut was found to contain radioactive K-40, which prompted investigations into its chemotherapeutic potential.