Common Name: |
Salt Bush |
Other Names: |
Toothbrush Tree, Mustard Tree |
Botanical Name: |
Salvadora persica |
Genus: |
Salvadora |
Family: |
Salvadoraceae |
Native Location: |
Africa, Arabia, and India |
Cultivation: |
Well-drained, seasonally moist to wet soil in sun. |
Propagation: |
By semi-ripe cuttings in summer, rooted in sand, at 18°C (64°F). |
Harvest: |
Leaves are picked as required for use fresh, or dried and powdered. Both leaves and wood are burned to a fine ash for external veterinary applications. Bark and wood are dried and powdered. Twigs and roots are cut as required for use fresh. Fruits are collected when ripe for use fresh, cooked, or dried. Seeds may be removed for use whole or crushed in oil. |
Height: |
2-6m (6-20ft) |
Width: |
5m (15ft) |
Hardiness: |
Min. 10-13°C (50-55°F) |
Parts Used: |
Leaves, twigs, wood, root bark, fruits, seeds. |
Properties: |
An astringent, stimulant herb that is diuretic and expectorant, and cleanses toxins (leaves), destroys parasites (leaves, bark), promotes healing (wood), improves appetite and bowel function, lowers fever, regulates the menstrual cycle (fruits), and stimulates the circulation (fruits, seeds). |
Medicinal Uses: |
Internally for cols, skin complaints, urinary problems, syphilis, gonorrhea, and intestinal parasites; constipation, enlarged spleen, poor appetite, and menstrual problems; rheumatism, and arthritis. Externally for abscesses and swelling (leaves), poisonous bites, bruises, and oral hygiene. |
Culinary Uses: |
Young leaves are added to salads and made into a sauce. Fruits are eaten fresh or dried; can be used as a substitute for mustard seeds. |
Economic Uses: |
Leaves are burned as a source of salt. Extracts are used to make chewing gum. |
Bibliography: |
The Encyclopedia of Herbs by Deni Bown Copyright © 1995,2001 Dorling Kindersley Limited pg. 353 |