The Many Cures Offered By False Ashoka (Polyalthia Longiflora) Tree

The false ashoka tree is botanically called Polyalthia longiflora. It is a lofty evergreen tree that looks like cypress tree and it is native to India. It is also commonly known as Indian fir tree, mast tree and Buddha tree. In Lagos Nigeria, it is known as masquerade tree or Igunnuko tree(because the drooping pendulous branches make the tree have a resemblance in appearance to a Nigerian masquerade called Igunnuko). It is also named Fashola tree after the former Lagos State Governor who encouraged the habit of planting of trees. False ashoka trees are seen everywhere in Lagos now, especially by the roadsides.

False ashoka trees are planted by roadsides and to line driveways because:

• They reduce noise pollution
• They have nice looks,
• They are used for landscaping purposes
•  They screen properties and provide privacy by providing tall hedges
• They accent roads and driveways

Polyalthia (from polyathea in Greek) means many cures. False ashoka is aptly named so because the medicinal uses are immense. All the parts of false ashoka tree are used for traditional medicine especially in India that is its origin and it is widely used in Ayurveda.

Polyalthia longiflora contains many phytonutrients with therapeutic properties and they give little or no side effects. Some of its active components are alkaloids, tannins, saponins and glycosides. Some of the therapeutic properties of false ashoka are:

• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory
• Hypoglycemic
• Anti-microbial
• Hypotensive
• Hepatoprotective
• Purgative
• Anti-cancer
• Antipyretic
• Febrifuge
• Analgesic

False ashoka parts are used:

1. To reduce fevers
2. To regulate blood sugar levels
3. To lower blood pressure levels
4. To reduce blood cholesterol levels
5. To treat cancer
6. To reduce tumours
7. To treat infections
8. To treat skin issues like rashes, eczema,
9. To treat female reproductive organs disorders such as dysmenorrhea, leucorrhea, etc.
10. To treat uterine issues such as fibroid growth, inflammation and hemorrhage
11. To treat pain
12. To heal ulcers
13. To purify the blood
14. To treat urinary tract infections
15. To reduce fevers.
16. To treat syphilis and gonorrhea
17. To treat dysentery and diarrhea
18. To treat intestinal parasites
19. To treat mouth ulcers
20. To treat liver issues
21. To treat indigestion

False ashoka has many other medicinal uses. If you have more information about this plant, let us know below. Also leave your comment and question below. Follow on Twitter @heal2bwell.