Phalsa or Falsa is a fruit of the tree Grewia asiatica, which is a native of India and other countries like Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Cambodia, and Thailand.
It has also been naturalized in Australia and the Philippines. It is a small tree that grows to a height of 15 to 20 feet and bears sour-sweet tiny reddish-purple fruits that resemble blueberries. The tree fruits during the peak summer months of May and June each year.
The fruits are easily perishable and its juice can be prepared to last the entire summer. Also, the fruits are eaten as they are with the addition of a little salt and black pepper.
The fruit is consumed for its cooling effect in summer as well as for its other health benefits.
The entire tree has various other uses.
Uses Of The Phalsa Tree
The fruits are used to treat various health problems.The leaves are used as cattle fodder.The branches are used to make baskets for transporting vegetables and fruits, as fuel and the wood is used to make the archer’s bow, spears, handles, poles, etc.The bark is used to make ropes and as a substitute for soap. Also, the mucilage which is extracted from the bark by pounding it in water is then used to prepare brown sugar from sugarcane juice due to its clarifying effect.
Nutrients & Antioxidant Activity Of Phalsa
The following nutrients are present in Phalsa :Good levels of Potassium, low levels of Sodium, rich in Vitamin C, Calcium, Phosphorus, and fiber.The seeds contain palmitic, stearic, oleic, and linoleic acids.The fruit peel has the highest antioxidant activity followed by the pulp and then the seeds.The fruits also offer radiation protection.The leaves also exhibit antioxidant activity.
Health Benefits Of Phalsa
It is excellent to alleviate summer thirst and hot weather-related problems.The raw fruit relieves inflammations, fevers, and blood disorders. It purifies the blood.A wonderful reliever of respiratory ailments like asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs, and sore throat.It relieves urinary problems like burning and the juice aids in relieving digestive problems like excess acidity and indigestion.The infusion of the bark is used to treat diarrhea.The paste of the leaves cures skin infections like eczema and eruptions and heals wounds.The fruit relieves liver and gall bladder problems, regulates blood pressure, and cholesterol.The seeds are used to treat gonorrhea and fertility problems.It protects from sunstroke, cures anemia.The bark of the root is used to treat rheumatism.