Banana (Kadali (Varana, Mocha, Ambusara, Anshumati-phala))

About

Banana (Musa paradisiaca) is a widely cultivated fruit known for its nutritional value and various therapeutic properties in traditional medicine. Different parts of the plant, including the fruit, flower, bulb, and leaves, are used for their health benefits.

Properties

Inhibition of α-amylase and α-glucosidase, Antioxidant activity, Collagen development promotion, Anti-inflammatory effects

Dosage

Fresh juice from the stem: 15-20 ml; Juice of banana stem: 20-25 ml

Classical attributes

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

Benefits

• Emollient
• Strengthening
• Cooling

Traditional uses

• Ear disorders
• Acid-bile disorders

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Ripe banana: Can be used for cold and allergy.
• Banana peel: Has uses as a remedy.
• Unripe banana: Used as a remedy.
• Banana flower: Used as a remedy and consumed to treat hyperacidity.
• Banana stem juice: The juice can be taken to treat hysteria, burning sensations, and dehydration. It can also be eaten raw or in salad for constipation and burning during urination.
• Banana rhizome: Used as a remedy.
• Fresh stem juice: A dose of 15-20 ml is used to treat hysteria, burning sensation, and dehydration.
• Paste of root/rhizome: Applied to the lower abdomen for dysuria.
• Ash of burnt stem: Mixed with turmeric powder and applied to skin infections and eczema.
• Pulp of fruit and flowers: Applied to burnt injuries.
• Stem juice: 20-25 ml can be used to treat renal calculi and leucorrhea.

Contraindications

• Ripe bananas can increase Kapha due to their heavy and moist nature, making them not ideal if you have low digestion strength or during cold, cough, and asthma.
• People sensitive to latex, avocado, kiwi, cassava, and chestnut are more likely to have an allergic reaction to bananas.
• Combining banana and milk can create a dosha imbalance, especially for those prone to sluggish digestion, sinus issues or skin conditions.
• Some people might experience bloating, gas, or cramping after eating bananas.

Side effects

• The ripened fruit should be avoided in productive cough.

Interactions

• Western Medicines: If you are taking allopathic medicines, it's best to take the allopathic medicine first, wait 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
• Levodopa: Bananas might decrease the effects of levodopa.
• Avoid combining bananas with milk or yogurt. This combination can lead to digestive issues, fermentation, bloating, and ama formation (build-up of toxins). It can also dampen digestive fire and produce toxins in the body.
• Avoid taking bananas with curd (yogurt) or nightshades like tomatoes, eggplants, and peppers, as these combinations may cause digestive discomfort.

Active compounds

• Phenolic compounds (Gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, vanillic acid, ferulic acid)
• Flavonoids (Catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, leucocyanidin, kaempferol derivatives)
• Alkaloids
• Glycosides
• Tannins
• Steroids
• Terpenoids
• Saponins
• Carotenoids
• Sterols
• Triterpenes
• Dietary fibers

Clinical evidence

While Musa paradisiaca has been used traditionally, modern research is primarily preclinical. Animal studies suggest potential benefits in diabetes management, ulcer prevention, wound healing, and atherosclerosis. More clinical trials are needed to validate these findings in humans.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Emollient
• Strengthening
• Cooling

Classical clinical indications

• Ear disorders
• Acid-bile disorders

Frequently asked questions