Banyan
Banyan
Banyan is considered a holy plant and is also known as the National tree of India. It is worshipped by many and is planted around homes and temples.
Banyan has many health benefits. It helps manage blood glucose levels by increasing insulin secretion due to its antioxidant properties. The antioxidants present in Banyan also helps to lower bad cholesterol levels. As per Ayurveda, it is useful in diarrhea and female problems like leucorrhea due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Banyan helps in reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Applying a paste of Banyan bark on gums reduces inflammation of gums due to its antiinflammatory property[2-6].
Banyan has many health benefits. It helps manage blood glucose levels by increasing insulin secretion due to its antioxidant properties. The antioxidants present in Banyan also helps to lower bad cholesterol levels. As per Ayurveda, it is useful in diarrhea and female problems like leucorrhea due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Banyan helps in reducing pain and inflammation associated with arthritis because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Applying a paste of Banyan bark on gums reduces inflammation of gums due to its antiinflammatory property[2-6].
What are the synonyms of Banyan?
Ficus bengalensis, Vat, Ahat, Vatgach, Bot, Banyan tree, Vad, Vadalo, Badra, Bargad, Bada, Aala, Aladamara, Vata, Bad, Peraal, Vad, Bata, Bara, Bhaur, Aalamaram, Aalam, Marri[1].
What is the source of Banyan?
Plant Based
Benefits of Banyan
1. Diarrhea
Banyan is an effective herb for controlling diarrhea. Diarrhea, also known as Atisar in Ayurveda, is caused due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress, and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various body tissues and mixes them with the stools. This leads to loose, watery motions or Diarrhea. Using Banyan bark powder helps to control the loss of water from the body by making the stool thick due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Tips for using Banyan powder in diarrhea.
a. Take 2-3 gm of Banyan bark powder or as directed by the physician.
b. Mix with water or milk.
c. Have it once or twice a day after taking light food to get quick relief in diarrhea.
2. Leucorrhea
Leucorrhea is a thick, whitish discharge from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, leucorrhea is due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Banyan shows a good result in leucorrhea because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps to control aggravated Kapha and reduce the symptoms of leucorrhea.
Tips for using Banyan in leucorrhea.
1. Take 3-6 gm of Banyan bark or leaves powder.
2. Mix it with 2 cups of water.
3. Boil this mixture for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the volume reduces to one-fourth cup.
4. Filter this one-fourth cup of decoction.
5. Take this lukewarm decoction (about 15-20 ml) twice a day or as directed by the physician to get relief in symptoms of leucorrhea.
Banyan is an effective herb for controlling diarrhea. Diarrhea, also known as Atisar in Ayurveda, is caused due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress, and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. This aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various body tissues and mixes them with the stools. This leads to loose, watery motions or Diarrhea. Using Banyan bark powder helps to control the loss of water from the body by making the stool thick due to its Kashaya (astringent) property.
Tips for using Banyan powder in diarrhea.
a. Take 2-3 gm of Banyan bark powder or as directed by the physician.
b. Mix with water or milk.
c. Have it once or twice a day after taking light food to get quick relief in diarrhea.
2. Leucorrhea
Leucorrhea is a thick, whitish discharge from the female genitals. According to Ayurveda, leucorrhea is due to an imbalance of Kapha dosha. Banyan shows a good result in leucorrhea because of its Kashaya (astringent) property. It helps to control aggravated Kapha and reduce the symptoms of leucorrhea.
Tips for using Banyan in leucorrhea.
1. Take 3-6 gm of Banyan bark or leaves powder.
2. Mix it with 2 cups of water.
3. Boil this mixture for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the volume reduces to one-fourth cup.
4. Filter this one-fourth cup of decoction.
5. Take this lukewarm decoction (about 15-20 ml) twice a day or as directed by the physician to get relief in symptoms of leucorrhea.
Precautions when using Banyan
Breastfeeding
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available about the use of Banyan during breastfeeding. So, it is advisable to avoid the use of Banyan or consult a physician before using Banyan during breastfeeding.
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Since enough scientific evidence is not available about the use of Banyan during pregnancy. So, it is advisable to avoid the use of Banyan or consult a physician before using Banyan during pregnancy.
How to use Banyan
1. Banyan Bark Powder
a. Take 2-3gm of Banyan bark powder or as directed by the physician.
2. Mix with water or milk.
3. Have it once or twice a day after taking light food.
4. To get quick relief in diarrhea.
2. Banyan Bark or Leaves Kwath(decoction)
a. Take 3-6gm of Banyan bark or leaves powder.
b. Mix it with 2 cups of water.
c. This mixture is then boiled for 10 to 15 minutes or until it becomes one-fourth cup of water.
d. Filter this one-fourth cup of decoction.
e. Take this lukewarm decoction 15-20 ml twice a day or as directed by the physician.
f. To get rid of the symptoms of leucorrhea.
a. Take 2-3gm of Banyan bark powder or as directed by the physician.
