What is Ficus Benghalensis? Health Benefits, Uses & Side Effects of Banyan Tree Bark - An Herbal Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

Banyan Tree Bark’s botanical name is Ficus Benghalensis, some other common names are bargad, banyan, banyan fig, Indian banyan, ficus banyana oken, bar, bargad, bargat and east Indian fig. It is mainly found in the Sub-Himalayan tract and Peninsular India, it is now one of the most common and well-known trees along the country roads, shrines, or uncultivated fields in India.

The name Banyan tree in English has been given by Europeans in the Persian Gulf to a particular tree of this species under which Banias or the members of the Indian merchant class used to congregate for worship and business. Gradually, the name spread to indicate all species of this tree, from time immemorial, poets and mystics of India have been eloquent in praising this tree.

It is a well-known tree throughout India, the tree is known for its Ariel roots. Its branches drop to the ground, retake roots, and send out more twisting and trailing branches, thus extending the tree’s growth indefinitely.

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2. Morphology

Leaves 

The leaves of the tree are smooth, shiny, rather stiff, and leathery roughly oval in shape. The leaves contain ficusin and bergaptene. It is beneficial for many health ailments they are good for ulcers.

Flowers 

They are inconspicuous, many of them being held together in the fig, which is a sort of pouch that contains hundreds of flowers, it has very small, separate, male, and female flowers.

Fruits 

Fruits are globose, sessile in axillary pairs with fleshy pericarp, and enclosed in the common fleshy receptacles. They are dark red in color with tiny seeds. Fruit is not edible to humans but is eaten by birds and monkeys.

Bark 

The bark of the tree is used in Ayurveda for its various medicinal health ailments, its bark is smooth, thick, green when young, grayish-white when mature, turning pink when cut. The bark of the plant is used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

3. Ayurvedic properties 

 1. Rasa (Taste): It has astringent (Kashaya) and sweet (Madhura) tastes.

2. Virya (Potency): It is cool in nature (Sheeta).

3. Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): The post-digestive taste is sweet (Madhura).

4. Benefits 

The banyan tree bark is traditionally used in the Indian medical system, the bark and the leaf buds of the tree are useful in arresting secretion or bleeding. The fruit exercises a soothing effect on the skin and mucous membranes, alleviates swelling and pain, and serves as a mild purgative, it is also nutritious.

It has anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antibacterial, antistress and antiallergic, antioxidant, antidiarrheal, analgesic and antipyretic, antidiabetic, ameliorative, and wound healing properties.

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Here are the health benefits of Indian Banyan Tree

For Diarrhea and Dysentery

The leaf buds of the banyan tree are beneficial in treating chronic diarrhea and dysentery, the latex is also useful.

For Female Sterility

Tender roots of the banyan tree are considered beneficial in treating female sterility.

For Cracked Heels

Banyan Tree sap is beneficial in healing cracks in heals.

For Leucorrhea

Douching with the lukewarm decoction of banyan bark helps to keep the vaginal tract tissues healthy. Decoction of bark and fig of the tree is helpful in leucorrhea by douching the genital parts.

For Piles

Banyan tree latex is beneficial in the treatment of piles.

For Rheumatism

Latex is commonly used locally for rheumatism, pain, and lumbago.

For Skin Disorder

Latex is commonly used locally for sores, ulcers, and bruises.

For Teeth Disorder

Cleaning teeth with the aerial roots of the banyan prevent teeth and gum disorders.

For Diabetes

Banyan bark is beneficial to treat diabetes.

5. How to Use Bargad Chal?

Ficus Bengalensis leaves are good for ulcers, aerial roots are useful in gonorrhea, and seeds and fruits are cooling and tonic The roots of Ficus Bengalensis are given for obstinate vomiting, and infusion of its bark is considered a tonic and astringent and is also used in diarrhea, dysentery, and diabetes. The bark of the plant is used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of diabetes.

Here are the uses of Ficus Bengalensis

• Take the buds of the tree, and soak them in water overnight, drink that water, helps to treat diarrhea and dysentery.
• Take 5 grams of root powder and mix with 1 cup of milk, take this mixture for 3 consecutive nights after the mensuration cycle till conception takes place. No other food should be taken with this.
• Take 2 tbsp. of each powder, fig, and bark and boil with 1 liter of water, reduce it by half. Use this water for douching the genital parts. Helps women to get rid of leucorrhea.
• Take 2-3 drops of the latex of the banyan tree and mix with milk, take daily. Helps to cure bleeding piles.
• Taking milky juice from fresh green leaves is useful in destroying warts.
• Chew the root stick and brush the teeth, cleanse and strengthen the teeth and gums.

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6. Side Effects of Ficus Bengalensis

All Ayurveda herbs are plant-based, and they don’ have any side effects but they may react with some allopathy or homeopathy medicine. It is better to consult the doctor if you are on any medications or have special health issues.

Some side effects are mentioned below

• Consult the doctor if you are breastfeeding.
• Do not take without a doctor’s prescription if you are pregnant.
• If you are on diabetes or on hypertension medication. Consult first the doctor before consuming Ficus Bengalensis.
• Ficus Bengalensis may interact with other allopathy medicines, consult the doctor before starting Ficus Bengalensis
• The right dosage is very important for Ficus Bengalensis, overdosage may cause vomiting and diarrhea.