Star Gooseberry

The Star Gooseberry is quite a common tree found in the tropics and belongs to the plant family Euphoribiaceae. The tree, with soft grey stem grows to height of 3-8 meters, bearing compound leaves. The leaflets are ovate or ovate-oblong and are 2-4 cm. wide and 3.5 to 8 cm. long. The tiny pinkish or reddish flowers mature rapidly producing clusters of greenish or pale yellow fruits. As the round but compressed sour fruits have 6 to 8 distinct ridges on them, laymen call it star Gooseberry. The fruits are sometimes pickled, or made into jam or jelly.

MEDICINAL USE:
*A good purgative.
*Antipyretic or reduces fever.
*Antipruritic or prevents itching.
*Useful in treating skin diseases.
*Good remedy for measles and chicken pox.

HOW TO USE:
*Eating a handful of ripe fruits helps in clearing the bowels.
*The decoction of the roots reduces fever.
*The root paste is applied externally to prevent itching and to treat general skin ailments.
*Boil the leaves and use this water for a bath to take care of measles and chicken pox.

PARTS USED:
*The roots, leaves and fruits.

DOSE:
As recommended above.

Normal Dosage For:

Adults: 4 or 5 cups a day.
Aged 6 to 9 years: 2 cups a day
Aged 2 to 5 years: 1 cup a day
1 to 2 years: 1/2 cup a day
Below 1 year: 1/4 or less cup a day

A Useful Table for Quick Measurements:
1 tbsp = 5 grams (green herb)
1 dessertspoon = 2 grams (dry herb)
1 teaspoon = 25 drops
1 cup = 16 tbsp


1 litre = 7 or 8 cups