CUSTARD APPLE (Annona squamosa Linn)

The custard apple tree belongs to the plant family Annonacease.  It is a small tree, which grows to about 6 meters high.  It has narrow oval leaves that are a little hairy when young.  The unattractive, pale-yellow flowers grow singly in the axils of the leaves.  The fruit is round or heart-shaped and about 10 to 12 cm. in diameter. The outside of the fruit is marked by polygonal tubercles.  The flesh inside the fruit, which covers the seeds, is white, soft, with a very agreeable taste.  The seeds are black in color.

Medicinal use

·         Anaemia.

·         Causes vomiting.

·         Dandruff.

·         Indigestion.

·         Relieves fainting spells.

·         Vermicidal and insecticidal.

·         Strong laxative.

How to use

·    The ripe fruit is recommended in case of anaemia.

·  The seeds provoke vomiting – a good way of cleaning the stomach when food poisoning occurs.

·    The powder of the seed, mixed with alcohol, applied externally, is good for dandruff.

·  The poultice from the fresh leaves is recommended for dyspepsia or indigestion.

·   Crushed leaves can be applied to the nose to relieve fainting spells.

·    The unripe fruit and seeds are vermicidal or have the property of killing worms, and insecticidal or have the property of killing insects.

·    The decoction of the root is a drastic purgative.

Parts used

The root, leaves, bark, unripe fruit and seeds, in infusion or decoction.  The ripe fruit is to be eaten.

Dose

Normal