Bilva : The tree that cure diseases
(Bael tree, Aeglle marmelos )
Since childhood I have witnessed a special relationship between Bilva tree and Lord Shiva. It is said that lord Shiva is fond of it's leaves (Bilva patra). You can get blessings from Lord Shiva, just by offering Bilva patra with devotion. Hence Bilva tree and Belpatra are of great importance for Hindus.
According to the Skanda Purana, the Bel tree has emerged from the sweat droplets of Goddess Parvati which fell on the Mandrachal mountain. Goddess Parvati resides in all parts of Bilva tree in all her forms along with Goddess Laxmi. She resides as Girija in the roots of the tree, as Maheshwari in its trunk, as Dakshayani in its branches, Parvati in its leaves, Katyayani in its fruit and as Gauri in its flowers.
The leaf of Bel tree is trifoliate which signifies the holy Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It also signifies the three eyes of Lord Shiva.It's trifoliate shape also signifies the three components or 'gunas' namely the Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The Sattva guna is the positive energies while the Tamas is the negative forces. It is believed that the centre part of the Bilva leaf has the natural characteristic to attract the Sattva or the positive energy. When someone touches the Belpatra, the positive energies are transferred to him/her. So, it is said that touching the Bilva tree makes you get rid of sins and ailments.
According to ancient text of Ayurveda Bilva tree has great medicinal values and is extremely beneficial for health.
The roots, skin, leaves, fruits ane seeds are being used in medicine to cure various ailments . Bilva is 'sweet', astringent, appetizing and gastric stimulant.
According to Charak Samhita bilva is best among the medicines which binds stools, which enhances function of agni (deepan), and in thoes that alleviates kapha and vata dosha.
Crude extracts different parts (Fruits, seeds, leaves, bark and root) of the bael plant are used to treat various disorders in different Indian traditional systems.
Roots- are used to cure cardiac malfunction, abdominal pain, fever, urinary troubles.
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Leaves- are used as an astringent, laxative, digestive, anti-inflammatory and pain reliever . They are also useful in hearing loss.
The unripe fruit- is also helpful in curing dysentery.
The ripe fruit- is used as an astringent, appetizer, laxative, tonic, restorarative.
Different parts of this plant are used to cure various diseases in folklore medicine. some of it's medicinal properties have been proved with the help of array of modern tests.
Extracts of Different parts of bilva tree have found useful in different ailmentssuffice for an adult.
Diarrhea and Dysentery-
Bilva possesses antiprotozoal and antibacterial activity against common pathogens of gastrointestinal tract like Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Proteus vulgaris, Streptococcus faecalis, Vibrio cholerae etc. Hence it useful in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and other infections of GIT.
The unripe or half ripe fruit is perhaps, the most effective food remedy for chronic diarrhea and dysentery where there is no fever. Best results are obtained by the use of dried bael or its powder.
The unripe bael can also be baked and taken with jaggery or honey.
Dried powder of Bael fruit is also a valuable remedy for chronic dysenteric conditions characterized by alternate diarrhea and constipation.
Constipation-
Ripe bael fruit is regarded as best of all laxatives. It cleans and tones up the intestines. Its regular use for two or three months helps evacuate even the old accumulated faecal matter from the bowels. Juice of ripe fruit with milk and sugar or pulp ( about 30 gms) should be taken for best results.
Fevers-
Bael leaf extract possesess anti malarial ( anti protozoal and schizontocidal) activity. Decoction made from the bark of the plant is often used in the cure of malaria.
The juice of bael leaves, with honey, relieves fever and catarrh.
Respiratory Affection-
Bael leaf extract also have anti-allergic and anti-pyretic properties.A medicated oil prepared from bael leaves gives relief from recurrent colds and respiratory affections. The juice of bael leaf, mixed in warm water with a little pepper, is given as a drink to bring relief from wheezing and respiratory spasm.
Gastro duodenal ulcers-
Gastroduodenal ulcers are very common and irritative in nature. Multiple factors are involved in causation of Gastroduodenal ulcer such as -
- Development of oxidative stress due to unhealthy food habits, unhealthy lifestyles and addition of tobacco, alcohol pan masala, etc
- Decreased blood flow to internal lining ( mucosa) of the stomach and GIT
- Stress, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori infection are the most common causes of ulceration.
All these factors lead to imbalance between repair and regeneration of gastric mucosa lowering gastro protection and play a dominant role in the pathogenesis of ulcer.
Along with other Indian medicinal plants like turmeric and neem, bilva also have shown antiulcer activity. A potent antioxidant compound " luvangetin" is present in bael fruit which inhibit oxidative stress thus shows prominent gastroprotective effect .
An infusion of bael leaves is regarded as an effective food remedy for peptic ulcer. The leaves are soaked overnight in water. This water is strained and taken as a drink in the morning for few weeks. It helps to releive pain and discomfort. Bael leaves are rich in tannins which reduce inflammation and help healing of ulcers.
Diabetese mellitus-
Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease around the world. A large percentage of the global population is suffering from this disorder. Diabetes and its related complications are closely related with oxidative stress of the body. Diabetes is closely inter-linked with cardiovascular as well as renal disorder at advanced stage and creates fatal disease syndromes.
