Oak galls, also known as Majuphal in Hindi, are a type of outgrowth that forms on the young twigs of dyer’s oak tree, Quercus infectoria. They are generally called Oak galls or Gall nut in English. The female wasp punctures the bark of twigs and lays the eggs inside the shoot. This process causes a vegetative outgrowth to form around the larva that develops from the eggs, resulting in the development of galls.
The galls are an excellent ingredient of various herbal remedies. The galls continue to grow until the eggs hatch and larvae reach maturity. Preferably, the galls must be collected and dried before the insect emerges.
Uses:
Majuphal is a plant native to India that has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. The plant has anti-inflammatory properties that can help treat inflammatory diseases, infections, and wounds caused by bacteria or parasites.
The antioxidant activity of Majuphal helps heal wounds caused by bacterial infections.
The anti-parasitic property of Majuphal is found to reduce infections like leishmaniasis, amoebiasis, and blastocystis.
Anti-Candida activity of the Majuphal is beneficial to treat yeast infections caused by Albicans and non-Albicans Candida species.
Topical application of Majuphal extract gels on the vagina is found to reduce dryness and improve lubrication. In addition to this, it also has a tightening effect on the vagina and restores its elasticity.
The root extract of Quercus infectoria has the ability to improve insulin release in the bloodstream and thus help control diabetes.
Other Names: Afas, Qashaf, Bahash, Majoophal, Majuphal, Oak Galls, Dyer’s Oak, le chêne éorche, Gallapfeleiche, Galleiche, Majuphal, Muphal, Machikaai, Mapalakam, Quercus infectoria Oliv, Maayaphal, Mazu, Maju, Majuphal, Mayaphal, Mazu, Mazuphal, Manjoophal, Manjuphal, Mazophal, Mazo Phal, Manjufal, Manjuphal, Oakgall