Puga

Description

It is a tree (30 m high) bearing the leaves at the top of the main stem. It grows in the temperate and humid conditions. Kramuka mentioned under Sālasāradi and Śyāmādi ganas by Suśruta is considered to be Lodhra/Pattkā Lodhra but not Pūga. Pūga is otherwise extensively described in the Ayurvedic literature and Śārīgdhara quoted it as an example for Vikāsī dravya.The Areca catechu, or Betel Nut Palm, is a slender, medium-sized palm tree native to tropical Southeast Asia that grows up to 20 meters tall with a gray, ringed trunk. It features long, green, pinnate leaves and produces small, unisexual yellow or cream flowers. Its most notable feature is its ovoid, fibrous, red-orange fruit, the areca nut, which is widely consumed for its psychoactive stimulant effects. The plant is also used in interior landscaping and for making disposable leaf products

Useful Parts

Fruit

Benefits

Digestive System Digestive stimulant / Appetizer → Enhances appetite and secretion of digestive enzymes. Anti-diarrheal → Controls diarrhea by reducing intestinal motility. Carminative → Reduces gas and bloating. Reproductive System Aphrodisiac → Traditionally used to enhance sexual vitality. Musculoskeletal System Anti-inflammatory → Reduces swelling and tissue inflammation. Analgesic → Provides relief from pain. Nervous System Mild stimulant → Enhances alertness and cognition. Oral & Dental Health Antimicrobial / Oral hygiene → Inhibits bacterial growth in oral cavity (though excessive use may be harmful). General / Multi-systemic Antioxidant → Neutralizes free radicals and prevents oxidative damage. Anti-parasitic → Traditionally used to expel intestinal worms

Pharmacological Action

deepena (appetizer) vikasi (losing the connections) atisarahara (anti-diarrheal) krimighna (anti-helminthic) pramehaghna (anti-diabetic)

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Kashaya, Madhura

Guna: Laghu, Ruksha

Virya: Sita

Vipaka: Katu

Dosha Karma: Kaphapitta hara