Bael fruits, seeds and leavers all have exhibited hypoglycemic effect in animal as well as in clinical trials. This anti diabetic effect of bilva tree is multidirectional. The extracts lower the levels of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin and increases secretion of insulin from existing pancreatic beta cells of islet of langerhans. It increases ability to utilize the blood glucose by improving glucose uptake by cells. The leaves extract can also regenerate pancreatic cells and improve function of beta cells.
Taking 15-20 ml leaf extract or munching 10-12 bael leaves for 15 days significantly reduced blood cholesterol levels with blood glucose in diabetic patients.
Antihyperlipidaemic, cardio protective activity-
Higher concentration of blood triglyceride, fatty acid and cholesterol level make blood vessels stiff, less elastic and inflammed. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis increases the risk of heart diseases like ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction and cerebro vascular accidents.
Along with your conventional treatment you can take 10-12 bael leaves for prevention and as adjuvant treatment in above mentioned cardiac diseases.
Extract of bael leaf reduces oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation), and reduces serum lipid levels. It decreases fat synthesis and decreases fat mobilization from the peripheral depots in to the blood. Leaf extract activates break down of triglycerides and decreases circulatory level of blood cholesterol by decreasing fat mobilization from peripheral adipose tissues. This extract also potentiates glucose utilization by burning glucose at cellular level.
Antioxidant activity-
Oxidative stress is produced during normal metabolic processes in the body as well as induced by a variety of environmental and chemical factors, oxidative stress generates various reactive free radicals. Free radicals are reactive oxygen species which can damage to macromolecules like DNA, proteins and lipids.
Bael fruit and leaf contains Eugenol and marmesinin which are responsible for such powerful antioxidant activity. Extract of bael leaf scavenges free radicals like hydroperoxides (HP), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) etc. Whereas it activates antioxidant machinery in the body and increases enzymes like glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase which reduces oxidative stress.
Cancer-
Beal leaf extract shows anti cancer effect in animal studies. The plant extract exhibits cytotoxicity against tumor cells, arrests cell cancer cells proliferation. It also induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) which may be due to the presence of skimmianine in the leaf.
Hence it can be used in cancer treatment as an adjuvant drug which will be inexpensive and non toxic.
It also possesses Radioprotective activity. Hence it can be used with other anti cancer drugs and radiotherapy to prevent side effects of radiation.
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(Bael tree, Aeglle marmelos )
Since childhood I have witnessed a special relationship between Bilva tree and Lord Shiva. It is said that lord Shiva is fond of it's leaves (Bilva patra). You can get blessings from Lord Shiva, just by offering Bilva patra with devotion. Hence Bilva tree and Belpatra are of great importance for Hindus.
According to the Skanda Purana, the Bel tree has emerged from the sweat droplets of Goddess Parvati which fell on the Mandrachal mountain. Goddess Parvati resides in all parts of Bilva tree in all her forms along with Goddess Laxmi. She resides as Girija in the roots of the tree, as Maheshwari in its trunk, as Dakshayani in its branches, Parvati in its leaves, Katyayani in its fruit and as Gauri in its flowers.
The leaf of Bel tree is trifoliate which signifies the holy Trinity: Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva. It also signifies the three eyes of Lord Shiva.It's trifoliate shape also signifies the three components or 'gunas' namely the Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The Sattva guna is the positive energies while the Tamas is the negative forces. It is believed that the centre part of the Bilva leaf has the natural characteristic to attract the Sattva or the positive energy. When someone touches the Belpatra, the positive energies are transferred to him/her. So, it is said that touching the Bilva tree makes you get rid of sins and ailments.
According to ancient text of Ayurveda Bilva tree has great medicinal values and is extremely beneficial for health.
The roots, skin, leaves, fruits ane seeds are being used in medicine to cure various ailments . Bilva is 'sweet', astringent, appetizing and gastric stimulant.
According to Charak Samhita bilva is best among the medicines which binds stools, which enhances function of agni (deepan), and in thoes that alleviates kapha and vata dosha.
Crude extracts different parts (Fruits, seeds, leaves, bark and root) of the bael plant are used to treat various disorders in different Indian traditional systems.
Roots- are used to cure cardiac malfunction, abdominal pain, fever, urinary troubles.
.jpg)
Leaves- are used as an astringent, laxative, digestive, anti-inflammatory and pain reliever . They are also useful in hearing loss.
The unripe fruit- is also helpful in curing dysentery.
The ripe fruit- is used as an astringent, appetizer, laxative, tonic, restorarative.
Different parts of this plant are used to cure various diseases in folklore medicine. some of it's medicinal properties have been proved with the help of array of modern tests.
Extracts of Different parts of bilva tree have found useful in different ailmentssuffice for an adult.
Diarrhea and Dysentery-
Bilva possesses antiprotozoal and antibacterial activity against common pathogens of gastrointestinal tract like Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Salmonella paratyphi, Proteus vulgaris, Streptococcus faecalis, Vibrio cholerae etc. Hence it useful in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery and other infections of GIT.
