Barringtonia acutangula (L.) Gaertn., commonly known as the freshwater mangrove or Indian oak, is a tree species widely distributed across riverbanks, wetlands, and freshwater ecosystems in India. Belonging to the family Lecythidaceae, the species is ecologically significant as a soil stabilizer, water purifier, and provider of habitat for aquatic biodiversity. Traditionally, it has been revered in ethnomedicine, with diverse therapeutic applications documented across Indian tribal and rural communities for treating ailments such as diarrhea, dysentery, fever, skin infections, hemorrhoids, and diabetes. Phytochemical investigations reveal the presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, and alkaloids, which validate its broad pharmacological potential, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, and anti-diabetic properties. This review highlights the ethnomedicinal relevance of B. acutangula.