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tree for the star “moolam”. Hindu communities
believed that the persons whom born in Moolam
star must worship the tree for their progress. Dried
seed of Vateria indica is used to fumigate with
turmeric in spiritual events. Furit shell is used for
the purpose as lamps by Kattunaikka and the
dammar for warding off evil spirits.
Resin is reported to be a tonic, depurative,
carminative, expectorant and an effective pain
reliever. It is used widely for fumigation and to heal
chronic wounds. Also it is used to cure throat
troubles, chronic bronchitis, urethrorrhea, anaemia,
haemorrhoids, hemicrania, piles, diarrhoea,
rheumatism, tubercular glands, gonorrhea and
ulcers. The resin is applied as an effective remedy
for joint pain, arthritis and headache. Resin acts
against dysentery and obesity. It has got a bitter
Number of individuals using Vateria indica for
various purposes
17
18.89%
Tribes using Vateria indica
for various purpose (in %)
6
20
Number of individuals using Vateria indica for
various purposes
17
44
48.89%
44
6
6.67%
20
3
22.22%
3
3.33%
Domestic purposes
Medicinal uses
Comercial uses
Religious practices
Not used
taste, seethe veerya (cold dominated therapeutic
action), and snigdha properties (able to provide
soothing effect). Fumigation is recommended for
fever, jaundice, and for viral infections. Seed oil is
used against rheumatism and neuralgia. Bark is an
alexipharmic, used in Ayurvedic preparations. Fruit
shell is also used for tanning. In Kalarippayattu- the
traditional martial arts of Kerala, the resin is used
in a preparation of 'Marmagulika' which is used for
the treatment of muscles fractures of and in
preparation of body massage oil.
Timber is normally not strong, but it is said by
chemical treatment quality can be increased. Tribal
people used the timber for the preparation of
houses. Timber is commonly used by plywood
industry (Kumar, 2005) Timber is used for the
preparation of tea chests, coffins, floorings,
ammunition boxes and oars for sea going vessels.
Resin fumigation is effective against insects and
mosquitoes. The oleoresin mixed with coconut oil
makes an excellent varnish (Nair and Nair 1985).
Dried resin is used for the preparation of inscent
sticks and for paint industry. Seed oil is used for
the preparation of soap (Gopimani 1991).
Domestic purposes
Conservation efforts
Medicinal uses
Vateria indica flowers mostly during February- April
and fruits Comercial mature by July- uses August. The matured
fruits are fallen and regenerated naturally. The
Religious practices
ripened and dispersed fruits containing seeds were
gathered Not during used June- July. Seeds were sown in
polythene bags filled with sand and farm soil (3:1).
The seedlings can be maintained in the nursery till
the next planting season. The percentage of
germination of V. indica as per above method was
86.32 % (Fig 1). There are about 1369 seedlings of
this species raised and distributed.
21