Indian Liquorice

Botanical name- Abrus precatorius
Family-leguminosae

A large evergreen tree propagated with seeds found throughout India. Poultice of leaves are used for removing freckles. Seeds of this tree and roots of plumbago rosea are made into a paste and applied for curing leucoderma patches. Paste of seeds is used against skin diseases and burns. For alopecia it is rubbed on the scalp. Paste of leaves in coconut oil is used against swelling.

Paste of seeds is applied locally in sciatica, stiffness of shoulder joints and paralysis. Powdered seeds are said to disturb the uterine functions and prevent conception in women.

 The oil extracted from seeds is said to promote the growth of human hair.