Marking Nut (Bhallataka)
Semecarpus anacardium
A caustic nut used (only after careful purification) for arthritis and skin disease.
Traditional use (ayurveda): A caustic nut used (only after careful purification) for arthritis and skin disease.
A caustic nut used (only after careful purification) for arthritis and skin disease.
Active constituents are under study; evidence ranges from traditional use to preliminary human trials.
- A caustic nut used (only after careful purification) for arthritis and skin disease.
Evidence strength: traditional use.
- See the evidence level above
- Severely caustic raw — blisters skin; professional, purified use only.
- Pregnant/breastfeeding people without medical advice
Severely caustic raw — blisters skin; professional, purified use only.
May interact with prescription medications — review with a clinician if you take any.
Use caution in pregnancy, breastfeeding, for children, and with chronic disease unless cleared by a clinician.
Choose reputable, tested suppliers; correct identification is essential for wild-harvested plants.