Origin: Deciduous tree Buchanania lanzan produces edible almond-flavored seeds known as chironji. Buchanania lanzan (Chironji) belongs to the family Anacardiaceae and is commercially very valuable. This plant is cultivated on yellow sandy-loam soil and is found in the dry forests of Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Varanasi and Mirzapur districts of Uttar Pradesh.
These almond-flavored seeds play an integral role in Indian cooking. Once the hard shell is cracked, the stubby seed within is very soft. These lentil –sized seeds are majorly used in Indian desserts. It takes approximately 4 to 5 months to harvest Chironji, and they are harvested manually in the month of April and May.
Chironji originated within the Indian sub-continent. The tree is found as natural wild growth within the tropical deciduous forests of Northern, Western and Central India. The plant is found distributed in different tropical Asian countries, Australia and Pacific islands conjointly.
Chironji nuts and kernels are used extensively however there's no machinery for the process of chironji nut. At the moment shelling of chironji nut is completed manually and some time by domestically created machine. Since ancient times, shelling of chironji nut is done manually.
In Ayurveda, these seeds have been in use in the medicines for treating digestive disorders such as diarrhea, ulcers and irregular bowel movements. Ayurvedic medicines employ all parts of the tree such as bark, fruits, roots, etc. to make medicines for curing a cold, premature ejaculation, fever, and rheumatism.
Scientifically: The Chironji plant is useful in treating metabolism issues. The Chironji seeds contain antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties that facilitate to alleviate nasal and chest congestion.
This plant is additionally familiar to possess astringent properties that assist in binding stool and regulation the gut movements. The anti-microbial and anti-biofilm properties of Chironji seeds counter this effect thereby increasing the speed of healing.
The therapeutic values Chironji oil is blessed with are carminative, expectorant, diuretic, aphrodisiac, relaxant, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, and stimulant. The chemical components of this oil are camphene, a-pinene, y-terpinene, b-pinene, myrcene, 8-cineole, sabinene, and triglycerides like triolein, dipalmitoolein and dioleopalmitin.
Chironji seeds are a powerhouse of various nutrients such as proteins, fiber, vitamin C, B1 and B2, carbohydrates, amino acid, iron, maleic acid, cardanol, linoleic acid, niacin, calcium, and few water-soluble extracts.
Chironji is also believed to possess a cooling result on the body additionally to its treatment of the digestive issues that contribute to the treatment of ulcers. The extract from Chironji seed contains inhibitor properties that facilitate reduce or shield from aerophilic stress and as a result, facilitate in the treatment of the polygenic disorder.
It has conjointly been familiar to effectively contribute to the treatment of joint pain and rheumatic inflammation. Chironji extract is familiar to have properties that stimulate immunity. The Chironji seeds are well-liked for their aphrodisiac properties. These properties have created these seeds effective when treating procreative issues.
The juice extracted from these leaves has robust aphrodisiac, expectorator, and purgative properties. The juice is additionally wont to strengthen the guts as a cardiotonic. The bark contains inhibitor properties that help to treat numerous ailments. The gum is often used to treat digestive issues and pain. It reduces pain caused by rheumatism, once mixed with milk.
It is beneficial in Urticaria, skin rashes, heart muscle weakness, infertility, impotency, oligospermia, headache, excessive thirst, constipation, cough, urinary troubles, and chronic fever.
Charoli nuts provide flawless clear skin and address many skin diseases such as acne, pimples, and skin marks. In addition, Chronji scrubs are highly beneficial for skin and they reduce facial hair.
Usage: Chironji is most typically used as a cooking spice. The seeds of Chironji have several culinary uses that embrace creating sweets and savory dishes like desserts, baking recipes and creating different confectionary dishes.
It’s an ideal substitute for almonds. Its wood is often used as fuel and leaves provide fodder for the cows and sheep. The aphrodisiac properties of charoli are considered when creating a special sweet Indian dish known as Chironji Ki Barfi, historically given to fresh married couples to supply vitality. Chironji oil is used as a substitute for almond oil.
Here are some DIY with chironji for beautiful skin and hair:
- Put 1 tablespoon chironji in sunlight for 3 hours. Then finely grind it and keep the powder in an airtight jar. Mix a teaspoon of milk and pinch of turmeric to this powder. Leave it on the face for 15 minutes and then wash it off.
- Soak one tablespoon of chironji seeds in half a cup of milk. Once completely soaked, grind them into a fine paste, add a pinch of turmeric and a teaspoon of milk cream. Mix this well and apply on the face. Leave it on for 15 minutes. Rinse once dry. This mask helps in giving clear fair skin.
- Take a teaspoon of gram flour, a teaspoon of chironji powder and add lemon juice to this to make a thick consistency. Apply this paste on to the face and leave it on for 10 minutes. This mask helps in cleansing the skin
- Take a teaspoon of chironji powder with a teaspoon of sandalwood powder. And make a paste by adding rose water to it. Apply this to your face and let it dry for 20-30 minutes. This helps in clearing of pimples.
- For exfoliation, take a teaspoon of chironji powder and a teaspoon of dried rose petals, mix them together with some water. Apply this mask on the face and leave it on for 5- 10 minutes. Gently massage when slightly damp.
- Take a few drops of chironji oil with few drops of almond milk. Apply on the blemishes and scars. Leave it on for 30 minutes or overnight. This helps in fading them.