Health Benefits, Nutrition data, Regional Names, Scientific Classification, Uses in various health conditions, possible Side Effects of Belleric myrobalan (Terminalia bellirica)
Introduction
One of the medicinal fruits rich in different health benefits and widely used in Indian folk medicine and ayurvedic treatment is ‘Belleric myrobalan’. The herb has been used to cure many diseases for its medicinal value.
Belleric myrobalan is a medicinal plant which is one of the most important herbs of ayurvedic treatment. Belleric myrobalan is a plant belonging to the ‘Combretaceae’ family. The Belleric myrobalan plant is native to tropical countries like India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and China. This plant is mostly found in dry forests in Assam, Orissa, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala in India. Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha and Chinese medicine systems use the fruits of Belleric myrobalan trees as well as different parts of the entire plant.
Health Benefits and Uses of Belleric myrobalan
Belleric myrobalan is a deciduous tree that grows to a height of 12-50 meters and has a round-oval crown with a diameter of 3 meters. It usually has a well-faced stem at the base with branches up to 20 meters in length. The bark is usually dark, blue or gray in color and is covered with numerous fine longitude cracks and yellow inner marks in the bark. The leaves of this tree are large, elliptical and are arranged together on the branches and clustered at the end of the branches. Flowers are simple and lonely and usually white or yellow in color and have strong honey-like smells. The fruits are usually in the form of drups, gray in color and non-shaped and cover a stone solid seed inside.
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Chemical constituents in Belleric myrobalan
- Tannins
- Gallic acid
- Ellagic acid
- Phyllemblin
- Ethyl gallate
- Galloyl glucose
Different Regional Names of Belleric myrobalan
- English : Beleric Myrobalan
- Tamil : Thaani
- Malayalam : Thaani
- Telugu : Thaani
- Kannada : Thare / Shanthi
- Hindi : Bahairah
- Bengali : Bahera
- Gujarati : Berang
- Marathi : Behadaa
- Odia : Bahada
- Punjabi : Bahera
Scientific Classification of Belleric myrobalan
- Kingdom:Plantae
- Clade:Tracheophytes
- Clade:Angiosperms
- Clade:Eudicots
- Clade:Rosids
- Order:Myrtales
- Family:Combretaceae
- Genus:Terminalia
- Species:T. bellirica
- Scientific name: Terminalia bellirica
Health Benefits of Belleric myrobalan
1) Helps in Weight Loss
Belleric myrobalan fruit can be one of the best options for people trying to lose weight. Consuming Belleric myrobalan churna daily can control appetite and help in losing weight naturally by combining a well-balanced diet and regular exercise.
2) Relieves Constipation
Belleric myrobalan is one of the most important plants of Ayurveda which is traditionally used to relieve constipation. It has a natural laxative quality and has fiber in the diet, a digestive factor that fights constipation. Consuming belleric myrobalan churna can have a comfortable and lubricating effect on gastro enteric tract. In addition, it heals and nourishes the intestinal tract and is beneficial for people suffering from other stomach issues such as abdominal pain or IBS.
3) Relieves Headache
Belleric myrobalan churna can be of great benefit to relieve headaches. Take belleric myrobalan and javasa and make decoction of them adding 1 tsp ghee to it. Give this decoction to a person suffering from headache thrice a day. This decoction will help in curing headaches caused by bile and also cure fever as well as dizziness.
4) Treats Diarrhea
In diarrheal conditions, the products made from the belleric myrobalan plant can be taken as a remedy. Peel 2-5 g and 1-2 cloves of belleric myrobalan tree, grind them well and add a teaspoon of honey to it. Take this remedy three to four times a day.
5) Prevents Cough and Cold
Belleric myrobalan is a very effective herb in treating respiratory disorders, and problems caused by colds. The herb is known to reduce cough, release mucus and clear the air path in Ayurveda. It smoothes the bronchial contractions and helps the patient breathe freely. In addition, it is beneficial in gingivitis, a common infection between the mouth and the mare. The main symptoms are swelling of the mouth or the body, causing viral or bacterial infections.
