Terminalia belerica is widely recognized for its multiple medicinal uses. According to its reputation in Ayurveda medicine, its power in strengthening the immune system is considerable. It’s commonly known among practitioners of alternative medicine as the herb Bibhitaki.
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Background of Terminalia belerica
Bibhitaki, which means fearless, is the Sanskrit name for Terminalia belerica. Northern India’s Hindus would avoid it because they believed evil spirits inhabited it. However, due to the prevalence of Arabian medicine, it was still used in India. The Arabs from India introduced its medicinal uses to the Europeans. Moreover, the literal meaning of its name is believed to be appropriate. When taken, an individual’s body becomes “fearless of diseases.”
Apart from its basionym, Myrobalanus bellerica Gaertn, it is known by many names. Among the list are Indian (Tamil, Hindi and Marathi) names like Vibhitaki, Karshaphala, Kalidruma, Bahira, Bahera, Baheda, Beleric, Bilhitak, Arjuna, Bedda Nut, Bastard Myrobalan, and its English name Beleric Myrobalan.
How to grow Terminalia belerica
Terminalia belerica is a medicinal deciduous tree of the Combretacea family. When cultivated, its leaves grow about fifteen centimeters long and are crowded toward the branches’ end. It flowers during the months of October and November and bears fruit during November and December. It is commonly found on the lower hills and plains in India. It is found in nearby regions in Southeast Asia and Southwest China, too.
It is a perennial plant and it is best grown in a tropical climate. While it’s often seen at high altitudes, it can survive at low altitudes with proper cultivation.
Nearly every portion of the tree can be used. Typically, it bears flowers at the age of three months and fruit at the age of three years.
Which Plant Parts Are for Medicinal Use?
Terminalia belerica is lauded for its plethora of medicinal uses. Its fruit, seeds, and flowers contain powerful chemical constituents and medicinal properties. Interestingly, it’s one of the three ingredients in Triphala, along with Haritaki and Amla.
Minute pale pubescence covers its fruit. When this fruit ripens, it can be eaten. They are known for their incredible anti-bacterial activity, as well as their chacolagogic effect.
Bibhitaki seeds are used as laxatives, anthelmintic, anti-pyretic and germicidal agents, as well as astringents. These can be eaten, but should be done so in moderation.
The oil extracted from its greenish-yellow flowers provides nourishment for the skin and hair. It can be applied topically and will greatly enhance texture in the applied area. It is a highly effective healing agent, too.
It contains beta sitosterol with all sorts of amazing health benefits.
Health Benefits of Terminalia belerica (Bibhitaki)
- Immune system booster
- Treats migraines and headaches
- Treats fever
- Treats excessive thirst
- Treats spermatorrhea and increases libido and sexual drive
- Treats chest pain (angina)
- Treats blood disorders
- Promotes hair growth and treats baldness, alopecia, and other related problems
- Remedies hoarseness of voice and sore throat
- Remedies weak eyesight and treats conjunctivitis
- Remedies asthma, bronchitis, and other respiratory conditions
- Restores cough reflex
- Reduces uric acid
- Enhances body resistance
- Adds luster to the hair
- Serves as an appetizer
- Balances cholesterol levels
- Works as a laxative
- Works as a detox agent
- Regulates body temperature
- Regulates blood pressure levels
- Removes excess mucus
- Regulates digestive function and cures indigestion and constipation
- Treats cardiovascular diseases
- Treats blocked nose, runny nose, and sinusitis
- Treats anemia
- Treats dental problems
- Treats kidney diseases
- Treats ascariasis
- Treats snakebites and many other animal bites
One of the ways it helps the body function normally is by eliminating toxins that can disrupt processes. It regulates blood flow and ensures seamless circulation. Additionally, scientific studies and clinical trials have shown it to reduce uric acid. One alternative health product generating interest with regard to gout and uric acid is Ayuric.
Additionally, research shows very promising anti-diabetic activity.
Taking Terminalia belerica
Among the concerns of those who take Terminalia belerica is the taste. Different portions of the herb taste differently. Its seed kernel is sweet, while its seed is naturally astringent. While it is beneficial for the health, its fruit’s bitter taste can be difficult to tolerate.
If the taste is a problem for you or it’s impossible to get the raw fruit or leaves where you live, Bibhitaki extract powder supplements might be the best idea. The most common herbal product you can find it in is Triphala.
The energy it expends is hot. Since it is recognized as a natural thermogenic, it can effectively add warmth to the body. With the assistance of an Ayurveda medicine practitioner, it can produce promising health benefits.
Terminalia belerica is very powerful. For an individual whose quality of life needs improving, it is the ideal supplement. It will revitalize and re-condition the system. A few weeks after use, it can reveal major results.
Terminalia belerica Side Effects
To be safe, avoid Terminalia belerica while pregnant. It’s likely unsafe for pregnant women and no information exists for lactating women. It would be likely best to avoid its use under these conditions.
It lowers blood sugar so those suffering from blood disorders will need to adjust their diabetic medication accordingly.
Those who suffer from bleeding disorders would be best to avoid it as well as it slows blood clotting.
Large doses can also cause stomach problems like diarrhea.
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