Bael
Bael
Bael or “Shivaduma ” also known as the tree of Lord Shiva is of sacred value in India. It is also an important medicinal plant with several uses in traditional medicine. All parts of Bael (root, leaf, trunk, fruit and seeds) are useful in the management of various diseases.
According to Ayurveda, unripe Bael fruit pulp along with sugar or honey is found to be very effective in managing diarrhea, dysentery and other gastrointestinal disorders. Bael leaf decoction with black pepper also help manage constipation as it loosens the stools due to its laxative property. It also help manage cough due to its expectorant property. This promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages and helps in easy breathing.
Massaging Bael leaf powder with coconut oil on the scalp is good for promoting hair growth as it provides nourishment to the hair. This paste can also be applied for managing eye complications such as abscess due to its anti-inflammatory activity. You can even use Bael pulp as a face pack to give you a youthful looking skin.
It is advisable to avoid the excessive intake of Bael fruit as it may cause constipation due to its laxative property[2-4].
According to Ayurveda, unripe Bael fruit pulp along with sugar or honey is found to be very effective in managing diarrhea, dysentery and other gastrointestinal disorders. Bael leaf decoction with black pepper also help manage constipation as it loosens the stools due to its laxative property. It also help manage cough due to its expectorant property. This promotes the secretion of sputum by the air passages and helps in easy breathing.
Massaging Bael leaf powder with coconut oil on the scalp is good for promoting hair growth as it provides nourishment to the hair. This paste can also be applied for managing eye complications such as abscess due to its anti-inflammatory activity. You can even use Bael pulp as a face pack to give you a youthful looking skin.
It is advisable to avoid the excessive intake of Bael fruit as it may cause constipation due to its laxative property[2-4].
What are the synonyms of Bael?
Aegle marmelos, Sriphala, Vael, Bela, Bilva, Bael Root, Bengal Quince, Bilivaphal, Bill, Bilum, Koovalam, Baela, Bel, Bil, Vilvam, Maredu, Wood Apple[1]
What is the source of Bael?
Plant Based
Benefits of Bael
Modern Science View
Bael might be beneficial in managing diarrhea. Bael has anti-diarrheal and antimicrobial activity.
Bael reduces the growth and inhibits the release of toxins by harmful micro-organisms. Thus, Bael controls the infection and reduces the frequency of stools in case of diarrhea[5][6][10].
Bael reduces the growth and inhibits the release of toxins by harmful micro-organisms. Thus, Bael controls the infection and reduces the frequency of stools in case of diarrhea[5][6][10].
Modern Science View
Bael might be beneficial in managing constipation. Bael fruit has laxative properties. Ripe fruit of Bael is rich in fibre that helps to cleanse the intestine[5][10][11].
How effective is Bael?
Insufficient evidence
Constipation, Diarrhea
Precautions when using Bael
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Bael may lower the blood sugar level. So, it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while taking Bael with other anti diabetic drugs[5].
Recommended Dosage of Bael
- Bael Juice - ½-1 cup twice a day or as per your taste.
- Bael Churna - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Bael Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Bael Tablet - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Bael Candy - 4-5 candies or as per your requirement.
How to use Bael
1. Bael Juice (Sharbat)
a. Take ½- 1 cup of Bael Sharbat.
b. Mix with water and drink it after taking light food once or twice a day.
c. Drink this to get rid of diarrhea or dysentery.
2. Bael Churna
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Bael churna.
b. Mix with water and take after lunch and dinner.
3. Bael Tea
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of roasted Bael pulp.
b. Add hot water to it.
c. Stir for 1-2 minutes.
3. Bael Squash
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Bael pulp in a glass.
b. Pour some cold water to it.
c. Stir for 2-3 minutes.
d. Strain and add water.
e. Drink this for cooling effects on the stomach.
4. Bael Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Bael capsules.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
5. Bael Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Bael.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
6. Bael Murabba
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Bael murabba.
b. Have it preferably in the breakfast for better digestion.
