Litsea glutinosa Health Dictionary

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Litsea Glutinosa: From 1 Different Sources

(Lour.) C. B. Robinson.

Synonym: L. sebifera Pers. L. chinensis Lam.

Family: Lauraceae.

Habitat: Punjab, Khasi Hills, Bengal, Assam and South India.

English: Common Tallow Lowrel.

Ayurvedic: Medaasaka.

Unani: Maidaa-lakdi, MaghaaseHindi.

Siddha/Tamil: Mushaippeyetti, Elumpurukki, Uralli.

Action: Leaf—antispasmodic and emollient. Bark—demulcent, emollient, astringent, antidiarrhoeal, anodyne. Root—decoction is used as an emmenagogue. Oil from berries—used in rheumatism. Essential oil—antibacterial, antifungal.

The bark is mucilaginous. The plant contains a polysaccharide. Leaves and stem contain aporphine al- kaloids—boldine, laurotetanine, acti- nodaphnine and their derivatives. The trunk bark gave sebiferine and litsefer- ine.

Boldine produced dose-dependent inhibition of induced microsomal peroxidation in experimental studies.

Dosage: Bark—3-5 g powder. (CCRAS.)
Health Source: Indian Medicinal Plants
Author: Health Dictionary

Litsea Monopetala

(Roxb.) Pers.

Synonym: L. polyantha Juss.

Family: Lauraceae.

Habitat: Assam and Eastern Himalayas, also Tamil Nadu.

Ayurvedic: Maidaa-lakdi (var.).

Siddha/Tamil: Maidalagadil, Picin- pattai.

Action: Bark—stimulant, astringent, spasmolytic, stomachic, antidiarrhoeal. Root—applied externally for pains, bruises and contusions.

The bark contains beta-sitosterol and an aporphine alkaloid, actino- daphnine.... litsea monopetala

Litsea Stocksii

Hook. f.

Family: Lauraceae.

Habitat: The hills of western Deccan Peninsula.

Folk: Pisi, Posha (Maharashtra).

Action: Leaves—an infusion is given in irritation of bladder and urethra.

The seeds yield a fat consisting mostly of lauric acid with a small amount of oleic acid.

The leaves are mucilaginous.... litsea stocksii

Litsea Cubeba

Litsea cubeba

FAMILY: Lauraceae

SYNONYMS: L. citrata, ‘may chang’, exotic verbena, tropical verbena.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION: A small tropical tree with fragrant, lemongrass-scented leaves and flowers. The small fruits are shaped like peppers, from which the name ‘cubeba’ derives.

DISTRIBUTION: Native to east Asia, especially China; cultivated in Taiwan and japan. China is the main producer of the oil, much of which is used by the Chinese themselves.

OTHER SPECIES: Despite its folk names, this plant is not related to lemon verbena (Aloysia triphylla). It belongs to the same family as the laurel tree, rosewood and cinnamon.

HERBAL/FOLK TRADITION: It is planted as a wind breaker in China.

ACTIONS: Antiseptic, deodorant, digestive, disinfectant, insecticidal, stimulant, stomachic.

EXTRACTION: Essential oil by steam distillation from the fruits.

CHARACTERISTICS: A pale yellow mobile liquid with an intense, lemony, fresh-fruity odour (sweeter than lemongrass but less tenacious).

PRINCIPAL CONSTITUENTS: Mainly citral (up to 85 per cent).

SAFETY DATA: Non-toxic, non-irritant, possible sensitization in some individuals.

AROMATHERAPY/HOME: USE

Skin care: Acne, dermatitis, excessive perspiration, greasy skin, insect repellent, spots.

Digestive system: Flatulence, indigestion.

Immune system: Epidemics, sanitation.

OTHER USES: Extensively used as a fragrance component in air fresheners, soaps, deodorants, colognes, toiletries and perfumes. Employed in flavouring work, especially fruit products. It serves as a source of natural ‘citral’ all over the world.... litsea cubeba


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