6) Heals wounds
Belleric myrobalan paste/poultice is a wonderful wound healer. If you are suffering from mild rash, skin irritation, apply a belleric myrobalan paste.
For the paste, take a small piece of belleric myrobalan and rub it over a rock with a little water to get a smooth paste.
7) Removes Acne and Ulcers
Belleric myrobalan fruit has many medicinal benefits and antibacterial properties, which can remove the scars. Vitamin C and minerals such as potassium, selenium, iron, copper and manganese help in smoothing the skin and help in reducing inflammation.
In addition, it contains strong antioxidants that are very helpful in maintaining skin health and appearance. The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of these seeds in the skin help in reducing acne spots and healing other skin conditions.
8) Dental Problems
The opening of the belleric myrobalan fruit can be used as a boiled decoction mouthwash with a little water and can treat most dental problems such as mouth odor, mouth ulcers etc
9) Treats Indigestion
Common symptoms of indigestion such as abdominal pain, bloating, gas etc. can be cured using belleric myrobalan. Take the long pepper, licorice roots, and take the belleric myrobalan fruit in equal quantities and grind it to powder. Now make a decoction; take two teaspoons of belleric myrobalan churna, boil it in 500ml of water until it is reduced to about 300ml and let it cool. Take this decoction 100ml twice (morning and evening) definitely you will notice a difference.
10) Prevents Hair Loss
Belleric myrobalan is a wonderful herb that can be used for various hair problems. In addition to keeping the hair healthy it helps in solving various hair problems such as treating lice, hair loss and dandruff problems. It is a wonderful herb that can help deal with ripe hair (white hair). Applying belleric myrobalan oil forms hydrophobic levels on the damaged surface of the hair and keeps the hair healthy.
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Uses of Belleric myrobalan
Belleric myrobalan fruits and plants are used differently in curing various diseases. Its leaves, bark, fruit powder, leaf juice, decoction, churna, paste, fruit oil etc. are used to make products to solve skin and hair problems along with other health issues.
Side Effects of Belleric myrobalan
- Seeds are probably toxic or have intoxicating substances.
- Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid its use.
- This can lead to a myocardial depressant process.
- Excess consumption can enhance gastric problems.
- Excessive consumption of it can lead to nausea and vomiting, gas formation in the intestines, diarrhea and loose bowel movements.
- It lowers blood sugar; so those who are suffering from blood disorders should discuss it with the doctor before using it.
- Those suffering from bleeding disorders would be better off avoiding its use and also it slows down blood clotting.
- If taken too much then the skin may become dry and constipation can be caused by Belleric myrobalan powder.
It should be used regularly in the right quantity keeping in view the benefits and disadvantages of belleric myrobalan as excessive use of any product can harm our health. Its use should be avoided in some physical condition. The above mentioned information is provided only for general knowledge based on the prevailing use in the public society. It is advisable to consult a doctor before using belleric myrobalan in the medicinal field in curing the disease.
Conclusion
The above article gave you a brief information about the benefits of Belleric myrobalan and other related things about it. We hope the information provided will benefit you in various ways. Thank You!
Read Also: Health Benefits of Belleric myrobalan in Assamese
FAQ
Q: Where is the belleric myrobalan plant found?
Belleric myrobalan plants are native to tropical Asia like- India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Pakistan, Malaysia, Indonesia and China. In India, this plant is mostly found in the common dry forests of Assam, Orissa, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.
Question: Can a pregnant woman take belleric myrobalan?
Belleric myrobalan sometimes may have harmful side effects. Thus, it is suggested not to take this fruit while you are pregnant.
Q: Belleric myrobalan belongs to which family?
Belleric myrobalan is a plant belonging to the ‘Combretaceae’ family.
Q: What is belleric myrobalan good for?
Belleric myrobalan fruit has antibacterial properties that fight various infections. It is useful to treat common colds, coughs and asthma. This fruit oil is beneficial for skin disorders and premature hair graying treatment.
Q: What is the scientific name of belleric myrobalan?
The scientific name of Belleric myrobalan is ‘Terminalia bellirica’.