Ficus religiosa Medicinal Uses

Ficus religiosa L.

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.

Ficus religiosa Photos

Ficus religiosa

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Reference

  1. Sandeep, & Kumar, Ashwani & Sepla, Dimple & Tomer, Vidisha & Gat, Yogesh & Kumar, Vikas. (2018). Ficus religiosa: A wholesome medicinal tree. 7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/326127150_Ficus_religiosa_A_wholesome_medicinal_tree

A dedicated lecturer in botany, a skilled writer and a talented visual artist from Tamil Nadu, India.

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