Butea (Butea monosperma)

Butea (Butea monosperma) is a member of the Fabaceae family, native to India, Southeast Asia, and Indo-China. Traditionally, its bark, leaves, and roots have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, tonic, and astringent actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, traditional chinese medicine, and unani medicine.

Butea (Butea monosperma) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Butea (Butea monosperma) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Butea
Scientific Name	Butea monosperma
Plant Family	Fabaceae
Genus	Butea
Species	monosperma
Native Range	India, Southeast Asia, Indo-China
Plant Parts Used	Bark, Leaves, Roots
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Tonic, Astringent
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Unani Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Butea monosperma
Common Name: Butea
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Flame Of The Forest, Velvet Tree, Red Sandalwood
Plant Family: Fabaceae
Genus: Butea

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 5 to 15 meters.
Leaves: Broad leaves with upper surface pale green and lower surface dull green, featuring prominent stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are racemose clusters of zygomorphic flowers with orange-red petals, five sepals, and a superior ovary with two stigmas.
Stems: Erect, woody, branching in a dichotomous pattern, with a smooth, glabrous surface.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a gentle anti-inflammatory, in topical or internal use contexts.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a moderate tonic, for foundational support.
Astringent: Traditionally described as a calming astringent, in structural-support contexts.
Diuretic: Commonly referenced as a warming diuretic, for elimination-focused applications.

Active Compounds

Tannin: Plant-derived compounds known for their ability to bind proteins.
Flavonoid: Plant-based polyphenolic compounds frequently distributed throughout aerial plant parts.
Saponin: A group of glycosidic compounds commonly found in roots, leaves, and seeds.
Phenolic Acid: Organic acids commonly occurring as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: There is limited information regarding general precautions related to the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Contraindications for this herb are not clearly established in available sources.
Allergies: Allergic reactions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Drug Interactions: The potential for interactions with prescription medications has not been extensively studied.
Toxicity: Available information regarding the toxicity of this herb is limited.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Dried or fresh plant parts are infused in hot water and consumed as a beverage.
Decoction: Plant parts are gently boiled in water to release soluble constituents.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Powder: This method converts dried plant material into a uniform powder.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial sun. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.