Ficus religiosa Medicinal Uses

In this article we will discuss about the Ficus religiosa :- common name, scientific name, medicinal uses and photos.

Common name

• English: Peepal tree, Sacred Fig
• Tamil: Arasa maram, Arasu
• Hindi: Pipal
• Kannada: Arali, Ashvattha
• Marathi: Pimpal
• Telugu: Bodhi-drumamu
• Malayalam: Arayal, Bodhivriksham

Scientific name

• Name: Ficus religiosa L.
• Family: Moraceae (Mulberry family)
• Synonyms: Ficus peepul, Ficus superstitiosa, Ficus caudata

Ficus religiosa Medicinal Uses

• Leaves tied on bleeding wound are reported to immediately stop the flow of blood
• Soaking of leaves overnight and consumption of its extract thrice a day has curative effect on cardiac problems.
• Pills of the powdered leaves along with fennel seeds (saunf) and jaggery are reported to be beneficial in constipation.
• A bandage of leaves coated with ghee and slightly exposed to fire is reported to treat mumps and infection (skin abscess or boils).
• Twice a day consumption of consumption of a mixture of five leaves of F. religiosa milk and sugar can cure fever and flu.
• Twice a day intake of extract of two-three leaves of F. religiosa mixed with water and sugar can cure jaundice.
• Putting of a few drops of leaves sap in nostrils have been reported to stop nose bleeding.
• Cooking of filtrate of grinded leaves in gingely (sesame) oil and its application on the diseased part has been reported to get relief from ear pain.
• Fresh twigs of F. religiosa are used as toothbrush (Daatun). It gives strength to gums and is used to kill bacteria.
• Paste of bark powder mixed with honey gives freshness to face by applied on skin.

Other Uses

• The small figs eaten in times of scarcity.
• The bark contains tannins and is used as a dye for cloth.
• The fibrous bark is used to make paper.