Bilva (Aegle Marmelos) – Medicinal Uses Of Leaves, Fruits & Roots

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Bael fruit (Aegle marmelos) is well known in Indian traditional medicinal science called Ayurveda. It is due to its versatile use for various purposes, the tree holds a sacred value among Hindus.Bilva (Aegle Marmelos) - Medicinal Uses of Leaves, Fruits & Roots
Its leaves are used for medicinal as well as presented to Lord Shiva and deities. The “Bilva” tree grows in almost all parts of India, irrespective of the nature of the soil, and is astringent, bitter, and dry by nature.

Tall and austere, looking, gnarled trunk and sharp thorns. The English name for Bilva or Bael is “Aegle marmelos” and fruits are called ‘stone apple’ as it is large fruits that look pale yellow suns when ripe.

In Hindi, it is called Bel or Bael Sripal. In Sanskrit is also called Bilva, Pootivat, Sriphal, Lakshmiputra, Shaelpatra, and Shivesht. The botanical name of this tree is Marmelops Egle and belongs to the family Rutaceae.

Where Do Bael Trees Grow?

Bael trees are native to the Western Ghats of India as well as in tropical and subtropical regions. But they can also be found in many Southeast Asian countries including Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Java, Thailand, Fiji, Philippines, etc.

Other Names Of bael tree leaves

Bael tree is known by various names throughout India as well as in other countries, below are some of its popular names.

In India

  • Sanskrit (Bilva, sriphal, shivadruma, Shivapala)
  • Bengali (Bel)
  • Hindi (Bel, bael, sripal)
  • Gujrati (Bil)
  • Telugu (Maredu)
  • Tamil (Kuvalum)
  • Kannada (Bilpatra, kumbala, malura)

Around the world

  • Cambodia (Phneou or pnoi)
  • Java (Modjo)
  • Thai (Matum and mapin)
  • Malayan (Maja pahit)
  • Vietnamese (Bau nau)
  • Portuguese (Marmelos)
  • French (Oranger du Malabar)

Medicinal Properties of  Bilva Trees

Among the many Ayurvedic herbs, herbs Bilva is also very important. In Ayurveda, every part of the Bilva tree is used for medicinal purposes in Ayurvedic medicine.

The unripe Bilva fruit roasted under mud, pureed, and mixed with honey and water or buttermilk can be the best medicine as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory.

It can be used for the treatment of diabetes, digestive issues. Besides this, the fruit is also can be used for heart-related problems, the brain, and for fertility.

Bael Fruit Nutrition Value (% per 100 g pulp)

The Bael fruit is highly nutritious, it contains

  • 8 mg vitamin C
  • 1.19mg riboflavin
  • 61.5 g water
  • 0.13 mg thiamine
  • 1.8 g protein
  • 55 mg carotene
  • 0.39 g fat
  • 31.8 g carbohydrates
  • 1.7 g minerals
  • 1.1 mg niacin

As per (Gopalan et al., 1971), there is no other fruit that has a high content of riboflavin.

1. The benefit & uses of Bilva Leaves

  • Consuming consumption of leaves of biliva alleviates diseases caused by excess vata and kapha (phlegm).
  • They are also very useful in diabetes mellitus. To do this, a few leaves should be chewed daily, and fresh juice drinks.
  • They are diaphoretic (producing more sweat), which reduces the temperature and lowers fevers, and aphrodisiac.
  • A decoction of the leaves is a favorite remedy for ailments that often occur during seasonal changes, such as fever, flu, and fatigue.

2. The benefit & uses of Bilva Fruit

  • The pale fawn flesh of this fruit is sweet and astringent, it contains tannin, which acts as an astringent to the bowels.
  • It tastes nice, pleasant, and aromatic, and provides an excellent dietary supplement.
  • The dried fruit pulp of Bilva fruit, when powdered and mixed with arrowroot, is called “dietary Bel”. It is both food and healing medicine.

