Importance and Benefits of Peepal in Ayurveda

2022-06-22 15:27:01

We often spot many trees on the roadside, gardens, and temples which provide us with shade and oxygen. One of these trees is the Peepal tree which is considered revered in India. It is also known for its huge size and dense shadow with many health benefits. Therefore, due to its medicinal properties, it also proves helpful in curing many types of problems. Therefore, it has been used as a medicine in Ayurveda for years.

The scientific name of the Peepal tree is Ficus Religiosa. Peepal is commonly used to treat asthma, fever, colic, diarrhea, wound healing and skin diseases. It effectively helps in increasing sexual stamina and assist in conceiving. Apart from this, peepal is also considered great for the treatment of teeth and gum diseases.

What is Peepal?

Peepal trees are evergreen trees which are quite long, bearing a height of about 10-20 meters with many branches. Peepal trees live for hundreds of years. The bark of the old tree is torn white-brown in color. Its new leaves are soft, smooth and light red in color. Its fruits are small, spherical and smooth. It is green in raw state and purple in color when ripe. The root, stem, bark, leaves, and fruit are used in ayurvedic medicines.

Nutrients of Peepal Tree

A good amount of moisture content, fiber, fat, carbohydrate and protein are found in Peepal trees. Apart from this, calcium, iron, copper and magnesium are also found in it.

Benefits of Peepal

For asthma-

Peepal is considered an effective medicine for asthma and respiratory diseases. Therefore, regularly using it is helpful in removing mucus and phlegm present in the bronchial tubes (respiratory tubes) due to which problems like cough, asthma, wheezing in the throat, difficulty in breathing and chest tightness are relieved to some extent. For this, grind peepal bark and ripe fruit and mix it in equal quantities. Now take half a teaspoon thrice a day. By doing this, mucus is cleared from the lungs and asthma and respiratory problems are removed.

Effective in stomach ache-

Consuming peepal is an effective remedy in the problem of stomach pain. The anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) properties present in it help in relieving abdominal pain. For this, grind peepal leaves and mix them with jaggery and make a cake and consume it. By doing this, stomachache and many stomach related problems get relieved. Apart from this, consuming peepal's kwath (decoction) is also beneficial.

Beneficial in diarrhea

Peepal bark has antibacterial properties which helps to cure problems like diarrhoea. Therefore, the consumption of extracts from the bark of the Peepal tree is considered good for diarrhea.

For teeth and gums-

Peepal has antioxidant and antimicrobial effects which help in reducing tooth decay and inflammation of the gums. Brushing with soft twigs of peepal or chewing on soft leaves of peepal is good for teeth and gums. This helps to relieve many problems related to teeth. Apart from this, bioactive compounds like flavonoids, alkaloids and steroids are found in the oil made from peepal leaves which effectively ensure healthy teeth and oral health.

Beneficial for heart health-

Peepal has been used for years to improve heart health. According to scientific research, if some leaves of peepal are soaked in water overnight and consumed the next day thrice a day, heart diseases can be avoided. Apart from this, peepal also reduces oxidative stress and inflammation. The cardioprotective properties present in it provides protection against heart diseases.

For diabetes-

Leaves of peepal trees have hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) properties which helps to overcome the problem of diabetes. Therefore, it is advised to drink the extract of the leaves of the Peepal tree.

For infertility-

The benefits of peepal tree help to overcome infertility and many other sexual problems in women. For this, after the end of the menstrual cycle, drink 1-2 grams of dried fruits of peepal with raw milk. It helps to boost the reproductive system. Therefore, the powder of Peepal tree is considered great for infertility.

Helpful in purifying blood

Peepal leaves are used in Ayurveda for blood purification. It helps in curing skin diseases by removing impurities from the blood due to its antibacterial and antiviral properties. Apart from this, according to the research done on it, drinking peepal's kwath or extract of its leaves purifies the blood.

Aids in wound healing-

Peepal leaves act as a medicine for wound healing. Scientific research done on this shows that tannins (a special property) present in peepal leaves increase the amount of collagen in the skin which aids wound healing.

For skin-

Various parts of the Peepal tree have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects which are helpful in removing many skin-related disorders. Apart from this, protein is also found in peepal leaves which helps in keeping the skin healthy.

Uses of peepal

• Different parts of peepal are used to make a powder.

• Peepal leaves are chewed raw like neem.

• The extract of the bark, root and leaves of peepal can be extracted and drunk.

• Peepal leaves are used to make a decoction.

• A paste made from the root, bark and leaves of the Peepal tree is used on the skin.

Side effects of Peepal

• It is bitter in taste. Therefore, excessive consumption may cause vomiting or nausea.

• Excessive consumption of peepal may increase the risk of prostate cancer and heart disease.

• High amount of fiber is found in it therefore, excessive consumption of it can cause stomach pain and cramps.