What is Ficus Religiosa? What are the Health Benefits of Sacred Fig, Uses and Side Effects of Bodhi Tree?

Table of Content

1. Introduction

Ficus Religiosa, commonly known as the Peepal tree, is one of the best trees of India. It has a hard, cracked and greyish white bark with numerous offshoots and somewhat leathery, broadly oval shaped leaves with a longish tail and a narrow apex.

The tree is venerated by the Hindus and the Buddhists, it is believed that the rishis of yore meditated under it. It was beneath a peepal that Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment, and that particular tree came to be called Bodhi or the "tree of wisdom". In popular Indian folklore, the peepal is considered as the female to the male banyan.

The tree grows abundantly on the lower slopes of the Himalayas, Odisha and Central India. It grows wild in most parts of India, especially on the banks of rivers and lakes.

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2. Common Names

• Family - Moraceae
• Hindi Name - Pipal
• English Name - Sacred fig
• Synonyms - Bodhidru, Chalpatra, Gajashan.

3. Morphology

It is a fast-growing deciduous tall tree with cordate-shaped leaves and with few or no aerial roots. 

Leaves - Long petiole, cordate, shiny leaves, the apex is linear lanceolate tail about half long as the main portion of the blade.

Fruit - Occurring in pairs, depressed globose, smooth, purplish when ripe.

4. Ayurvedic Properties 

Rasa (Taste): It has Madhur, Kasaya (sweet, pungent) taste.

Virya (Potency): It is Sheeta in nature (cold).

Vipaka (Post-digestive taste): It is Katu (pungent) taste.

Guna (Qualities) – Guru, Ruksha.

Doshakarma  - Pitta-kaphahara.

5. Ayurvedic and Pharmacological Actions

Ayurvedic Actions

It has wound healing, disease of blood, disease of female genital organ, burning sensation, diabetes, hemorrhage, diarrhea and vomiting.

Pharmacological Actions

It has complexion promoter, astringent, purification of vagina, wound healing and astringent.

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6. Health Benefits

The bark and leaves of peepal are useful in treating many common ailments. Its leaves are laxative and a tonic, relieve feverish feeling and produce a feeling of coolness. They are also useful in arresting secretion or bleeding - about 50 ml of raw juice of leaves or 1 tsp of powdered dried leaves can be taken with water in such cases.

Boils - A leaf smeared with lukewarm ghee can be bandaged on the boils, in initial stage if there is any pus formation, it will burst, and the boil will subside.

Bruises - Pills made with leaves are useful in bruises and wounds, to prepare these pills grind a few leaves mixed with 25 grams of jaggery and roll them into 8 pills. One pill taken daily with milk helps relieve pain due to injury.

Constipation - The leaves of the tree are useful in relieving constipation, leaves are dried in shade and powdered. Pills are prepared by adding the required quantity of a solution of anise and jaggery with water. One pill taken with warm milk at bedtime ensures proper bowel movement.

Another remedy is to powder the fruit dried in shade and mix it with an equal quantity of sugar. This mixture in doses of 4 to 6 grams, taken at bedtime with milk, serves relieves constipation.

Dysentery - Leaves are very effective in treating dysentery, equal parts of tender peepal leaves, coriander leaves and sugar can be chewed slowly to relieve the condition.

Mumps - Peepal leaves are also used in treating mumps, leaves smeared with ghee, warmed and bandaged over the inflamed part bring relief.

7. How to Use Sacred Fig Bark?

Dosage and uses depend upon the health problems and conditions or as recommended by an Ayurvedic doctor. The general recommended dosage is 5-10 grams of Ficus religiosa Bark twice a day before an hour of a meal. A decoction of the bark with honey and water can also be used.

Uses of Ficus religiosa Bark

• Take 5 grams of fine powder of Ficus religiosa Bark and gently rub on teeth and gums, giving strength and kills bacteria.
• Take 4 grams of bark powder and add with honey, make a paste, and apply it on the face, which helps to relieve skin problems.
• 40-50ml Decoction of bark a day helps to control diabetes and vaginal tract problems.
• Take 2-4 grams of bark powder and boil it with 1 cup of water, reduce it by ¼ cup. Strain it and use 15-20 ml of this twice a day or as directed by a doctor.
• Taking 1-2 grams of bark powder with water twice a day helps to control mensuration problems.

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 Uses of Ficus religiosa Leaves

• Take 5-10ml of leaf juice and mix it with one cup of lukewarm water, gives relief from constipation.
• Soak dry leaves overnight and take the extract thrice a day, gives relief from heart problems.
• Take 2 grams of leaf powder with 1 gram of fennel seed powder and jaggery, which help to control constipation.
• Leaf extract of 2-3 leaves with sugar and milk, helps to cure jaundice.
• Put some drops of leaves powder in the nostril, helps to control nostrils bleeding.

8. Official Part Used

Bark, fruit, latex and tender leaves.

9. Dose

• Powder - 3 to 6gm
• Decoction - 50 to 100ml

10. Side Effects of Sacred Fig Leaves, Bark and Gum

• Excessive consumption of the leaf extract can cause bleeding in the digestive tract. Consult the doctor for the right dosage.
• Some people have hypersensitive skin, it is advisable to consult the doctor before applying it to the skin.
• It is not recommended for breastfeeding women and for pregnant women.
• Consult the doctor if you are on any supplement or on dietary medicine.
• If you are on any medication, first consult the doctor before starting to take Ficus Religiosa.
• If you are on diabetes or high blood sugar medication, consult the doctor first before starting Ficus Religiosa.
• It may interact with some allopathy and homeopathy medicine, consult the doctor if you are taking any of these.

• Allergic reactions: Some individuals may experience an allergic reaction after consuming Ficus religiosa leaves. Symptoms may include itching, redness, hives, or difficulty breathing.

• Stomach problems: Ficus religiosa leaves can cause upset stomach, abdominal pain, and diarrhea when consumed in large quantities.

• Interactions with medications: Ficus religiosa leaves may interact with certain medications, such as blood-thinning drugs, so it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before consuming them if you are taking any medications.

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Pregnant or breastfeeding women should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using Ficus Religiosa products. Limited research is available on the safety of these products during pregnancy and lactation.

• Skin Sensitivity: Some individuals may have hypersensitive skin, and applying Ficus Religiosa products directly to the skin may cause irritation or allergic reactions. It is advisable to perform a patch test or consult a dermatologist before using it topically.

• Excessive Consumption: Excessive consumption of Ficus Religiosa leaf extract may cause gastrointestinal distress, including stomach cramps, diarrhea, or bleeding in the digestive tract. It is crucial to follow recommended dosages and consult a healthcare professional if any adverse effects occur.

Note: This post is about educating the benefits and uses of Ficus Religiosa, consult the Ayurvedic doctor before starting.

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