Massikkai: Remedies For Wheezing And Asthma

In the new year speech, the founder of Nanadala Seva Samithi, Pujyasri Mathioli Saraswathi also called as Sri Akka, mentioned the medicinal benefits of Massikkai. Massikkai  is also known as Gall-Oak or Majuphal or Quercus Infectoria. It tastes like gooseberry or Amla. Here are some of its medicinal properties that she mentioned:
1. It can purify the air, so having one in our house helps in clearing the air.
2. Its powder can be used like you would use Sambrani ( add it over hot coal, the fumes from it inhaled), prevents asthma attacks.
3. It detoxifies the system.
4. Prevents wheezing.
5. Has antiseptic properties and can be compared to Dettol.
6.You can make Maasikkai into small bits. Have a piece in the mouth. The juice along with the saliva can go inside the body and clears the lungs and stomach. It can clear the phlegm in the chest and protects us.

 It can be purchased at the local medicinal stores (nattu marundhu kadai) in India. I wanted to share this information with all those who suffer from such issues. To make into a powder, dry roast it and powder it. Mix with water and drink. I would also like to mention that these are home made remedy tips and is no medical advice.