Black Oil Plant (Jyotishmati)

The black oil plant is a woody climbing shrub with oval leaves, small greenish flowers and bright orange-red seeds held in yellow capsules. It grows in forests throughout India up to about 1,800 metres.

Known in Sanskrit as Jyotishmati, the intellect tree, its seed and seed oil are valued in classical Ayurveda for supporting memory and mental clarity. The oil is also traditionally used in massage oils for general wellness.