🔍 Quick Facts
| Common Name | Teak (Sagwan) |
| Scientific Name | Tectona grandis |
| Category | Timber |
| Native Region | South & Southeast Asia |
| Climate | Tropical |
| Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Parts Used | Wood, Bark, Leaves |
📋 Table of Contents
Overview of Teak (Sagwan)
World-class tropical hardwood — extremely durable, water-resistant, and high-value timber tree. It has been a cornerstone of Ayurvedic and traditional medicine for thousands of years, with documented uses across multiple ancient texts including the Charaka Samhita and Sushruta Samhita.
Known botanically as Tectona grandis, this plant belongs to the Timber category and is native to South & Southeast Asia. It thrives in tropical climates and is considered a moderate-growing plant.
Traditional Uses
In Ayurveda and traditional medicine, Teak (Sagwan) is valued for the following applications:
- Furniture — used in traditional preparations across generations
- Shipbuilding — used in traditional preparations across generations
- Flooring — used in traditional preparations across generations
- Construction — used in traditional preparations across generations
- Traditional medicine (bark) — used in traditional preparations across generations
✅ Benefits
- Furniture
- Shipbuilding
- Flooring
- Construction
- Widely available and easy to grow
⚠️ Precautions
- Consult a doctor before medicinal use
- May interact with certain medications
- Avoid during pregnancy unless prescribed
- Excess dosage may cause side effects
Health Benefits
1. Furniture
Traditional Ayurvedic texts and modern studies both highlight furniture as a key application of Teak (Sagwan). The active compounds present in the wood, bark, leaves are responsible for this effect.
2. Shipbuilding
Traditional Ayurvedic texts and modern studies both highlight shipbuilding as a key application of Teak (Sagwan). The active compounds present in the wood, bark, leaves are responsible for this effect.
3. Flooring
Traditional Ayurvedic texts and modern studies both highlight flooring as a key application of Teak (Sagwan). The active compounds present in the wood, bark, leaves are responsible for this effect.
4. Construction
Traditional Ayurvedic texts and modern studies both highlight construction as a key application of Teak (Sagwan). The active compounds present in the wood, bark, leaves are responsible for this effect.
5. Traditional medicine (bark)
Traditional Ayurvedic texts and modern studies both highlight traditional medicine (bark) as a key application of Teak (Sagwan). The active compounds present in the wood, bark, leaves are responsible for this effect.
How to Use Teak (Sagwan)
- Tea / Decoction: Boil fresh or dried wood in water for 10–15 minutes. Strain and drink warm.
- Powder (Churna): Dry and grind into a fine powder. Take ½ to 1 teaspoon with honey or warm water.
- Paste / Poultice: Crush fresh wood and apply directly to affected areas for external use.
- Oil Infusion: Infuse in coconut or sesame oil for topical applications.
How to Grow Teak (Sagwan)
🌱 Soil & Planting
Prefers well-draining, fertile soil with slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.5). Mix compost into the planting bed for best results.
☀️ Sunlight
Most varieties require full sun (6–8 hours daily). Some may tolerate partial shade.
💧 Watering
Water regularly but avoid waterlogging. Allow topsoil to dry slightly between waterings.
🌿 Care Tips
- Apply organic fertiliser every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
- Prune regularly to encourage bushy growth.
- Watch for pests — treat with neem oil spray if needed.
- Harvest wood in the morning for maximum potency.
Precautions & Contraindications
- Pregnancy & lactation: Consult a healthcare provider before use.
- Drug interactions: May interact with blood thinners, diabetes medications, or immunosuppressants.
- Allergies: Some individuals may be sensitive. Start with small quantities.
- Children: Use only under professional guidance for children under 12.