Outstanding health benefits of falsa fruit A series of Presentation By Mr Allah Dad Khan Former D.G. Agriculture & Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar [email protected]

Outstanding health benefits of falsa fruit A series of Presentation By Mr Allah Dad Khan Former D.G. Agriculture & Visiting Professor the University of Agriculture Peshawar [email protected]

1. Falsa Phalsa or Falsa, is a fruit of the tree Grewia asiatica , which is a native of India and other countries like Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia and Thailand. It has also been naturalised in Australia and the Philippines. It is a small tree that grows to a height of 15 to 20 feet and bears sour sweet tiny reddish purple fruits which resemble blueberries. The tree fruits during the peak summer months of May and June each year. The fruits are easily perishable and its juice can be prepared to last the entire summer. Also, the fruits are eaten as they are with the addition of a little salt and black pepper.

2. Uses Of The Phalsa Tree The fruits are used to treat various health problems. The leaves are used as cattle fodder. The branches are used to make baskets for transporting vegetables and fruits, as a fuel and the wood is used to make the archer's bow, spears, handles, poles etc. The bark is used to make ropes and as a substitute for soap. Also, the mucilage which is extracted from the bark by pounding it in water is then used to prepare brown sugar from sugarcane juice due to its clarifying effect.

3. Nutrients & Antioxidant Activity Of Phalsa The following nutrients are present in Phalsa : Good levels of Potassium, low levels of Sodium, rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, Phosphorus and fibre . The seeds contain palmitic , stearic, oleic and linoleic acids. The fruit peel has the highest antioxidant activity followed by the pulp and then the seeds. The fruits also offer radiation protection. The leaves also exhibit antioxidant activity.

4. Health Benefits of Falsa or Phalsa Fruit

5. Falsa relieves Inflammation Unripe fruit relieves inflammation and is used to treat respiratory, heart, fever, and blood afflictions

6. Falsa for Stomach ache The ripe fruit is cooling. It is used to relieve heat conditions, throat disorders, and stomach aches.

7. Falsa as Antioxidant The fruit is full of antioxidants and is used to reduce cancer risk.

8. Falsa juice alleviate stomach ache The juice is digestive and alleviates stomach aches, normalizes the heart rate and blood pressure.

9. Falsa brings on Urine flow The fruit brings on urine flow, relieves thirst, protects against heat stroke, vomiting, nausea, and uneasy feelings due to heat.

10. Falsa relieves headache F alsa relieves headaches, pimples, burning sensations, acidity, leucorrhea, and food aversion.

11. Falsa cures anemia Phalsa cures anemia and skin dryness.

12. Falsa alleviate summer thirst It is excellently to alleviate summer thirst and hot weather related problems

13. Falsa relieves respiratory ailments A wonderful reliever of respiratory ailments like asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs and sore throat.

14. Falsa cures indigestion It relieves urinary problems like burning and the juice aids in relieving digestive problems like excess acidity and indigestion.

15. Falsa for diarrhea The infusion of the bark is used to treat diarrhea.

16. Falsa heals wounds The paste of the leaves cures skin infections like eczema and eruptions and heals wounds.

17. Falsa regulates blood pressure The fruit relieves liver and gall bladder problems, regulates blood pressure and cholesterol.

18. Falsa for Gonorrhea The seeds are used to treat gonorrhoea and fertility problems.

19. Falsa for Rheumatism The bark of the root is used to treat rheumatism