Banyan Tree
Banyan tree is a big tree distributed all over India in the temperate climate, growing to a height of 15-20 meters and wide in radius. Aerial roots are found hanging from the tree which, on touching the ground, gives support to the branches. It’s botanical name is Ficus bengalensis and belongs to Moraceae family. It is also known by other names such as Bad, Bargad, Vat, Nyagrodha etc.
Chemical Composition –
• The aerial root contains Phytosterolin.
• Leaves contain Triterpin, Friedelin and Beta sitostero.
• The bark of the tree contains a glucoside, Bengalinoside and flavonoid glycosides, Leucocyanidin and Leucopelargonidin.
• Heartwood contains ester of alpha- tatraxasterol and Liglic acid.
Part used –
Bark, Tender leaf and Latex are the parts of Banyan tree that are used for medicinal purposes.
Dosage –
• Powder- 1 to 3 g
• Decoction- 50 to 80 ml
• Milky latex- 5 to 8 drops
Benefits –
• The milky latex of Vata is applied directly over the wound and swelling for quick relief.
• The decoction of the bark of Ficus benghalensis is given in a dose of 50-70 ml to treat vaginal diseases.
• To control diabetes, the decoction of the bark of Vata or the fruit is given.
• In order to strengthen the uterine muscles during pregnancy, the tender leaves of Vata is given the form of decoction.
• The latex of Banyan tree is called Bargad ka doodh in Hindi. It is used to treat cases of premature ejaculation.
• Latex of Vata is applied locally in dental caries, conjunctivitis and skin diseases as part of treatment.
• For the firmness of the breasts in females, the paste of the aerial roots is applied locally.
• To treat diarrhea, the buds of Ficus benghalensis is added with Ficus religiosa and Ficus glomerata and processed with ghee and mixed with honey and sugar candy for consumption.
• To treat nausea and vomiting, the decoction prepared from leaf bud of Vata, Jambu and Ushira is taken with honey in a dose of 40-50 ml.
• Person affected with viper snake poisoning, paste of root of banyan tree is mixed with juice of Durva, Manjishta, Jivaka and Kashmarya and consumed.
• In excessive sweating, cold infusion from the tender buds of Ficus benghalensis is given in a dose of 40-50 ml.
Ayurvedic formulations
• Nygrodhadi kashayam
• Nygrodhadi Churna
• Sarivadyasav
• Usirasav
• Swarna sindura
• Naalpamradi kashyam and taila
• Panchvalkaladi ghrita and taila
Side Effects –
No known adverse effect is known or reported after the normal use of Ficus bengalensis.
It is best to avoid during constipation.
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