Tamarix gallica, also known as Saltcedar, is a thick kind of shrub that grows to four to six meters on water-filled soils or saline water. When placed on healthy soil, tamarix gallica is also capable of growing into a small tree with several branches. Its flowers possess both the male and female organs. Hence, they are referred as hermaphrodites. Furthermore, the flowers of Tamarix gallica are spread by bees through pollination and they usually bloom in the months of June, July and August.

Tamarix gallica has an alkaloid called Tamarixin which is used for increasing the amount of platelets in the body and for treating problems related to hepatic insufficiency. It also has small amounts of tamarixetin and aglocone which are excellent treatment for bleeding abnormalities such as epistaxis, rectum bleeding, and menorrhagia. Generally, it is utilized as a diuretic and a tonic. Its leaves and small branches maybe used as astringents and these may also be applied on bleeding wounds by making a compress. Moreover, it can also be utilized to cure dysentery and diarrhea. When the Tamarisk is harmed by insects, it releases galls which can be used as an astringent. On the other hand, the manna released by this plant may serve as a laxative, expectorant, or detergent.

Tamarix gallica, also known as Jhavuka in Sanskrit and Tamarisk in English, can grow in any kind of soil whether it is neutral, acidic, alkaline or basic. It can also be grown in moist or dry land. It can even mature in highly saline or alkaline areas. In addition, this plant may also be cultivated in clay (heavy-weight), loamy (medium-weight) and sandy (light-weight) soils. However, Tamarix gallica cannot be nurtured without being exposed to the sun. It can even withstand being exposed to sea breeze.

What is MANNA?
Manna is a thick and sweet substance released by plants as a result to injury done by insects to their stems. In the past, it has been questioned if manna is made by insects or created by plants. It has not yet proven if manna can be made in Britain because the insects related to this confusion are living in the warm desserts surrounding Israel.

Usage in Medicine: Diuretic, Laxative, Astringent, Expectorant, Detergent

Tamarisk has increased amounts of tannin. In effect of impairment caused by insects, the galls produced by tamarisk possess about 40% tannin. This substance may be used on fabrics for dying. There has been no specific information provided yet regarding the color but it is possibly near to shades of brown.