7. Bael Candies
You can take Bael candies as per your liking and requirement.
a. Take ½- 1 cup of Bael Sharbat.
b. Mix with water and drink it after taking light food once or twice a day.
c. Drink this to get rid of diarrhea or dysentery.
2. Bael Churna
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Bael churna.
b. Mix with water and take after lunch and dinner.
3. Bael Tea
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of roasted Bael pulp.
b. Add hot water to it.
c. Stir for 1-2 minutes.
3. Bael Squash
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Bael pulp in a glass.
b. Pour some cold water to it.
c. Stir for 2-3 minutes.
d. Strain and add water.
e. Drink this for cooling effects on the stomach.
4. Bael Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Bael capsules.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
5. Bael Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Bael.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
6. Bael Murabba
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Bael murabba.
b. Have it preferably in the breakfast for better digestion.
7. Bael Candies
You can take Bael candies as per your liking and requirement.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
1. Ways to eat ripe Bael fruit:
a. Peel of the skin of Bael.
b. Mash it well and soak the pulp for 2-3 hours before consuming it.
2. Ways to make Bael juice:
a. Cut the Bael fruit and scoop the pulp with a spoon.
b. Mash it well and add milk for flavor.
c. Strain and drink the juice.
a. Peel of the skin of Bael.
b. Mash it well and soak the pulp for 2-3 hours before consuming it.
2. Ways to make Bael juice:
a. Cut the Bael fruit and scoop the pulp with a spoon.
b. Mash it well and add milk for flavor.
c. Strain and drink the juice.
Modern Science View
Bael has a characteristic taste of its own. At first it tastes like a mixture of mango and banana. After few seconds the taste changes to slightly astringent and refreshing.
Modern Science View
Bael wood is not edible and do not contain any specific medicinal value.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Shahedur R, Rashida P.Therapeutic potential of Aegle marmelos (L.)-An overview.Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2014; 4(1): 71–77.
- Gupta D, John PP, Kumar P, et al.PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW OF AEGLE MARMELOS CORR. FRUITS.JPSR.2011;2(8):2031-2036.
- Sekar DK, Kumar G, Karthik L, et al.A review on pharmacological and phytochemical properties of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Serr. (Rutaceae).Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research.2011;1 (2):8-17.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-164/Bael
- Rahman S, Parvin R.Therapeutic potential of Aegle marmelos (L.)-An overview.Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2014 Feb; 4(1): 71–77.
- Sanghi SB, Mushtaq S. Aegle marmelos a potential medicinal tree: An overview. International Journal of Research - GRANTHAALAYAH.2017;5(8):63-66.
- Dutta A, Lal N, Naaz M, et al. Ethnological and ethno-medicinal importance of Aegle marmelos (L.) corr (Bael) among indigenous people of india. American Journal of Ethnomedicine.2014;1(5):290-312.
- Rishabha M, Ajay K, Anupama S, et al. Pharmacological screening, ayurvedic values and commercial utility of Aegle marmelos. IJDDR.2012;4(1):28-37.
- Patel PK, Sahu J, Sahu L, et al. Aegle marmelos:A review on its medicinal properties. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Phytopharmacological Research.2012;1(5):332-341.
- Kaushik B, Sumanta M, Padilam S. An eye-catching review of Aegle marmelos L. (Golden Apple). Pharmacogn J. 2019; 11(2): 207-224.
- Asghar N, Mushtaq Z, Arshad MU, et al. Phytochemical composition, antilipidemic and antihypercholesterolemic perspectives of Bael leaf extracts. Lipids in Health and Disease.2018. 17(68):2-9.
- Parmar M, Singh S, Patel B. Historical and ethno-medical review on Bilva (Aegle marmelos Corr.) J. res. tradit. med.2016;2(5):138-146.
- Nilesh VD, Atul NP, Akkatai AR, et al.Review on Aegle Marmelos: A potential medicinal tree.IRJP 2012;3 (8):86-91.
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.