Anjeer
Anjeer
Anjeer is a fruit that grows on the Ficus tree. These trees are deciduous and can grow up to a height of 7 to 10m. Anjeer fruits have a unique taste and are sweet and chewy.
Anjeer helps manage diabetes by increasing insulin secretion due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As per Ayurveda, consuming 2-3 soaked Anjeer in the morning helps to relieve constipation by promoting bowel movement due to its Rechana (laxative) properties. Regular consumption of Anjeer also improves digestion as it contains dietary fiber.
Anjeer is good for managing skin problems due to the presence of antioxidants. Applying Anjeer paste along with honey on the face can help improve skin health and decrease melanin.
Anjeer leaf might help lower blood sugar levels. So, it is advisable to consult a physician while taking Anjeer along with antidiabetic drugs[2][4].
Anjeer helps manage diabetes by increasing insulin secretion due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. As per Ayurveda, consuming 2-3 soaked Anjeer in the morning helps to relieve constipation by promoting bowel movement due to its Rechana (laxative) properties. Regular consumption of Anjeer also improves digestion as it contains dietary fiber.
Anjeer is good for managing skin problems due to the presence of antioxidants. Applying Anjeer paste along with honey on the face can help improve skin health and decrease melanin.
Anjeer leaf might help lower blood sugar levels. So, it is advisable to consult a physician while taking Anjeer along with antidiabetic drugs[2][4].
What are the synonyms of Anjeer?
Ficus carica, Fig, Angir, Anjura, Tenatti, Anjuru, Anjra, Fagari, Angira[1].
What is the source of Anjeer?
Plant Based
Benefits of Anjeer
Modern Science View
Anjeer might help manage Diabetes due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It reduces the breakdown of carbohydrates and prevents the damage of pancreatic cells. This enhances insulin secretion and lowers blood sugar levels. The high potassium content in Anjeer also helps regulate blood sugar levels in the body[4][5].
Modern Science View
Anjeer might help manage constipation due to its laxative property. It helps to loosen stools and promote bowel movement[5].
Ayurvedic View
According to Ayurveda, constipation is a condition caused particularly by the aggravation of Vata dosha. Factors like eating fast or junk food, excess intake of coffee, tea, sleeping late at night, high-stress levels and depression aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Anjeer helps manage constipation due to its Vata balancing and Rechana (laxative) properties. It prevents Vata from aggravating and leads to easy passage of stools.
Tips for using Anjeer in constipation.
1. Take 2-4 pieces of dried Anjeer or as directed by the physician.
2. Soak them in water overnight in a small bowl.
3. Drain the water from Anjeer in the morning.
4. Eat these soaked figs along with honey on an empty stomach to get good results in constipation.
Tips for using Anjeer in constipation.
1. Take 2-4 pieces of dried Anjeer or as directed by the physician.
2. Soak them in water overnight in a small bowl.
3. Drain the water from Anjeer in the morning.
4. Eat these soaked figs along with honey on an empty stomach to get good results in constipation.
How effective is Anjeer?
Insufficient evidence
Constipation, Diabetes
Precautions when using Anjeer
Allergy
Modern Science View
People sensitive to latex, mulberry or weeping fig might experience allergic reactions while using Anjeer. So, it is advisable to avoid its consumption or consult a physician before using Anjeer (fig)[6].
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Anjeer (fresh or dried) is safe to be taken in food amounts during breastfeeding. But, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Anjeer (Fig) during breastfeeding[3][6].
Minor Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Anjeer (fig), due to the presence of certain constituents (like furocoumarins), might increase the risk of bleeding when taken along with certain drugs (blood thinners, antiplatelet drugs). So, it is generally advisable to consult a physician before taking Anjeer with such drugs[6].
Moderate Medicine Interaction
Modern Science View
Anjeer (Fig) leaf lowers blood sugar levels. Taking it along with insulin or any other antidiabetic drug might cause too much lowering of blood sugar levels. So, it is advisable to consult a physician and regularly monitor blood sugar levels while taking Anjeer with antidiabetic drugs[3][6].
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
It is advisable for diabetic patients to regularly monitor blood sugar levels while using Anjeer, as it might cause too much lowering of blood sugar levels in some cases[3][6].
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Anjeer (fresh or dried) is safe to be taken in food amounts during pregnancy. But, it is advisable to consult a physician before using Anjeer (Fig) during pregnancy[3][6].