2. Mix with water or milk.
3. Have it once or twice a day after taking light food.
4. To get quick relief in diarrhea.
2. Banyan Bark or Leaves Kwath(decoction)
a. Take 3-6gm of Banyan bark or leaves powder.
b. Mix it with 2 cups of water.
c. This mixture is then boiled for 10 to 15 minutes or until it becomes one-fourth cup of water.
d. Filter this one-fourth cup of decoction.
e. Take this lukewarm decoction 15-20 ml twice a day or as directed by the physician.
f. To get rid of the symptoms of leucorrhea.
Benefits of Banyan
1. Skin cuts
Banyan is an effective herb to control bleeding when applied on skin cuts and injuries. External application of Banyan bark paste or Kwath (decoction) helps to control bleeding and quickens wound healing due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tips for using Banyan on skin cuts.
a. Take 2-3gm of Banyan bark powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix it with water or honey and make a paste.
c. Apply this paste on the affected area once or twice a day for quick wound healing.
2. Sunburn
Banyan is useful for sunburn. According to Ayurveda, sunburn occurs due to the aggravation of Pitta dosha on continuous exposure to the sun. Applying Banyan bark paste on affected area gives an excellent cooling effect and reduces burning sensation due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) nature.
Tips for using Banyan on sunburns.
a. Take 3-6gm of Banyan bark or leaves powder.
b. Mix it with 2 cups of water.
c. Boil this mixture for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the volume reduces to one-fourth cup.
d. Filter this one-fourth cup of decoction
e. Use this decoction to wash or sprinkle it on the affected area once or twice a day to get relief in sunburns.
f. You can also apply a paste of Banyan bark on affected area to get a quick relief in sun burns.
Banyan is an effective herb to control bleeding when applied on skin cuts and injuries. External application of Banyan bark paste or Kwath (decoction) helps to control bleeding and quickens wound healing due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) properties.
Tips for using Banyan on skin cuts.
a. Take 2-3gm of Banyan bark powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix it with water or honey and make a paste.
c. Apply this paste on the affected area once or twice a day for quick wound healing.
2. Sunburn
Banyan is useful for sunburn. According to Ayurveda, sunburn occurs due to the aggravation of Pitta dosha on continuous exposure to the sun. Applying Banyan bark paste on affected area gives an excellent cooling effect and reduces burning sensation due to its Sita (cold) and Ropan (healing) nature.
Tips for using Banyan on sunburns.
a. Take 3-6gm of Banyan bark or leaves powder.
b. Mix it with 2 cups of water.
c. Boil this mixture for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the volume reduces to one-fourth cup.
d. Filter this one-fourth cup of decoction
e. Use this decoction to wash or sprinkle it on the affected area once or twice a day to get relief in sunburns.
f. You can also apply a paste of Banyan bark on affected area to get a quick relief in sun burns.
How to use Banyan
1. Banyan Bark Paste
a. Take 2-3gm of Banyan bark powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix it with water or honey and make paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area once or twice a day.
d. To get quick healing of sunburn area of skin.
2. Banyan Bark or Leaves Kwath(decoction)
a. Take 3-6gm of Banyan bark or leaves powder.
b. Mix it with 2 cups of water.
c. This mixture is then boiled 10 to 15 minutes or until it becomes one-fourth cup of water.
d. Filter this one-fourth cup of decoction.
e. Wash or sprinkle affected area once or twice a day.
f. To get quick control of bleeding in skin cuts.
a. Take 2-3gm of Banyan bark powder or as per your requirement.
b. Mix it with water or honey and make paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area once or twice a day.
d. To get quick healing of sunburn area of skin.
2. Banyan Bark or Leaves Kwath(decoction)
a. Take 3-6gm of Banyan bark or leaves powder.
b. Mix it with 2 cups of water.
c. This mixture is then boiled 10 to 15 minutes or until it becomes one-fourth cup of water.
d. Filter this one-fourth cup of decoction.
e. Wash or sprinkle affected area once or twice a day.
f. To get quick control of bleeding in skin cuts.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Studies suggest that the leaf extract of the Banyan tree has larvicidal properties (killing the larvae) which help to get rid of mosquitoes which cause malaria and dengue[10].
Modern Science View
Yes, Banyan might be beneficial in diarrhea due to its astringent property. It reduces the discharge of blood as well as mucus secretions in the intestines and is caused by the constriction of intestinal tissues. It also reduces the movements of the digestive tract (gastrointestinal motility). An infusion of Banyan leaves is taken orally to manage diarrhea[2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Banyan bark might be used in fever due to the presence of certain constituents (flavonoids, alkaloids). These constituents possess antipyretic activity that works by reducing the body temperature[3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Banyan might help manage diabetes due to the presence of antioxidants. These antioxidants prevent the damage of pancreatic cells caused by free radicals and enhance insulin secretion. It also has an anti-inflammatory property that reduces inflammation in the pancreatic tissues[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Banyan might help in lowering cholesterol levels because of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These antioxidants lower the level of total blood cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. Thus, managing cholesterol levels[5].
