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
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 Dosage
Powder: ¼ to ½ tsp daily.
Juice: ½ to 1 cup with water after meals
Capsule: 1-2 capsules 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.
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.
Do you want to learn more? Ask us! OR Do you know more about this topic? Educate us.