3. The benefit & uses of Bilva Root

  • A preparation made from ginger root and toasted rice cures vomiting.
  • For the treatment of “piles” hemorrhoids, dysentery, and diarrhea, preparation is made from roots mixed with a tuberous root.
  • The oil extracted from the root Bilva, boiled with the juice of the leaves Bilva, and applied to the head is excellent for nasal catarrh and for diseases of the ear.

Various studies in extracts of A. marmelos (bilva)  fruits, roots, and leaves have been found to be active against many bacterial strains.

Bilva Medicinal Uses

Aegle marmelos, commonly known as Bael or Bael fruit, is a tree native to India and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine systems like Ayurveda. The various parts of the Aegle marmelos tree, including its leaves, fruit, bark, and roots, are known to possess medicinal properties. Here are some of the medicinal uses of Aegle marmelos:

1. Digestive Health: Bael fruit is highly valued for its digestive properties. The pulp of the ripe fruit is often consumed to alleviate digestive disorders such as constipation, diarrhea, and dysentery. It has laxative properties and helps regulate bowel movements.

2. Gastrointestinal Disorders: Bael has been traditionally used to treat various gastrointestinal disorders like gastritis, ulcers, and colitis. It helps reduce inflammation in the digestive tract and promotes healing.

3. Respiratory Health: The leaves and roots of the Aegle marmelos tree have been used to treat respiratory conditions like cough, cold, bronchitis, and asthma. They possess expectorant properties and help in relieving congestion.

4. Diabetes Management: Bael leaves are known to have anti-diabetic properties. They help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity. Bael fruit extract has been used to reduce blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

5. Antimicrobial Activity: Different parts of the Aegle marmelos tree, including its fruit, leaves, and bark, exhibit antimicrobial properties. They have been used to treat various infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi.

6. Skin Disorders: The paste or oil derived from the bark of Aegle marmelos is applied topically to treat skin conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne. It helps in reducing inflammation and promoting the healing of wounds.

7. Immune System Boost: Bael fruit is a rich source of vitamin C and other antioxidants. Regular consumption of bael fruit or its juice helps boost the immune system and protects the body against infections and diseases.

8. Heart Health: Bael fruit is known to have cardio-protective properties. It helps in reducing cholesterol levels and preventing the formation of plaque in the arteries, thus promoting heart health and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

9. Antioxidant Activity: Aegle marmelos is rich in antioxidants such as flavonoids and phenolic compounds. These antioxidants help neutralize harmful free radicals in the body, protecting cells from oxidative damage and reducing the risk of chronic diseases.

10. Anti-inflammatory Properties: The various parts of the Aegle marmelos tree, including its leaves, bark, and fruit, exhibit anti-inflammatory effects. They can help reduce inflammation in the body, providing relief from conditions like arthritis, joint pain, and inflammatory bowel disease.

11. Anti-cancer Potential: Preliminary studies have suggested that Aegle marmelos may possess anti-cancer properties. Certain compounds present in the fruit and leaves have demonstrated the potential in inhibiting the growth of cancer cells and inducing apoptosis (cell death) in cancer cells. However, further research is needed to fully understand its potential in cancer treatment.

12. Urinary Disorders: Bael fruit has diuretic properties and is commonly used to treat urinary tract infections and kidney stones. It helps promote urine production, flush out toxins, and reduce the risk of urinary system-related disorders.

13. Oral Health: Chewing on bael leaves or using bael-based mouthwashes is believed to promote oral health. It can help prevent dental caries, reduce gum inflammation, and freshen your breath.

14. Fever and Heat Stroke: Bael fruit is considered cooling and is often consumed during hot summer months to prevent heat stroke and reduce body temperature. It is also used in traditional remedies to reduce fever.

It’s important to note:

While Aegle marmelos has been traditionally used for its medicinal properties, scientific research is ongoing to explore its potential benefits and validate traditional claims.

If you are considering using Aegle marmelos or its extracts for medicinal purposes, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional or an Ayurvedic practitioner for guidance.

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