Dried Coromandel Ailanto Tree Kattai (Peru Maram Kattai) | Ailanthus excelsa

Extremely bitter — and intentionally so. In Ayurveda, the bitter taste (Tikta rasa) is considered therapeutic in itself: it reduces excess Kapha and Pitta, cleanses the blood, and stimulates digestive enzymes. The Sanskrit name Pooti Vruksha (literally “foul-smelling tree”) gives you a sense of its intensity. That said, there are ways to make the decoction more manageable. Adding raw honey after the decoction has cooled to a drinkable temperature helps significantly — Moolihai’s Marthandam Honey is ideal for this purpose. Some practitioners add a small piece of dried ginger or a few drops of lemon juice. You can also take the powdered form mixed directly into honey as a paste, swallowed quickly with warm water, which minimises the prolonged bitter taste on the palate. Never add sugar to medicinal decoctions — it can interfere with the therapeutic action.

Ailanthus excelsa bark is traditionally used for intestinal worms in children, and this is one of its most well-documented applications in folk medicine across India. However — and this is critical — this is a potent herb that should never be administered to children without qualified practitioner guidance. The dosage for children is significantly lower than for adults, and the duration of treatment must be carefully monitored. An Ayurvedic or Siddha physician will determine the appropriate dose based on the child’s age, weight, and constitution, and will likely use the bark as part of a compound formulation rather than as a standalone decoction. Self-administering this bark to children based on internet information is strongly discouraged. For mild cases, your practitioner may recommend gentler anthelmintic herbs first and reserve Aralu bark for more resistant infestations.

This is a high-potency medicinal bark with several important contraindications. Pregnant women must absolutely avoid this product — studies have documented anti-implantation and abortifacient activity in Ailanthus excelsa bark and leaf extracts, meaning it can cause miscarriage. Breastfeeding women should also avoid use. People with predominantly Vata constitution or existing Vata imbalance (characterised by dryness, anxiety, irregular digestion) should use cautiously, as the bark’s dry (Rooksha) quality can aggravate Vata. Do not use long-term without practitioner supervision — this is not a daily health supplement but a targeted therapeutic agent meant for specific conditions for specific durations. If you are on heart medications, blood thinners, or anti-malarial drugs, consult your physician before use due to potential interactions with the bark’s cardiac-active and antimalarial compounds.

Dried bark is one of the most shelf-stable forms of herbal medicine, provided it’s stored correctly. Keep the bark pieces in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place — away from direct sunlight, moisture, and strong odours (the bark can absorb surrounding smells). A glass jar with a tight-fitting lid is ideal. Do not refrigerate; room temperature storage is sufficient. Properly stored, the dried bark maintains its medicinal potency for 18–24 months. You’ll know the bark is still potent if it retains its characteristic bitter taste and slight aroma when you break a piece. If it becomes soft, develops mould, or loses its bitterness completely, it has degraded and should be discarded. If you grind the bark into powder, use it within 3 months for maximum efficacy.

In traditional Ayurvedic and Siddha practice, herbs are almost always used in combination rather than isolation — and Ailanthus excelsa bark features in many classical compound formulations. However, specific combinations should be guided by a qualified practitioner who understands herb-herb interactions and your individual constitution. Some traditional pairings include combining Peru Maram bark with Arjuna bark (Terminalia arjuna) for cardiovascular support, or using it alongside Moolihai’s Boswellia Serrata Extract for inflammatory conditions. For respiratory complaints, practitioners sometimes combine the bark decoction with Moolihai’s Turmeric Ashwagandha Herbal Tea as part of a broader respiratory wellness protocol. Avoid self-combining Peru Maram bark with other potent bitter or drying herbs without guidance, as excessive dryness can aggravate Vata dosha and cause unintended side effects.