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    Kumbh / कुंभ / Wild Guava / Careya arborea Roxb.

    Local Name: Kumbh / कुंभ

    Common Name: Wild Guava

    Botanical Name: Careya arborea Roxb.

    Status & Habitat

    • Habitat: Tree

    • Occurrence: Forests and grasslands

    • Season of Availability: Rainy season

    • Geography: Indian subcontinent

    • Method of Propagation: Seed propagation

    • Part used for Propagation: Seeds

    Edible Parts

    • Edible Parts: Bark

    • Can be Eaten Raw: Fruits, yes.

    Method of Consumption

    • Raw: Yes

    • Ripe: Yes

    • Both Raw & Ripe: Yes

    • Dangerous Form to Consume: Raw rest of plant

    • As Food: Ripe fruits eaten raw; seeds are roasted and eaten.

    • As Medicine: Bark decoction is prepared to help heal snake bites; bark powder is sprinkled over wounds to heal them; fruit decoction is taken to promote digestion.

    • Cooking Without Prior Boiling: Roasting seeds

    • Boiling Before Cooking: Not required

    • Pickling: No

    • Brining: No

    • Fermenting: No

    • Drying for later Consumption: Yes, Seeds

    • Overall Method: Ripe fruit may be eaten raw; otherwise used for medicinal purposes.

    Nutritional & Medicinal Benefits

    • Nutritional Benefit: High water and energy content.

    • Medicinal Benefit: Snake bites, Antiseptic for wounds and cuts, Treats Sinus issues, Colic, Ulcers, Tumors

    Tribal Wisdom

    • Tribal Wisdom: Bark decoction is prepared to help heal snake bites; bark powder is sprinkled over wounds to heal them; fruit decoction is taken to promote digestion.

    Recipes

    • Tribal Recipe: Mix dried flowers and flower buds with honey and take to relieve cough.