Chaulmoogra Essential Oil

Chaulmoogra or Hydnocarpus wightiana belongs to the family of Hydnocarpus which is actually a common plant family in the southern Asia; it belongs to the Achariaceae family. This plant has the tendency to grow up to 15 to 20 meters high and it has drooping branches which have very long leaves. The small flowers on it are greenish white in color and they form clusters of white color. The trees on which female and male flowers grow are separate.

In the ancient times Chaulmoogra Essential Oil was used to treat diseases like leprosy and other skin related ailments. In south India, it is also used to treat skin diseases that are chronic in nature, ulcers and wounds. In England, it is used by many for various veterinary purposes. It entered the medical system in the western civilization only in the 19^th century but in the eastern countries, its usages for many skin related ailments and leprosy were famous from many centuries ago only. 

A Burmese tale is often related to the magical effects of Chaulmoogra tree. Once a Burmese prince acquired leprosy and seeing this, the Gods themselves advised him to take leave from his empire and go into the forest to meditate. It’s said that the prince then left to the forest and he was directed by the Gods to a particular tree and the Gods then asked him to eat the tree's seeds. Soon, he was cured of his leprosy. Other than this, there is also an Indian version of this tale.