Karanj tree

It is credited with an astonishing range of remedies in folk medicine: oil pressed from the seeds is used to treat scabies, herpes and rheumatism; the root and bark for piles, beriberi, tumours, ulcers and diseases of the eye and skin.

Powdered seeds, crushed leaves, flowers and even the ash are medicinal.

Red-brown pongam or karanja oil is used as a lubricant, lamp-oil, pesticide, in soap making and there is recent interest in its potential as a bio-fuel.