Indian Redwood (Biancaea sappan, formerly known as Caesalpinia sappan) has a longstanding place in traditional Ayurvedic and other Asian medicinal practices. It is commonly referred to as "Patanga" or "Sappan wood." Historically, various parts of the plant, particularly the heartwood, have been used to treat a range of conditions including edema (swelling). In Ayurvedic texts, Indian Redwood is categorized as having "Shothahara" (anti-inflammatory) properties, suggesting its traditional application in reducing swelling and water retention in the body.

The rationale for its use in edema is primarily rooted in these traditional descriptions. While some preliminary pharmacological studies have identified anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds in Biancaea sappan, such as brazilin and sappanone, direct clinical evidence supporting its efficacy in treating edema specifically is lacking. Most references to its anti-edema activity are based on traditional formulations or animal studies rather than robust human clinical trials. Therefore, the justification for its use is mainly traditional, and the level of evidence supporting its effectiveness for edema is modest but not absent, meriting a rating of 2.