Karkatashringi (Pistacia Integerrima), Color : Dark Brown

Karkatashringi (Pistacia integerrima) tree is indigenous to India and is found in the outer ranges of the North-Western Himalayas at an altitude of 500 to 2500 meter. For medicinal purpose, mainly the galls present on the leaves and branches are used. Galls are not the growth of tree but these are formed by insect Aphis (Dasia asdifactor). The insects live inside it and suck the juice of tree. These galls are greenish, pinkish, with horn like shape. Galls are hallow from inside.
The Ayurvedic name of gall is Karkatashringi. Its powder is used for medicinal purpose in Ayurveda and folk medicine. It is astringent, expectorant, anti-asthmatic, anti-dysenteric, and styptic.
Karkatashringi is used in Ayurveda in treatment of cough, asthma, bronchitis, phthisis, catarrhal fever, enlarged glands and externally on obstinate skin diseases, bleeding gums, epistaxis, leucorrhea, and other mucous discharges.
Medicinal Properties

• Demulcent: relieving inflammation or irritation.
• Expectorant: promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages, used to treat coughs.
• CNS depressing: depression of the central nervous system that can result in decreased rate of breathing, decreased heart rate, and loss of consciousness.
• Analgesic: acting to relieve pain.
• Anti-asthmatic: treat or prevent asthma attacks.
• Anti-inflammatory: Reducing inflammation by acting on body mechanisms.

Medicinal Uses of Karkatashringi

• In Ayurveda, for medicinal purpose the powder of galls is used alone or with other herbs.
• Karkatashringi is indicated in whooping cough, asthma and other respiratory ailments.
• For vomiting, the Karkatashringi powder is given with Motha.
• Karkatashringi is spermatogenic and given for improving vigor and vitality. For this purpose, the paste of Karkatashringi is given with milk.