AL ATHEL A SOURCE OF TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Tamarisk is used to treat wounds, infections, liver disorders, digestive disorders and diabetes. The leaves of this tree contain a group of acids that have therapeutic properties, including phenolic acid and flavonoid acid
Tamarisk or Al Athel is a perennial tree scientifically called “Tamarix Aphylla”. This tree is related to the Tamaricaceae family. It looks usually evergreen because it has a great ability to grow in extremely harsh climatic conditions and it could grow even in salty and dry soil. People in desert regions used to plant these trees around their settlements against strong dust winds.
This tree has large, roughskinned roots that reach great depths, and is distinguished by its slim branches. These branches have few leaves that remain green throughout the year. This tree is known by many names, one of its famous names is the ‘sea salt’ tree. Just as it resists drought, it also has the ability to resist the salinity of water and soil.
Al Athel is a small- to mediumsized tree, with slender branches and leaves that closely resemble a pine tree. Its leaves often secrete a salt-like substance, especially during the summer season when temperatures rise to their highest levels. This tree consumes large amounts of water. It reaches a height of more than five metres, and when Tamarisk trees gather together in one area, they can form a dense forest. Now, after the rain, this tree can be seen bright with the colours of its pink and white flowers. The more appropriate amounts of water are available to it, the more this will help it grow and green.
Al Athel is widespread in many desert areas and semi-arid environments around the world. Among these regions are the Mediterranean regions and the central regions of the continent of
Asia. Tamarisk trees also grow in mountainous and coastal areas.
There are approximately 50 species of Tamarisk trees. Each of which has characteristics and features that differ from the others. The most famous of these species are ‘Tamarix chinensis’, ‘Tamarix ramosissima’, ‘Tamarix gallica’ and ‘Tamarix odessana’.
Tamarisk is used to treat wounds, infections, liver disorders, digestive disorders and diabetes. The leaves of this tree contain a group of acids that have therapeutic properties, including phenolic acid and flavonoid acid.
Tamarisk or Al Athel can be seen mostly in Muscat, Al Batinah, Al Sharqiyah North and South, Al Dhahirah and Al Dakhiliyah. This tree attracts bees to build hives and therefore an excellent source of natural honey, which is good for sore throat, irritable bowel syndrome, depression and anxiety.
Thanks to the recent rains, these trees are sprouting in plains and mountainous areas giving it a green cover. Omanis living in these areas expect that the honey production season will be better than previous years. People must not cut the trunks and branches of this tree and use them for cooking or camping purposes.