Baheda
Baheda
Baheda is also known as “Bibhitaki” in Sanskrit which means “The one that keeps away from diseases”. It is one of the main constituents of “Triphala” which is used for the management of common cold, pharyngitis and constipation. Baheda tree is a large deciduous tree found in the greater part of India. All parts of the tree are used for medicinal purposes, especially the dried fruit. The fruits of Baheda are astringent (bitter) and acrid (sour) in taste.
Baheda is beneficial in relieving cough and cold symptoms due to its antimicrobial and anti-allergic properties. Taking Baheda powder along with honey helps relieve cough as it improves immune health. Baheda churna is an effective home remedy to improve digestion. It can be prepared by adding Baheda churna to a glass of warm water and consumed regularly. It also helps prevent constipation by loosening stool and promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property.
According to Ayurveda, Baheda powder helps in weight loss as it improves metabolism and reduces Ama by increasing the digestive fire.
Baheda fruit is beneficial for skin problems such as acne and acne scars due to its antibacterial property. Applying Baheda fruit powder with rose water on the face prevents the growth of bacteria. Massaging Baheda powder along with rose water and Baheda oil (mixed with coconut oil) on the hair and scalp helps promote hair growth and controls dandruff due to its astringent and Ruksha (dry) properties.
An important precaution with Baheda is that it should be avoided during hyperacidity or gastritis. This is because of its hot potency that might increase these conditions[1][2][11].
Baheda is beneficial in relieving cough and cold symptoms due to its antimicrobial and anti-allergic properties. Taking Baheda powder along with honey helps relieve cough as it improves immune health. Baheda churna is an effective home remedy to improve digestion. It can be prepared by adding Baheda churna to a glass of warm water and consumed regularly. It also helps prevent constipation by loosening stool and promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property.
According to Ayurveda, Baheda powder helps in weight loss as it improves metabolism and reduces Ama by increasing the digestive fire.
Baheda fruit is beneficial for skin problems such as acne and acne scars due to its antibacterial property. Applying Baheda fruit powder with rose water on the face prevents the growth of bacteria. Massaging Baheda powder along with rose water and Baheda oil (mixed with coconut oil) on the hair and scalp helps promote hair growth and controls dandruff due to its astringent and Ruksha (dry) properties.
An important precaution with Baheda is that it should be avoided during hyperacidity or gastritis. This is because of its hot potency that might increase these conditions[1][2][11].
What are the synonyms of Baheda?
Terminalia bellirica, Vibhita, Akaa, Aksaka, Bhomora, Bhomra, Bhaira, Bayada, Beleric Myrobalan, Bahedan, Bahera, Tare kai, Shanti Kayi, Babelo, Balali, Tannikka, Bahera, Thanrikkai, Thanikkay, Bibhitaki
What is the source of Baheda?
Plant Based
Benefits of Baheda
1. Cough and Cold
Baheda is an effective herb in managing cough and cold. Baheda controls cough, releases mucus, clears air passages, thus allowing the patient to breathe freely. This is due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Mix it with honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat daily till you do not get relief from the symptoms of cough and cold.
2. Constipation
Baheda is one of the most important herbs which is used to relieve constipation. This is because of its Rechana (laxative) property. It gives soothing and lubricating effect on the gastroenteric tract and helps in easy expulsion of stool.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda Powder.
b. Swallow it with warm water at night before sleeping.
c. Repeat daily to manage constipation.
3. Weight Loss
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in excessive weight or obesity. Baheda is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama by increasing the digestive fire. This is because of its Ushna (hot) potency. It also removes accumulated waste products in the intestine due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Swallow it with mild hot water after taking lunch and dinner.
4. Loss of appetite and bloating
Baheda helps to manage loss of appetite, thirst, bloating and flatulence. This is due to its Ushna (hot) potency. Baheda enhances the Pachak Agni (digestive fire) which helps in digesting the food easily. It also helps to manage constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda Powder.
b. Swallow it with mild hot water after taking lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat this daily to manage digestive problems.
5. Weak Immunity
Baheda helps to increase immunity and promote longevity due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. It helps to fight against infections in the body and prevent recurrent seasonal infections.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Mix with honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat daily to boost immunity.
