Kamarkas, also known as palash resin or flame of the forest gum, is a remarkable and somewhat lesser-known ingredient that holds an important place in traditional Indian culinary and Ayurvedic practice. Derived from the resin of the Butea monosperma tree — the vivid orange-flowering tree commonly known as the "flame of the forest" — kamarkas has a mild, slightly astringent flavour and a distinctive gelatinous quality when soaked and cooked, which makes it uniquely valuable in specific traditional recipes.

In Indian cooking, kamarkas is most traditionally used in panjiri — a nutritious, ghee-rich preparation made with flour, dried fruits, nuts, and medicinal herbs, which is given to women after childbirth to support recovery and nourishment. It is also used in traditional laddoos and other sweet preparations believed to strengthen bones and connective tissue. Ayurvedic tradition attributes to kamarkas a range of properties including supporting joint and back strength, reducing inflammation, and promoting post-natal recovery. The whole pieces of resin are typically soaked in water or fried in ghee before use, which transforms them into soft, spongy morsels that absorb the flavours of the dish they are cooked in. Lioncroft's Whole Kamarkas brings this traditional, health-supporting ingredient to those who cherish authentic, time-honoured recipes and the deep culinary wisdom they represent.