Bibhitaki
Large deciduous tree, 10-50 meters high. Bark is bluish or ashy-grey with longitudinal fissures. Leaves are simple, alternate, elliptic or obovate, cl...
Botanical name: Terminalia bellirica. Also known as: Vibheetaki, Belleric Myrobalan, Bibhitaki, Aksha, Vibhitaka), Vibhitaki, Aksha phala, Kalidruma, Beleric, Belliric Myrobalan, Bastard Myrobalan, Beach almond, Bedda nut tree, Baheda, Bahera, Phinasa, Bhaira, Baida, Bohera, Behri, Behda, Behada, Beda, Thanakkai, Akkam, Todikai, Tanikaya, Taani, Balera, Bahira.
Properties
Antioxidant, Antimicrobial, Antidiarrheal, Anticancer, Antidiabetic
Dosage
Bibhitaki Powder (churna): ½–1 teaspoon (3-6 grams) with warm water, once or twice daily. Decoction: 50-100 ml twice daily.
Classical attributes
- Rasa: Kashaya (astringent), with subtle bitter and sweet notes
- Virya: Ushna (mildly heating)
- Vipaka: Madhura (sweet)
Benefits
- Triphala, which includes Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for various ailments
- A review (PMID: 23239004) supports ethnomedicinal uses, demonstrating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial effects
- Further research is needed to explore its full clinical applications
- Kapha-reducing
- Digestive-enhancing
Traditional uses
- Coughs
- Phlegm
- Congestion
- Digestive issues
- Constipation
Dosha effects
- vata: balancing
- kapha: aggravating
- pitta: neutral
Preparation methods
- Churna (powder): Standard preparation as per API.
- Decoction (kadha): Standard preparation as per API.
- Tablets/capsules: Standard preparation as per API.
- Triphala (in combination with Haritaki and Amalaki): Standard preparation as per API.
- Taila (oil): Standard preparation as per API.
Contraindications
- May aggravate Vata in excess (Banyan Botanicals)
- May be slightly more irritating than haritaki (Joyful Belly)
Side effects
- Use only sporadically as a purgative as it can be habit forming (Joyful Belly). In the United States, most ayurvedic products are marketed without having been reviewed or approved by the FDA. Since 2007, the FDA has placed an import alert on some ayurvedic products in order to prevent them from entering the United States (Wikipedia).
Interactions
- May interact with emetic medicines (Easy Ayurveda)
Clinical evidence
Triphala, which includes Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for various ailments. A review (PMID: 23239004) supports ethnomedicinal uses, demonstrating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial effects. Clinical studies included in the review show Triphala's effectiveness as a laxative, appetite improvement, reduction of gastric hyperacidity, and prevention of dental caries. Further research is needed to explore its full clinical applications.
Ayurvedic karmas
- Kapha-reducing
- Digestive-enhancing
- Respiratory-supportive
- Astringent
- Laxative (mild)
- Rejuvenating
- Detoxifying
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antimicrobial
Classical clinical indications
- Coughs
- Phlegm
- Congestion
- Digestive issues
- Constipation
- High cholesterol
- Blood sugar imbalance
- Inflammation
- Skin disorders
- Hair problems
- Respiratory infections
- Rhinitis
- Hoarseness of voice
- Worm infestations
- Eye disorders
Frequently asked questions
What is Bibhitaki?
Large deciduous tree, 10-50 meters high. Bark is bluish or ashy-grey with longitudinal fissures. Leaves are simple, alternate, elliptic or obovate, cl...
What are the benefits of Bibhitaki?
Triphala, which includes Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica), has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for various ailments. A review (PMID: 23239004) supports ethnomedicinal uses, demonstrating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and other beneficial effects. Further research is needed to explore its full clinical applications
How is Bibhitaki used in Ayurveda?
Churna (powder): Standard preparation as per API.