Department of Dravyaguna
Loquat
Japanese Plum
Synonyms
Description
Height
A tree of moderate size, the loquat may reach 20 to 30 ft (6–9 m). It has a rounded crown, short trunk, and woolly new twigs.
Leaves
Evergreen leaves, mostly whorled at the branch tips. Elliptical-lanceolate to obovate lanceolate, 5 to 12 in (12.5–30 cm) long and 3 to 4 in (7.5–10 cm) wide. Dark-green and glossy on the upper surface, whitish or rusty-hairy beneath, thick and stiff, with conspicuous parallel oblique veins.
Flower
Sweetly fragrant flowers, borne in rusty-hairy terminal panicles of 30 to 100 blooms. White, 5-petalled, ½ to ¾ in (1.25–2 cm) wide.
Fruits
Fruits in clusters of 4 to 30. Oval, rounded, or pear-shaped, 1 to 2 in (2.5–5 cm) long, with smooth or downy skin ranging from yellow to orange.
Eriobotrya japonica — Loquat fruits on tree
Properties
Beneficial for the heart; supports cardiovascular health.
Carotenoids and phenolic compounds reduce inflammation and protect against cellular damage.
Bioactive compounds may help protect cells against cancerous changes.
Therapeutic Uses
- 1
Acts as a sedative and is eaten to halt vomiting and thirst.
- 2
Flowers are regarded as having expectorant properties.
- 3
Infusion of leaves or dried, powdered leaves relieves diarrhea and depression.
- 4
Counteracts intoxication from consumption of alcoholic beverages.
- 5
Leaf poultices are applied on swellings.
Useful Parts
Dose
Kada (Decoction): 10–15 ml