Pistacia integerrima gall (Pistacia integerrima)
Synopsis
Pistacia integerrima, commonly known as zebrawood or kakar singhi in traditional South Asian medicine, is a deciduous tree native to the Himalayan regions of India, Nepal, and Pakistan. The most medicinally valuable part of the plant is not its leaves or bark, but its galls—abnormal growths formed on the leaves and branches due to insect activity (especially aphids or wasps). These galls are collected, dried, and used in herbal medicine for their strong astringent, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and expectorant properties.
Pistacia galls are rich in tannins, flavonoids, essential oils, and bioactive compounds like gallic acid, which contribute to their therapeutic actions. Traditionally, the galls are used to support respiratory health, particularly in relieving chronic cough, asthma, bronchitis, hoarseness, and throat infections. Their astringent action helps reduce mucus secretion, while their antimicrobial nature combats respiratory tract infections. In Ayurveda, they are also prescribed for dysentery, diarrhea, and indigestion due to their tightening and drying qualities on the gut lining.
In modern phytotherapy, extracts of Pistacia integerrima are being investigated for their antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. The gall powder may be taken alone or mixed with honey, warm water, or other herbs, and is available in traditional formulations such as churnas, syrups, and decoctions.
Historical Use in Medicine:
The use of Pistacia integerrima galls dates back centuries in Ayurvedic and Unani medicine, where they were considered a go-to remedy for chronic respiratory and gastrointestinal ailments. Ancient Ayurvedic texts like the Charaka Samhita and Bhavaprakasha describe their use under the name "Karkatshringi" for balancing the Kapha and Vata doshas, particularly in conditions involving excessive mucus, congestion, or weak digestion.
In Unani medicine, the galls were valued for their mufarreh (tonic) and munaffis-e-balgham (phlegm-expelling) properties. Practitioners often used them in compound formulas to treat productive cough, asthma, and even tuberculosis, often combining them with herbs like licorice, long pepper, and cinnamon.
The galls were also ground into pastes or mixed with honey for pediatric use, making them a staple in traditional cough syrups for children. In rural regions of the Indian subcontinent, they are still widely used in home remedies for cold, flu, and throat ailments.
With the rising global interest in traditional and integrative medicine, Pistacia integerrima gall is gaining attention for its potent, multifaceted applications—particularly in respiratory health and immune support—making it a valuable herb in both ancient and modern healing systems.
Body Systems
Bronchials (Science)
Immune System (Science)
Lungs (Science)
Respiratory System (Science)
Tonsils (Science)