Bilva

Bilva  is being used in Ayurveda for the treatment of several inflammatory disorders. The plant is a member of a fixed dose combination of Dashamoola in Ayurveda. Aegle marmelos is the botanical name of Bilva and it belongs to the Rutaceae family.

It is a medium large sized deciduous thorny plant, grows up to 30-40 feet with a limited number of branches that are irregular/crooked. Flowers are Greenish white with sweet scents. Fruits are sub-spherical to pear shaped, can reach size of large grape fruit or even big, and smooth woody shells with a green, gray or yellow peel. The Bilva tree is native to India and is found widely in Asia, Srilanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Thailand etc.

Ayurvedic Action

Health Benefits

Bael benefits  in diarrhoea

Bael is beneficial in managing diarrhea. Bael has anti-diarrheal and antimicrobial activity which reduces the growth and inhibits the release of toxins by harmful micro-organisms. Thus, Bael controls the infection and reduces the frequency of stools in case of diarrhea. Also effective in improving digestive health, IBS.

Bael benefits in diabetes melitus

Bael  controls the blood sugar levels by energizing the pancreas and makes it produce enough insulin. So, it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while taking Bael with other anti diabetic drugs.

Bael benefits in Cholesterol

Bael helps control cholesterol due to its antihyperlipidemic activity. The antioxidant activity of certain constituents present in Bael lowers the level of total blood cholesterol, bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides. The heart healthy fats present in Bael helps improve the level of good cholesterol. 

Anti inflammatory activity of bael.

It also helps manage the cough in asthma and bronchitis due to its expectorant activity. The anti-inflammatory activity of Bael leaf helps manage fever, bleeding nostrils and are also used for correcting eye complications such as conjunctivitis and other eye infections. 

Wound healing activity of bael.

Bael helps to promote wound healing. Bael when applied, helps in the formation of new skin cells and promotes wound closure.

Bael leaves in eye health

Bael leaves are effective in managing eye infections like conjunctivitis. Decoction prepared from Bael flowers can also be used as an eye lotion in eye infections.

Bael and healthy hair

Bael leaf oil consists of limonene which is used as a scent in hair oil. It also acts as a hair tonic when mixed with cumin seeds and massaged on the scalp.

In ayurvedic view, Hair problems like dandruff, itchy or oily scalp might be due to an aggravation of Kapha dosha. Bael might help manage these conditions due to its Kapha balancing property. It helps to remove excess oil from the scalp and give natural health and shine to the hair.

Dosage and side effects (only after consultation with an ayurvedic doctor)

DOSE - 3-6 g of the drug in powder form.

Side effect -  Large amounts may cause stomach upset and constipation.

References:

1. http://nhp.gov.in/bilva_mtl
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6034160/
3. Sharma, PV: Dravyaguna Vijnana, Chaukhambha Bharati Academy, Varanasi, 1969; 2-3, 928.