Xeromphis spinosa: Mainphal induces vomiting

By Syed Akbar
Xeromphis spinosa or Mainphal is a shrub that’s native to north India, Bangladesh and 
Pakistan. Mainphal is widely used in Unani and Ayurveda as well as ethnic medicines 
practiced by tribals in north India. In English Xeromphis is called emetic nut as it 
induces vomiting.

Tribals have been utilizing Mainphal to induce vomiting to clean the stomach and keep it 
in good functioning. The fruit of Xeromphis is so powerful that it causes vomiting within 
a few minutes of consuming the herbal preparation.

A number of medicinal benefits of Xeromphis have been listed in Ayurveda, Unani and 
ethno-medicines of various forests in the country. The herb kills head lice, removes 
dandruff and promotes hair growth, improves functioning of liver, fights gastric 
troubles, reduces swelling, gives relief from pain and controls fever.

It is also prescribed for stomach ache, pain in the muscles and bones, paralysis, skin 
problems and diarrhoea. Mainphal is often prescribed for relief from rheumatic pains and 
respiratory problems including asthma.

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Home remedies
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To induce vomiting to clear the stomach of poisons, herbal doctors recommend the extract 
of Xeromphis fruit. The extract can be obtained by soaking the fruit rind of Xeromphis in 
water for six to eight hours. Filter the water and consume it in small quantity. Within a 
few minutes it induces vomiting.

For relief from lice and dandruff infection, pulp obtained from Xeromphis can be applied 
externally on the head. Keep it for some time and later wash it off. Besides killing 
fungus and lice, it promotes hair growth.

The bark powder can be consumed for relief from swelling and pain. It is analgesic and 
anti-inflammatory.

Xeromphis herbal formulations available in market can be taken for relief from stomach 
ache, fever, bronchitis, and asthma and skin ailments. Some herbal doctors claim that it 
helps in toning up muscles in case of paralysis.

The fruit pulp is applied externally for relief from rheumatic pains.