Bel Tree

Bel tree is a deciduous shrub or small to medium-sized tree, up to 13 metres (43 feet) tall with slender drooping branches and rather open, irregular crown. The bark is pale brown or grayish, smooth or finely fissured and flaking.The leaf is trifoliate, alternate, each leaflet is ovate with tapering or pointed tip and rounded base.The flowers are 1.5 to 2 cm, pale green or yellowish, sweetly scented, in short drooping unbranched clusters at the end of twigs and leaf axils. They usually appear with young leaves.
The fruit typically has a diameter of between 2 and 4 inches.  It is globose or slightly pear-shaped with a thick, hard rind and does not split upon ripening. The woody shell is smooth and green, gray until it is fully ripe when it turns yellow. Inside are 8 to 15 or 20 sections filled with aromatic orange pulp, each section with 6 to 10 flattened-oblong seeds.The fruit takes about 11 months to ripen on the tree, reaching maturity in December. The shell is so hard it must be cracked with a hammer or machete.

It is commonly known as Wood apple, Stone apple, Japanese bitter orange and Golden apple. Botanical name of bel tree is Aegle marmelos which belongs to Rutaceae family. Bael is also known as the tree of Lord Shiva is of sacred value in India. In Sanskrit it is named as Bilva.

Nutritional Value –
Bel is an uncommon but nutritious fruit. This fruit is rich in-
Proteins, Vitamins – vitamin C, beta carotene, and vitamin B-complex, Minerals – potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper, and iron, Dietary fibers and Fat.

Parts Used –
The unripe fruit, root, leaf, and branch are used to make medicine.

Preparations & Dosage –
•  Bel churna – ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
•  Bel capsule/ tablet – 1-2 capsules twice a day
•  Bel oil
•  Bel Kwath/ Juice/ Decoction – ½-1 cup twice a day along with water after meals.
•  Bel Candy – 4-5 candies or as per your requirement.

Benefits –
•   Bacteria-induced diarrhea and cholera
Bel fruit has ant-bacterial and anti-parasitic properties that help reduce diarrhea. Tannins present in it help in fighting against the infection called shigellosis that causes diarrhea and cholera. 

•  Digestion
Bel is the best fruit for all digestive problems that have anti-bacterial, anti-fungal properties. Its magical juice may control gastric ulcers caused due to the imbalance of mucosa and levels of oxidative stress in the gastric tract. It also has laxative properties that prevent constipation. 
•  Immunity booster 
Bel juice is a powerhouse of vitamin C and antioxidants that boost immunity. Drinking it’s juice during monsoons will help in preventing infections due to bacteria and viruses.
•  Stimulate milk production in nursing mother 
Daily consumption of bael may stimulate the production of prolactin and corticoids. It turns to induces galactagogue action and thereby helps in improving lactation and the quality of breast milk. For good results, drink bel juice with dry ginger powder and jaggery by the infant mothers. 

•  Scurvy 
Bel is rich in vitamin C and antioxidants that help control your symptoms of scurvy. Scurvy can cause a deficiency of Vitamin C in the body resulting in sore arms and legs and weakness.
•  Detoxify body
It is a blood purifier because it is rich in minerals that help flush all toxins from the body. It is a natural detoxifying agent and thus, prevents kidney and liver dysfunctions.
•  Prevent skin infections 
Due to the presence of anti-bacterial, anti-fungus, and anti-inflammatory properties, it is an excellent remedy for skin infections. Bel leaf oil inhibits common types of fungus that infect the skin. It can also be beneficial for skin rash and itchy bumps.
•  Diabetes
The bark and branches of bel are rich with a compound-Feronia gum that reduces the elevated blood glucose level. In Ayurveda, bael is an essential remedy for diabetes. It stimulates the pancreas and helps them to produce insulin that controls sugar levels in the blood.
•  Reduces cholesterol 
Bel juice helps in cholesterol control and also reduces blood cholesterol levels. It is a cardio-protective fruit that is rich in antioxidants that reduces the risk of heart diseases. 

For more informative articles on Ayurvedic herbs and other health related issues, please visit our website www.santripty.com and also feel free to consult with our experienced team of doctors, get benefits and stay healthy.