Banyan (Vata (Vanaspati, Nandivriksha))

About

The Banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis) is known for its aerial roots and wide-spreading canopy. In Ayurveda, it is valued for its cooling and astringent properties.

Properties

Antioxidant activity, Anti-inflammatory activity, Wound healing properties, Antidiabetic effects, Antimicrobial activity

Dosage

General Dosage: The precise dosage can vary based on the individual's age, condition, and the specific ailment being addressed. Consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner is recommended before use. Powder: 1 to 3 grams. Decoction: 50 to 80 ml. Milky Latex: 5 to 8 drops. Cold Infusion: 40-50 ml. Banyan leaf powder: 2-3 gm with milk or water twice a day after having light food.

Classical attributes

• Rasa: Kashaya (Astringent)
• Virya: ["Sheeta (Cooling)"]
• Vipaka: ["Katu (Pungent)"]

Benefits

• Vranaropana (Wound healing)
• Stambhana (Astringent)
• Dahashamaka (Relieves burning sensation)

Traditional uses

• Vrana (Wounds)
• Daha (Burning sensation)
• Atisara (Diarrhea)
• Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)
• Pradara (Leucorrhoea)
• Kandu (Itching)
• Tvaka Roga (Skin disorders)

Dosha effects

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

Preparation methods

• Decoction: A decoction can be made from the bark of Ficus benghalensis.
• Powder: Various parts of the tree, such as the bark, roots, and leaves, can be dried and powdered.
• Latex: The milky latex extracted from the tree can be used directly or mixed with other ingredients.
• Cold Infusion: Tender buds can be used to prepare a cold infusion.
• Paste: Paste can be made from the aerial roots of the banyan tree.
• Stem cuttings: Banyan tree can be propagated through stem cuttings.
• Air layering: Banyan tree can also be propagated through air layering.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and Lactation: Insufficient safety data is available, so it's best to avoid during these times.
• Children under 12: Dosage has not been established for children in this age group.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Use with caution if you have an autoimmune disorder and are taking immunosuppressants due to potential interactions.
• Gastrointestinal Discomfort: High doses of banyan bark powder might cause constipation or mild nausea.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, latex hypersensitivity can occur, leading to itching or rash after topical application.
• Bleeding Risk: Banyan may increase the risk of bleeding, especially if taken with anticoagulant drugs like warfarin. Avoid using together without medical supervision.
• Vata Aggravation: Long-term use of high doses might cause dryness or nerve tingling in sensitive individuals.
• Laxative Effect: Fresh fruits of Banyan are not to be consumed by humans because of the laxative effect.

Side effects

• No significant adverse effects have been reported in medical literature with normal use.
• High doses may cause constipation or nausea.
• The milky sap contains irritant compounds that can cause skin rashes, oral irritation, and stomach discomfort if ingested.
• It is best to avoid constipation.
• Overdosage may cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Interactions

• It's recommended to seek your doctor's advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine. If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes, and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.
• Possible interactions with anticoagulants and immunosuppressants; always seek professional advice.
• Ficus Bengalensis may interact with other allopathy medicines, consult the doctor before starting Ficus Bengalensis.
• If you are on diabetes or on hypertension medication, consult first the doctor before consuming Ficus Bengalensis.

Active compounds

• Phenols
• Flavonoids
• Terpenoids
• Sterols
• Tannins
• Saponins
• Alkaloids
• Glycosides
• Leucoanthocyanin derivatives
• Bergenin
• Leukocyanidin
• β-sitosterol

Clinical evidence

Limited human clinical trials are available. A number of in vitro and in vivo studies suggest potential pharmacological activities, including antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, wound-healing, and antioxidant effects. One study in mice explored the effects of Ficus benghalensis root extracts on neurological ailments, memory, anxiety, and seizures.

Ayurvedic karmas

• Vranaropana (Wound healing)
• Stambhana (Astringent)
• Dahashamaka (Relieves burning sensation)

Classical clinical indications

• Vrana (Wounds)
• Daha (Burning sensation)
• Atisara (Diarrhea)
• Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders)
• Pradara (Leucorrhoea)
• Kandu (Itching)
• Tvaka Roga (Skin disorders)

Frequently asked questions