Botanical Name: Buchanania Latifolia Roxb or buchanania lanzan from the Anacaradiaceae family

Common Method of Extraction: Steam distillation

Parts Used: Seeds

Note Classification: NA

Aroma: NA

Largest Producing Countries: India, Nepal, Burma and Malaysia

Traditional Use: Chironji is a medium-sized evergreen tree that grows up to 15m in height. This tree is a native to India and is found growing widely in Nepal, Malaysia and Burma. The dry forests of Madhya Pradesh, Mirzapur and Varanasi districts of Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Chattisgarh are the natural are the main places where it is grown mainly in India. The tree is also known as Almondette tree and Chironji is also known as Cuddapah almond, Charooli, and Chirolo. Charoli seeds are a popular ingredient in Indian sweets and as a flavouring agent for batters and sauces. The gum removed from the bark of this tree and powder of the roots and dried leaves mixed with buttermilk is a traditional remedy for treating diarrhoea. Folklore medicine of Andhra Pradesh State in India uses Chironji gum mixed with cow’s milk for relieving rheumatic pain. The leaves of the tree is used as a tonic for supporting cardiac purposes and the leaf powder is used in boosting speedy healing of wounds. Powdered seeds blended with milk and turmeric powder is used in India since as a natural face pack for augmenting the glow, complexion and suppleness of the skin. The oil is used in Unani branch of medicine for purifying the blood, treating loss of libido, impotency and also as a tonic for the digestive system.

Blends well With: Honey, milk and butter milk

Of Interest: Buchanania or Chironji is treated as a substitute for almonds because it is an almond flavoured nut. It has blood purification and life force boosting properties. It is called Charoli or Chironji in Ayurvedic branch of medicine and its seeds are used in Ayurveda for treating digestive disorders like ulcer, irregular bowel movements and diarrhoea. The oil is also good for enhancing semen secretion, increasing vigour and vitality, reducing fever, acne, marks on skin, blood disorders and cold. The seed of this tree contribute to about 52% of oil and are often used as a substitute for almond oil and olive oil. Chironji nuts gained good demand in the foreign countries and has been cultivated by the Indian government as a dependable source of making foreign exchange. Buchanania seeds are the centre of different nutrients like proteins, fibre, vitamin C, B1 and B2, carbohydrates, linoleic acid, niacin, calcium, amino acid, iron, maleic acid, cardanol, and some water soluble extracts.

Safety Data: The oil should not be used internally without the guidance of a health care professional. Mix with other suitable oils before using it for topical application. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before choosing the right oil for your use. The other common side effect of buchanania seeds is loss of appetite especially if you have a weak digestive system. Excessive urination is found with buchanania oil and people found taking the oil orally may experience frequent urination in the night.