Ashvattha (Bodhi tree, Peepal)

About

Ashvattha, scientifically known as Ficus religiosa, is a revered tree in Ayurveda, known for its diverse medicinal properties and spiritual significance. Various parts of the tree, including the bark, leaves, and fruits, are used to address a wide range of ailments.

Properties

Antimicrobial activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Antioxidant activity, Antidiabetic activity, Wound healing activity, Anticonvulsant activity, Immunomodulatory activity, Anti-ulcer activity, Analgesic activity, Anti-parasitic activity

Dosage

Milky Latex: 5-6 drops with honey and ghee; Bark or Root Decoction: 50-60 ml; Leaf Juice: Approximately 50 ml of raw juice or 1 teaspoon of powdered dried leaves with water; Powdered Bark: mixed with honey for infants in stomatitis; Fruit Powder: with honey or sugar candy for cough

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Astringent, Sweet
• Virya: ["Cooling"]
• Vipaka: ["Sweet"]

Benefits

• Wound healing
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Antioxidant

Traditional uses

• Skin diseases
• Respiratory disorders
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Gastric problems
• Sexual disorders
• Nervous disorders
• Gynaecological problems
• Dysentery
• Diarrhea

Dosha effects

• vata: balancing
• kapha: balancing
• pitta: balancing

Preparation methods

• Decoction: Boil the bark or root in water and reduce to the desired concentration. For wound wash, 50 grams of stem bark is cooked with 500 ml water until the water reduces to 250 ml.
• Powder: Dry the leaves or bark in the shade and then powder.
• Paste: Grind the bark or tender leaves.
• Juice: Extract raw juice from the leaves.
• Cold Infusion: Soak the bark or fruit in cold water.
• Latex: Collect the milky latex from the bark, root, or fruit.
• Infusion: Soak leaves in water overnight.
• Medicated Oil: Leaf juice mixed with oil and boiled for earaches.
• Chapati: Ashwattha seed powder chapati prepared over the leaf of Ashwattha.

Contraindications

• Caution is advised during pregnancy due to limited safety data.
• Caution is advised during lactation due to limited safety data.
• Allergic reactions are possible.
• Use cautiously with anticoagulants and antihypertensive medications.

Side effects

• No known adverse effects have been reported with normal use.
• People with constipation should take care as Ashvattha is a coolant.
• Peepal fruit contains latex that might cause allergies or skin rashes in some individuals.
• It might have unknown side effects, so it is advised to consult a doctor before use.

Interactions

• Generally, Ashvattha goes well with most dietary supplements.
• This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.
• More research is needed to ascertain potential interactions with other drugs.

Active compounds

• Phenols
• Tannins
• Saponins
• Sugars
• Alkaloids
• Methionine
• Terpenoids
• Flavonoids
• Glycosides
• Proteins
• Amino acids
• Essential and volatile oils
• Steroids
• β-sitosteryl-D-glucoside
• Vitamin K
• n-octacosanol
• Kaempeferol
• Quercetin
• Myricetin
• Bergapten

Clinical evidence

While traditional uses are extensive, clinical trials for Ficus religiosa are limited. The available research consists of animal studies showing anti-asthmatic and antidiabetic potential. More clinical trials are needed to validate these uses in humans.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Wound healing
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antimicrobial
• Antioxidant

Classical clinical indications

• Skin diseases
• Respiratory disorders
• Cardiovascular disorders
• Gastric problems
• Sexual disorders
• Nervous disorders
• Gynaecological problems
• Dysentery
• Diarrhea

Frequently asked questions