Modern Science View
Yes, Banyan roots might help improve immune system due to its immunomodulatory property. It regulates or modulates the immune response of the body and improves the immunity[3].
Modern Science View
Banyan tree leaves have healing and anti-microbial properties. These can be used for treating disorders like dysentery and chronic diarrhea[7].
Ayurvedic View
Banyan leaves are used for treating many diseases like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea due to their Kashaya (astringent) and Sita (cold) nature. A paste of Banyan leaves helps in healing wounds when applied externally on the affected area.
Modern Science View
The banyan tree has been used for many medicinal purposes from ancient times. Its bark and leaves both possess analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties[8]. The bark of the Banyan tree is considered useful in burning sensation, ulcers, and painful skin diseases. It can also be used in inflammation and toothache[9].
Ayurvedic View
Tips suggested for using Banyan in leucorrhea.
1. Take 3-6 gm of Banyan bark or leaves powder.
2. Mix it with 2 cups of water.
3. Boil this mixture for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the volume reduces to one-fourth cup.
4. Filter out any chunks from this one-fourth cup of decoction.
5. Take this lukewarm decoction (about 15-20 ml) twice a day or as directed by the physician to get relief in symptoms of leucorrhea.
1. Take 3-6 gm of Banyan bark or leaves powder.
2. Mix it with 2 cups of water.
3. Boil this mixture for about 10 to 15 minutes or until the volume reduces to one-fourth cup.
4. Filter out any chunks from this one-fourth cup of decoction.
5. Take this lukewarm decoction (about 15-20 ml) twice a day or as directed by the physician to get relief in symptoms of leucorrhea.
Modern Science View
Yes, Banyan might be used to manage Asthma due to its anti-allergic property. It helps to clear blockages in the respiratory passages by reducing the inflammation and helps ease breathing. The bark paste of Banyan tree can be applied externally to manage asthma[2].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Banyan can be used in asthma for reducing the symptoms like coughing, breathing problems etc. Applying Banyan bark paste helps to reduce and expel excessive mucus from the body due to its Kapha balancing property in spite of its cold nature.
Modern Science View
Yes, Banyan might help in rheumatism due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The antioxidants present in Banyan inhibits the activity of mediators responsible for inflammation. This helps in reducing joint pain and inflammation associated with rheumatism[6].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Banyan in abscess. However, it might help in reducing the inflammation related to abscess due to its anti-inflammatory property. The leaves of Banyan had been applied as a poultice for managing skin abscess[2].
Ayurvedic View
Banyan helps in skin abscess due to its Kashaya(astringent) and Ropan(healing) properties. It reduces inflammation and promotes clotting. Thus, helps in quick healing of skin abscess and prevents further infections.
Modern Science View
Yes, Banyan might help manage oral problems such as inflammation in gums. Applying Banyan bark paste to gums reduces inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory property[6].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Banyan can be used to treat swollen, spongy and bleeding gums. It has Kashaya (astringent) property which reduces swelling and controls bleeding. It also produces a cooling and soothing effect on the gums due to its Sita(cold) property.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India. Part 1 Volume 1.
- Kothapalli PK, Sanganal J S, Shridhar NB. Phytopharmacology of Ficus bengalensis -A Review.APhP. 2014;4(4):201-204.
- Gopukumar ST, Praseetha PK. Ficus benghalensis Linn – The Sacred Indian Medicinal Tree with Potent Pharmacological Remedies. Int. J. Pharm Sci. 2015;32(1):223-227.
- Gayathri M, Kannabiran K. Antidiabetic and ameliorative potential of Ficus Bengalensis bark extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Indian Journal of Clinical Biochemistry, 2008;23 (4):394-400.
- Patel R and Gautam P. Medical potency of Ficus Bengalensis: A Review. IJMCA. 2014;4(1):53-58.
- Manocha N, Chandra SK, Sharma V, et al. Anti-Rheumatic and Antioxidant activity of extract of Stem bark of Ficus bengalensis. Research Journal of Chemical Sciences.2011;1(2):2-8.
- Kmail A, Asif F, Rehman R, Nizar S, Jilani MI. Banyan tree-the sacred medicinal tree with potential health and pharmacological benefits. Int J Chem Biochem Sci. 2018.
- Panday DR, Rauniar GP. Effect of root-extracts of Ficus benghalensis (Banyan) in pain in animal models. J Neurosci Rural Pract. 2016 Apr-Jun; 7(2): 210–215.
- Jaiswal R, Ahirwar D. A literature review on Ficus bengalensis. Int J Adv Pharm Res. 2013;5:57–61.
- Govindarajan M and Rajamohan S. Mosquito larvicidal properties of Ficus benghalensis L. (Family: Moraceae) against Culex tritaeniorhynchus Giles and Anopheles subpictus Grassi (Diptera: Culicidae). Asian Pacific J Trop Med 4(7):505-9.
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.