The unripe or half ripe fruit is perhaps, the most effective food remedy for chronic diarrhea and dysentery where there is no fever. Best results are obtained by the use of dried bael or its powder.
The unripe bael can also be baked and taken with jaggery or honey.
Dried powder of Bael fruit is also a valuable remedy for chronic dysenteric conditions characterized by alternate diarrhea and constipation.
Constipation-
Ripe bael fruit is regarded as best of all laxatives. It cleans and tones up the intestines. Its regular use for two or three months helps evacuate even the old accumulated faecal matter from the bowels. Juice of ripe fruit with milk and sugar or pulp ( about 30 gms) should be taken for best results.
Fevers-
Bael leaf extract possesess anti malarial ( anti protozoal and schizontocidal) activity. Decoction made from the bark of the plant is often used in the cure of malaria.
The juice of bael leaves, with honey, relieves fever and catarrh.
Respiratory Affection-
Bael leaf extract also have anti-allergic and anti-pyretic properties.A medicated oil prepared from bael leaves gives relief from recurrent colds and respiratory affections. The juice of bael leaf, mixed in warm water with a little pepper, is given as a drink to bring relief from wheezing and respiratory spasm.
Gastro duodenal ulcers-
Gastroduodenal ulcers are very common and irritative in nature. Multiple factors are involved in causation of Gastroduodenal ulcer such as -
- Development of oxidative stress due to unhealthy food habits, unhealthy lifestyles and addition of tobacco, alcohol pan masala, etc
- Decreased blood flow to internal lining ( mucosa) of the stomach and GIT
- Stress, non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and Helicobacter pylori infection are the most common causes of ulceration.
All these factors lead to imbalance between repair and regeneration of gastric mucosa lowering gastro protection and play a dominant role in the pathogenesis of ulcer.
Along with other Indian medicinal plants like turmeric and neem, bilva also have shown antiulcer activity. A potent antioxidant compound " luvangetin" is present in bael fruit which inhibit oxidative stress thus shows prominent gastroprotective effect .
An infusion of bael leaves is regarded as an effective food remedy for peptic ulcer. The leaves are soaked overnight in water. This water is strained and taken as a drink in the morning for few weeks. It helps to releive pain and discomfort. Bael leaves are rich in tannins which reduce inflammation and help healing of ulcers.
Diabetese mellitus-
Diabetes mellitus is a common metabolic disease around the world. A large percentage of the global population is suffering from this disorder. Diabetes and its related complications are closely related with oxidative stress of the body. Diabetes is closely inter-linked with cardiovascular as well as renal disorder at advanced stage and creates fatal disease syndromes.
Bael fruits, seeds and leavers all have exhibited hypoglycemic effect in animal as well as in clinical trials. This anti diabetic effect of bilva tree is multidirectional. The extracts lower the levels of blood glucose and glycosylated hemoglobin and increases secretion of insulin from existing pancreatic beta cells of islet of langerhans. It increases ability to utilize the blood glucose by improving glucose uptake by cells. The leaves extract can also regenerate pancreatic cells and improve function of beta cells.
Taking 15-20 ml leaf extract or munching 10-12 bael leaves for 15 days significantly reduced blood cholesterol levels with blood glucose in diabetic patients.
Antihyperlipidaemic, cardio protective activity-
Higher concentration of blood triglyceride, fatty acid and cholesterol level make blood vessels stiff, less elastic and inflammed. This condition is known as atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis increases the risk of heart diseases like ischemic heart disease, myocardial infarction and cerebro vascular accidents.
Along with your conventional treatment you can take 10-12 bael leaves for prevention and as adjuvant treatment in above mentioned cardiac diseases.
Extract of bael leaf reduces oxidative stress (lipid peroxidation), and reduces serum lipid levels. It decreases fat synthesis and decreases fat mobilization from the peripheral depots in to the blood. Leaf extract activates break down of triglycerides and decreases circulatory level of blood cholesterol by decreasing fat mobilization from peripheral adipose tissues. This extract also potentiates glucose utilization by burning glucose at cellular level.
Antioxidant activity-
Oxidative stress is produced during normal metabolic processes in the body as well as induced by a variety of environmental and chemical factors, oxidative stress generates various reactive free radicals. Free radicals are reactive oxygen species which can damage to macromolecules like DNA, proteins and lipids.
Bael fruit and leaf contains Eugenol and marmesinin which are responsible for such powerful antioxidant activity. Extract of bael leaf scavenges free radicals like hydroperoxides (HP), creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) etc. Whereas it activates antioxidant machinery in the body and increases enzymes like glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase which reduces oxidative stress.
Cancer-
Beal leaf extract shows anti cancer effect in animal studies. The plant extract exhibits cytotoxicity against tumor cells, arrests cell cancer cells proliferation. It also induces apoptosis (programmed cell death) which may be due to the presence of skimmianine in the leaf.
Hence it can be used in cancer treatment as an adjuvant drug which will be inexpensive and non toxic.
It also possesses Radioprotective activity. Hence it can be used with other anti cancer drugs and radiotherapy to prevent side effects of radiation.
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