Nutrients and Benefits of Banyan Tree

2022-03-17 13:13:43

Every day we see many trees on the roadside which gives us shade and oxygen. One of these trees is the banyan tree which is considered revered in India. This simple looking tree has many health benefits. Due to its medicinal properties, it also proves to be helpful in curing all physical problems. Hence, it has been used as a medicine in Ayurveda for years.

The scientific name of the banyan tree is Ficus bengalensis and is commonly used to treat diseases like dysentery, diarrhoea and piles. It effectively helps in removing female infertility and earache. Apart from this, banyan is also a good option for the treatment of teeth and gums.

About Banyan tree

Banyan tree comes under the category of evergreen trees. The height of this tree is about 21 meters and the length of its leaves is 10-20 centimetres. Many roots grow from their stems. Condensed milk comes out when the banyan leaves are broken. The banyan tree has the characteristic of being alive for hundreds of years. Its root, bark, leaves, flowers and fruits are used for various Ayurvedic benefits. In other and simple words, all parts of this tree are rich in medicinal properties which are used in Ayurveda.

Nutrients of Banyan Tree

Many nutrients are found in the banyan tree. It contains a good amount of glycosides, B sitosterol, leukocidin, ester, sterol, Friedelin and quercetin. Apart from these, flavonoids, bergapten, inositol, galactose, rutin, leucoplast, tannins, ketones, and polysaccharide sitosterol are also present in it.

Benefits of Banyan tree

For teeth and gums-

Banyan has antioxidant (inflammation) and anti-microbial (bacteria-destroying) effects which help in reducing tooth decay and inflammation of the gums. After chewing and softening the banyan root, using it as a scrub is good for teeth and gums. By doing this many problems related to teeth can be cured.

For immunity-

According to Ayurvedic experts, butanol, hexane, chloroform and water are present in banyan leaves. All these elements combined work to increase the immunity of the body. Therefore, consuming the leaves of the banyan tree is good for immunity.

For diarrhoea-

The milk from the banyan tree contains elements like serine, sugar, albumin, resin and malic acid which work to cure problems like diarrhoea, dysentery (blood with diarrhoea) and piles. Hence the milk of the banyan tree is considered good for diarrhoea.

For joint pain-

Sometimes the weakening of immunity also causes joint pain (arthritis) but according to Ayurvedic experts, butanol, hexane, chloroform and water are present in banyan leaves. All these elements combined work to increase the immunity of the body. Apart from this, banyan also has anti-inflammatory properties which help in reducing inflammation of the joints. Therefore, banyan has also been considered useful for joint pain (arthritis).

For diabetes-

The root of the banyan tree has hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) properties that help overcome diabetes. For this, it is advised to drink the extract of the root of the banyan tree.

For depression-

According to the research done on the banyan tree, there are such elements in the entire banyan tree, which can reduce anxiety and stress and increase mental capacity. Therefore, the benefits of banyan also include combatting depression.

For infertility and impotence-

Consuming milk from the banyan tree helps to increase sperm count in men and to overcome many sexual problems in women. Therefore, the milk of the banyan tree is considered a good alternative to infertility and impotence.

For haemorrhoids-

The milk from the banyan tree contains elements like serine, sugar, albumin, resin and malic acid which together works to cure problems like diarrhoea, dysentery (blood with diarrhoea) and piles. Hence, the banyan tree is said to be good for piles.

For hair-

Many times hair fall also starts due to bacterial infection. Since banyan has anti-microbial properties which reduce hair fall by removing the bacterial infection. For this, a paste of the bark and leaves of the banyan tree has to be made and applied to the hair. By doing this the hair can be kept healthy for a long time.

For skin-

Various parts of the banyan tree have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory effects that prove to help remove many skin-related disorders. 

Uses of Banyan tree

• Banyan fruit can be consumed directly.
• Banyan milk is also consumed in some special situations.
• A paste made from the banyan tree’s root, bark, and leaves can be used on the skin and hair.
• Banyan milk and paste are used as an ointment.
• The extracts of the bark, root and leaves of the banyan can be drunk.

Precautions while using Banyan Tree

• On regular consumption of any medicine, use Banyan only after consulting a doctor.
• People who are allergic to banyan bark, root, leaves and milk should also use it only after contacting the doctor.