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 Anacardium occidentale (Anacardiaceae)
CASHEW NUT, EAST INDIAN ALMOND
The cashew nut's oil and juice are
used by herbalists. The oil, which is corrosive, is applied to growths such as
warts. the juice is given for disorders of the womb and is used homeopathically
for anxiety and breathlessness.
As with many tropical forest trees, different parts of the cashew tree are used locally
for a range of purposes from insecticide to ink, as well as in medicine. Native to South American jungles, the cashew is cultivated in the tropical zones of other countries.
The tree grows to 12 m (40 ft) and has blunt oval leaves. When its small yellowish-pink
flowers fall, their receptacles swell and produce a kidney-shaped greyish fruit
containing the cashew nut kernel.
PARTS USED
Bark, juice and oil from fruit, kernels.
ACTIVE INGREDIENTS
Protein; niacin; anacardic acid; cardol; magnesium; iron.
ACTIONS
Bark extracts help to reduce fever; oil from the fruit dissolves protein in dead skin;
fruit juice increases urine production; kernels are nutritive.
MEDICINAL USE
The oil can be used to remove
warts, corns, ringworm, and cancerous ulcers. The fruit juice has been used in womb complaints. It is also given in homeopathic doses (Anacardium)
for anxiety, breathing difficulties, and digestive tract disorders.
PREPARATIONS
Fresh juice, oil, dried kernels, decoction of bark, homeopathic remedies.
CAUTION
The oil is corrosive, use with care.
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