chaulmoogra oil

noun

1. a brownish-yellow oil or soft fat expressed from the seeds of a chaulmoogra tree, used formerly in the treatment of leprosy and skin diseases.

Word History and Origins

Origin of chaulmoogra oil¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Example Sentences

The report, by Harry Hollmann, extolled the therapeutic potential of chaulmoogra oil, originally a folk remedy for leprosy with ancient roots in India and China.

From New York Times

Instead of giving raw chaulmoogra oil in doses, as had been the custom for centuries, he gave it by injection to the muscles.

From Project Gutenberg

Modified chaulmoogra oil, based on the Ball Method, was distributed worldwide and helped free countless people from isolated leper colonies.

From New York Times