यो समशीतोष्ण हावापानीमा पाइने मझौला रूख हो ।
Pahelo Katus, also known as Yellow Chestnut or
scientifically Castanopsis indica, belongs to the Fagaceae family. It is
a medium-sized tree found primarily in temperate climates, including regions of
Nepal, Bhutan, and up to Taiwan. This evergreen tree thrives between altitudes
of 300 to 1000 meters and is known for its resilience in various soil types,
including sandy and well-drained soils .
Characteristics
The tree can grow up to 25 meters tall, with thick, leathery leaves and a dense
crown. Its fruits are round and covered with spiny, reddish-brown casings.
Inside the fruit, seeds are either consumed raw or cooked and are known for
their sweet taste. The tree's bark is rough and gray, and its flowers are white
to pale yellow, adding aesthetic value .
Uses and Benefits
- Medicinal
Uses: The bark and leaves of Pahelo Katus have significant medicinal
applications:
- Treating
cough, throat infections, diarrhea, and dysentery.
- Healing
intestinal ulcers and oral sores.
- Managing
cholera and piles (hemorrhoids).
The seeds are also known to energize the body and alleviate joint pain . - Culinary
Uses: The seeds are edible and can be consumed either raw or roasted.
They provide a rich nutritional source for locals .
- Other
Uses: The bark contains tannins, making it valuable for tanning
leather and as a dye. Leaves are used for wrapping items, and the wood
serves in construction and fuel .
Advantages
- Grows
well in diverse soil conditions, including sandy and rocky terrains.
- Provides
ecological benefits such as shade and soil stability.
- Offers
versatile utility in traditional medicine, construction, and culinary
purposes.
How to Use
- For
Medicinal Purposes: The decoction of the bark can be used for treating
gastrointestinal and throat ailments. Recommended dosages are:
- Bark:
3–5 grams.
- Bark
decoction: 1 cup daily.
- Fruit:
20–30 grams, consumed 3–5 times a day .
- As
Food: Roast or boil the seeds before consumption for optimal taste and
nutrition.
Conclusion
Pahelo Katus (Castanopsis indica) is an invaluable tree with immense
ecological, medicinal, and culinary importance. Its adaptability to temperate
climates and versatile uses make it a significant resource for communities in
its native regions. Incorporating this plant into sustainable practices can
promote both health and environmental conservation .
