Apr 15, 2021 - Indian Ayurveda Herbs and Spices

Bibhitaki Scientific Name

Terminalia bellirica

Bibhitaki Other Names

English: Belleric myrobalan, Beach Almond, Bedda nut tree
Hindi: Baheda
Sanskrit: Vibheeta

What is Bibhitaki ?

Bibhitaki (Terminalia berecilla), is a large broad-leafed plant commonly used in Ayurvedic treatments. It is also known as Vibheeta in Sanskrit, which means destroyer of fear of disease. The fruits for the plant are dried and powdered to be used in Ayurvedic formulations. It is one of the fruits in Triphala formulation, which helps to balance kapha dosha. Bibhitaki has anti-microbial and anti-allergic properties known to help combat diseases. It promotes longevity and increases stamina. It is found to improve digestion, aid in curing cold, constipation and bloating. It is found to have mildly sedative compounds that help in treating insomnia.

Common forms of Bibhitaki

Powder, Tablet, Capsule

Bibhitaki is commonly used for:

Relieving cough, cold
Promoting healthy eyes
Urinary Tract infection (Cystitis)
Improving hair health and hair growth
Relieving worm infestation
Relieving hoarseness of voice caused in throat infections

Bibhitaki Dosage

Powder: ¼ to ½ teaspoon twice a day
Capsule: 1-2 capsule twice a day

Bibhitaki Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Not known
Not so common side-effects: Not known
Pregnant and Nursing Mothers: Not enough evidence. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Not known, but lower doses are recommended.

Where to Buy Bibhitaki in US?

Bael Scientific Name

Aegle marmelos

Bael Other Names

English: Bael Tree, Bengal Quince, Wood Apple, Stone Apple
Hindi: Bael, Bel
Sanskrit: Adhararuha, Asholam, Atimangaliya, Balva, Bilva, Bilvam, Bilvaphalam, Bivalva, Duraruha, Gandhagarbha

What is Bael ?

Beal tree is also known as Wood Apple or Stone Apple tree, owing to a sweet fruit that has hard woody skin. Almost all parts of Bael tree like roots, leaves, trunk, fruit and seeds are used in various ayurvedic formulations in management of several diseases.

Unripe Bael fruit or Wood apple is extremely sour, fleshy with a distinct smell and full of edible seeds. Pulp of this fruit mixed with honey or jaggery is found to be effective in treating diarrhea, dysentery and other stomach disorders. This mixture has expectorant properties that facilitates liquefaction of sputum and reduces chest congestion, opens air passages and eases breathing, especially during cough, cold and asthma.

Bael leaf powder in combination with coconut oil when applied externally reduces hair fall and promotes healthy youthful skin. Bael is an effective anti-inflammatory and contains compounds like tannins, flavonoids and coumarins. Bael is also used in treatment and management of diabetes.

Common forms of Bael

Powder, Juice, Tablets

Bael is commonly used for:

Influenza
Tinnitus
Treating and managing Diabetes
Treating ulcers
Treating and managing Asthma
Promoting healthy Liver
Natural antioxidant properties
Promoting healthy hair, skin, nails and eyes
Promoting healthy appetite
Building healthy immune system

Bael Dosage

Powder: ¼ to ½ tsp daily.
Juice: ½ to 1 cup with water after meals
Capsule: 1-2 capsules daily

Bael Side-effects and Warnings

Common side-effects: Large doses can cause stomach upsets and constipation
Not so common side-effects: Not known
Pregnant and Nursing Mothers: Not enough evidence. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Children: Not known, but lower doses are recommended.
Warnings:
Bael might lower blood sugar levels. Hence, avoid therapeutic doses if you are on blood sugar lowering diabetes medicines. Since, Bael can interfere with blood sugar control. Avoid use around surgery.

Archives for Apr 15, 2021