Manna (Taranjabeen / Natural Plant Exudate)

Introduction

Manna is a natural sweet exudate (plant juice) obtained from certain plants, particularly species like Alhagi (camel thorn). It is widely used in traditional Unani medicine for its mild laxative, soothing, and nutritive properties.

Source and Nature

• Manna is obtained as a dried plant exudate (sap/juice)
• It may be collected from:
  • Plant stems and leaves
  • Sometimes from tree surfaces, but most commonly from shrubs like camel thorn
• It appears as tear-shaped, crystalline or semi-solid 

Chemical Composition

Manna contains a variety of natural sugars and nutrients:

• Sucrose (sugarcane sugar)—approximately 4.26%
• Maltose
• Other natural sugars
• Trace amounts of organic compounds

These sugars give manna its sweet taste and mild medicinal effects.

Temperament (Unani Concept)

• Moderate, slightly inclined toward heat

Pharmacological Actions

Manna exhibits several beneficial actions:

• Mild laxative
• Expectorant (helps expel phlegm)
• Demulcent (soothing to throat and chest)
• Tonic (strengthening agent)
• Moisturizing and cooling effect on body tissues

Medicinal Uses

Digestive System

• Acts as a gentle laxative
• Helps soften stools
• Useful for constipation, especially in:
  • Children
  • Elderly
  • Weak patients

Respiratory Disorders

• Moistens and soothes the chest and throat
• Helps relieve:
  • Cough
  • Chest irritation
  • Phlegm accumulation

General Weakness

• Given with warm milk to:
  • Weak individuals
  • Children
  • Patients with chronic illnesses (e.g., tuberculosis)
• Acts as a nutritive tonic

Blood and Liver

• Helps in removing excess bile
• Supports blood purification
• Reduces thirst and internal heat

Other Uses

• Helpful in:
  • Nausea
  • Mild fever conditions
  • Chest pain (due to dryness or irritation)

Precautions

• Not recommended in:
  • Severe fevers
  • Smallpox
  • Bloody diarrhea (dysentery)
  • Bleeding hemorrhoids

Use should always be under medical supervision, especially in sensitive conditions.

Dosage

• 3–6 grams (commonly dissolved in water or milk)

Compound Preparations

Manna is used in various traditional formulations, such as the following:

• Laban preparations

Herbal mixtures containing turmeric and other ingredients