How to use Anjeer
1. Soaked Anjeer
a. Tips for using soaked Anjeer.
b. Take 2-4 pieces of dried Anjeer or as directed by the physician.
c. Soak them in water overnight in a small bowl.
d. Next morning, drain the water and consume soaked Anjeer along with honey.
e. Consume them on an empty stomach to get the best results in constipation.
2. Fig leaves Capsules
a. Take 1 capsule or as directed by the physician.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water after taking food once or twice a day to get rid of constipation.
a. Tips for using soaked Anjeer.
b. Take 2-4 pieces of dried Anjeer or as directed by the physician.
c. Soak them in water overnight in a small bowl.
d. Next morning, drain the water and consume soaked Anjeer along with honey.
e. Consume them on an empty stomach to get the best results in constipation.
2. Fig leaves Capsules
a. Take 1 capsule or as directed by the physician.
b. Swallow it with lukewarm water after taking food once or twice a day to get rid of constipation.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, dried Anjeer (figs) are packed with essential minerals (like potassium, calcium, iron), antioxidants and dietary fibres that helps to improve health[5].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, dried figs are good for you as they help maintain a good digestive system and provide internal strength to the body.
Modern Science View
Yes, we can consume Anjeer soaked in water. Soaked figs are good for constipation related problems.
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Anjeer soaked water is beneficial for health. It manages some problems like constipation and piles.
Modern Science View
Dried Anjeer (figs) can be stored in a sealed packet at room temperature. You can also keep them in the refrigerator for long term storage.
Modern Science View
Yes, Figs/Anjeer are a good source of potassium. Potassium is an important mineral required to regulate blood pressure. Diet rich in potassium may help reduce water retention, protect against stroke and prevent kidney stones.
References
- Balkrishnan A. Anjeer. Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar. 2017.
- Chawla A, Kaur R, Sharma AK. Ficus carica Linn.: A review on its pharmacognostic, phytochemical and pharmacological aspects. 2012;1(4): 215-232.
- WebMD. Anjeer: Uses, Side effects, Doses, Interactions [Internet].Atlanta [last updated in 2016].
- Ahmad MZ, Ali M, Mir SR. Anti-diabetic activity of Ficus carica L. stem barks and isolation of two new flavonol esters from the plant by using spectroscopical techniques. Asian Journal of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences 3(18) 2013, 22-28.
- Oh HG, Lee HY, Seo MY, et al. Effects of Ficus carica paste on constipation induced by a high-protein feed and movement restriction in beagles.Lab Anim Res.2011;27(4):275-281.
- Ulbricht CE. Natural Standard: Herb and Supplement Guide. An Evidence Based Reference.Elsevier;2010.
- Alamgeer, Iman S, Asif H, et al. Evaluation of antihypertensive potential of Ficus carica fruit.Pharm Biol.2017; 55(1): 1047–1053.
- Tchombe L, Louajri A. Therapeutic Effects of Ficus Carica Leaves: A Brief Review. ARPN Journal of Science and Technology.2015;5(1):37-41.
- Mawa S, Husain K, Jantan I. Ficus carica L. (Moraceae): Phytochemistry, Traditional Uses and Biological Activities.Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine Volume 2013, Article ID 974256.
- Al-Snafi AE. Nutritional and pharmacological importance of Ficus carica - A review. IOSR Journal Of Pharmacy. 2017.7(3):33-48.
- Hj Idrus RB, Veronica Sainik QA, Ansari AS, et al. Ficus carica and Bone Health: A Systematic Review. Sains Malaysiana. 2018;47(11): 2741–2755.
- Khan H, Naveed A, Ali A. Effects of Cream Containing Ficus carica L. Fruit Extract on Skin Parameters: In vivo Evaluation. Indian journal of pharmaceutical sciences.2014;7(6):560-564.
- Ghanbari A, Gresley AL, Naughton D, et al. Biological activities of Ficus carica latex for potential therapeutics in Human Papillomavirus (HPV) related cervical cancers. Sci Rep 9, 1013 (2019).
- Sruthi B, Sunny G, Naz H, et al. Diuretic activity of ethanolic extracts of ficus carica. Fruits. International Journal of Research in Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapeutics.2012.1(1):23-26.
- Subash S, Essa MM, Al-Asmi A, Al-Adawi S, Vaishnav R. Chronic dietary supplementation of 4% figs on the modification of oxidative stress in Alzheimer's disease transgenic mouse model. Biomed Res Int. 2014;2014:546357
- Peterson JM, Montgomery S, Haddad E, Kearney L, Tonstad S. Effect of consumption of dried California mission figs on lipid concentrations. Ann Nutr Metab. 2011;58(3):232-238.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.