Baheda is an effective herb in managing cough and cold. Baheda controls cough, releases mucus, clears air passages, thus allowing the patient to breathe freely. This is due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Mix it with honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat daily till you do not get relief from the symptoms of cough and cold.
2. Constipation
Baheda is one of the most important herbs which is used to relieve constipation. This is because of its Rechana (laxative) property. It gives soothing and lubricating effect on the gastroenteric tract and helps in easy expulsion of stool.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda Powder.
b. Swallow it with warm water at night before sleeping.
c. Repeat daily to manage constipation.
3. Weight Loss
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in excessive weight or obesity. Baheda is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama by increasing the digestive fire. This is because of its Ushna (hot) potency. It also removes accumulated waste products in the intestine due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Swallow it with mild hot water after taking lunch and dinner.
4. Loss of appetite and bloating
Baheda helps to manage loss of appetite, thirst, bloating and flatulence. This is due to its Ushna (hot) potency. Baheda enhances the Pachak Agni (digestive fire) which helps in digesting the food easily. It also helps to manage constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda Powder.
b. Swallow it with mild hot water after taking lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat this daily to manage digestive problems.
5. Weak Immunity
Baheda helps to increase immunity and promote longevity due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. It helps to fight against infections in the body and prevent recurrent seasonal infections.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Mix with honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat daily to boost immunity.
Precautions when using Baheda
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
1. Consult your doctor while taking Baheda if you have diarrhea or loose motion.
2. Consult your doctor while taking Baheda if you have hyperacidity or gastritis due to its hot potency.
2. Consult your doctor while taking Baheda if you have hyperacidity or gastritis due to its hot potency.
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Baheda during Breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Ayurvedic View
Baheda may lower blood sugar level, so it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while using Baheda along with antidiabetic medicines.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Baheda during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Baheda
- Baheda Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day
- Baheda Churna - ¼ to ½ teaspoon twice a day
How to use Baheda
1. Baheda Pulp
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Baheda pulp.
b. Take it with water or honey twice a day after taking lunch and dinner.
2. Baheda Churna
a. Take ½ teaspoon of Baheda Churna.
b. Swallow it with warm water for digestion or honey for cough twice a day after meals.
3. Baheda Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Baheda Capsules.
b. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Baheda pulp.
b. Take it with water or honey twice a day after taking lunch and dinner.
2. Baheda Churna
a. Take ½ teaspoon of Baheda Churna.
b. Swallow it with warm water for digestion or honey for cough twice a day after meals.
3. Baheda Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Baheda Capsules.
b. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Baheda Powder is easily available in the market under various brands and the price ranges from Rs 50- 100 per 100 gms. You can choose the brand according to your liking and requirement.
Modern Science View
Baheda Powder has an approximate shelf life of 2 years. The container should be airtight. Store it in a cool and dry place preferably at the room temperature.
References
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- Singh MP, Gupta A, Sisodia SS. Ethno and Modern Pharmacological Profile of Baheda (Terminalia bellerica): A Review. The Pharmaceutical and Chemical Journal, 2018, 5(1):153-162.
- Kumar N, Khurana SMP. Phytochemistry and medicinal potential of the Terminalia bellirica Roxb. (Bahera). Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources.2018; 9(2):97-107.
- Deb A, Barua S, Das B. Pharmacological activities of Baheda (Terminalia bellerica): A review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry.2016;5(1):194-197.
- Manohar VR, Rai MS, Kateel R, et al. Attenuation of depression on sub acute administration of Terminalia bellerica fruit in tail suspension test. The journal of phytopharmacology. 2014;3(3):163-167.
- Upadhyay N, Tiwari SK, Srivastava S, et al. Anti- urolithiatic effect of Terminalia Bellirica Roxb. Fruits on ethylene-glycol induced renal calculi in rats. Indo american journal of pharmaceutical research. 2015;5(5):2015.
- Elizabeth KM. Antimicrobial activity of Terminalia Bellerica. Indian journal of clinical biochemistry. 2005; 20(2): 150-153.
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.