Peepal Tree
Peepal tree, a large evergreen tree, is considered to be sacred in India. It not only emits oxygen but also has many important medicinal benefits. Peepal tree is considered the mythical ‘Tree of Life’ or ‘World Tree’ of the Indian subcontinent. The peepal tree, also called Ficus religiosa, belonging to the family Moraceae, is a variation of the fig tree known as the bodhi tree. It is also known as ‘Sacred fig’. It is a huge tree often planted near holy places and temples.
Peepal tree that has a lifespan ranging anywhere between 900 to 1500 years is widely found in India, Nepal and Srilanka.
Chemical Constituents –
Peepal tree leaves contain Glucose, Asteriod and Mennos, Phenolic while its bark is rich in Vitamin K, tainen and Phaetosteroline.
Properties –
• Antidiabetic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant
• Analgesic
• Anticonvulsant (reduces or prevents the severity of fits)
• Antimicrobial
• Wound healing
• Anti-amnesic
• Anti-ulcer agent
• Anti-Parkinson agent
• Anti-asthmatic
• Kidney-protective agent
Parts Used –
Bark, leaves and fruit of Peepal tree are the main parts used for medicinal purposes.
Dosage –
• Bark Powder – 1to 1.5 gm twice a day
• Bark Decoction – 15 to 20 ml twice a day
• Leaves Juice – 5 to 10 ml
Benefits –
• Digestive System
Severe intolerable stomach pain may be relieved by drinking the bark’s decoction with jaggery and salt. The leaves of the peepal tree are laxative (ease the passage of stool). The raw juice of its leaves or powdered dried leaves in water can be taken.
• Asthma
Peepal tree emits 2400 kgs of oxygen in a day and spending time under this tree at the crack of dawn can miraculously treat various lung related ailments including asthma.
The bark of the Peepal plant and its ripe fruits are helpful for treating asthma, pneumonia like airways ailments. Make a powder of the bark and fruits separately and then mix both of them in equal quantities. Consume this mixture thrice a day for relief from Asthma.
• Cracked heels
Simply apply the milk extracted from the Peepal tree or extract of its leaves on the affected areas to cure cracked heels. This will help in softening and healing the cracks.
• Constipation
Adding peepal tree fruit (the sacred fig) to your daily diet is a great way to get relief from constipation. If you eat 5-10 fig fruit daily, you can solve the problem of constipation permanently.
• Diarrhea
One of the biggest benefits of the Peepal tree for health is in treating bleeding diarrhea. Create a mixture by taking the soft stem of Peepal tree, coriander seeds and sugar in equal quantity. Have 3-4gms of this mixture twice a day to get relief.
• Heart disease
For treating heart-related issues such as palpitations and cardiac weakness, start drinking an infusion prepared from peepal leaves.
To prepare it, infuse leaves in water overnight and distill it in the morning. Drink this infusion thrice a day for the best results.
• Impotency
Take half spoon of peepal fruit (sacred fig) powder thrice a day with milk. This will help in treating impotence and provide strength to the body.
• Nasal Bleeding
Known as epistaxis, nasal bleeding is an indication of pitta dosha and inflammation in the nostrils due to cold weather. Put 1 to 2 drops of Peepal leaf juice in both nostrils to stop it immediately.
• Hiccups
Take 50-100 gms bark of peepal and make tis charcoal and extinguish it in water. The intake of this water is very useful for patients of Hiccups.
• Eczema & Itching
The bark of Peepal tree is an amazing remedy for those suffering from eczema and itching, especially in the winter. Boil Peepal tree bark in hot water and let it cool down. Consume it till you find relief.
• Menorrhagia
Peepal bark powder balances an aggravated Pitta and controls heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia.
• Wound healing
Peepal helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin.Take 2-3gm (or as per your requirement) of Peepal bark powder. Mix it with honey to make a paste.
Apply it on the affected area and leave it for 15-20 minutes for quick healing of wounds.
• Parkinson’s disease
The leaves of Peepal might help in Parkinson disease due to its anti-Parkinson activity.
It improves the motor performance of an individual. It also contains antioxidants which reduce oxidative stress and prevents cell (neurons) damage by fighting against the free radicals.
• Snake Bite
In case of a snake bite give 2-2 spoons of the extracts of Peepal leaves three to four times to reduce the effect of the poison.
Precautions –
Peepal fruit contains latex that might cause allergies or skin rashes in some individuals. So it is advisable to consult a physician before using Peepal on the skin
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