Bilva (Aegle Marmelos): Benefits of Leaves, Fruits, & Roots
The Bael fruit (Aegle marmelos) is renowned in traditional Indian medicine, known as Ayurveda, for its extensive medicinal uses. The tree holds significant sacred value among Hindus due to its versatility. The leaves of the Bael tree are used not only for their medicinal properties but also as offerings to Lord Shiva and other deities.
This “Bilva” tree is adaptable and grows throughout India, thriving in various soil types. It is characterized by its astringent, bitter, and dry qualities. The Bael tree is distinguished by its tall, robust stature, gnarled trunk, and sharp thorns.
Its large, pale yellow fruits, known as ‘stone apples,’ resemble yellow suns when ripe. In Hindi, the fruit is called Bel or Bael Sripal, while in Sanskrit, it is referred to as Bilva, Pootivat, Sriphal, Lakshmiputra, Shaelpatra, and Shivesht. The botanical name of this tree is Marmelops Egle, and it belongs to the Rutaceae family.
Where Do Bael Trees Grow?
Bael trees, known for their medicinal and nutritional value, thrive in various climates across Asia and beyond. Here is an overview of their natural and cultivated range:
Native Regions
- Western Ghats of India: The Bael tree is originally native to this region, which includes parts of states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu.
Tropical and Subtropical Areas
- India: Widely cultivated across different parts of India, where the climate supports its growth.
- Nepal: Found in the subtropical and tropical regions.
Southeast Asia
- Bangladesh: Commonly grown and used in traditional medicine.
- Pakistan: Cultivated in various regions, particularly in the subtropical and tropical areas.
- Sri Lanka: Grown throughout the country.
- Cambodia: Found in the tropical climate.
- Vietnam: Cultivated in various parts of the country.
- Malaysia: Grown in tropical regions.
- Java (Indonesia): Part of the diverse flora in the region.
- Thailand: Found in tropical areas.
- Philippines: Cultivated in suitable climates.
Extended Regions
- Fiji: Introduced and cultivated in the tropical climate.
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.
Nutritional Value of Bael Fruit (Per 100 g Pulp)
The Bael fruit (Aegle marmelos) is known for its rich nutritional profile. Here is the breakdown of its key nutrients:
1. Vitamin C: 8 mg
- Essential for immune function, collagen synthesis, and antioxidant protection.
2. Riboflavin (Vitamin B2): 1.19 mg
- Important for energy production, skin health, and cellular function. Bael fruit has a notably high riboflavin content compared to other fruits.
3. Water: 61.5 g
- Contributes to hydration and supports various physiological processes.
4. Thiamine (Vitamin B1): 0.13 mg
- Helps in carbohydrate metabolism and nerve function.
5. Protein: 1.8 g
- Supports tissue repair, immune function, and overall growth.
6. Carotene: 55 mg
- A precursor to Vitamin A, important for vision, immune health, and skin integrity.
7. Fat: 0.39 g
- Minimal fat content, contributing to a low-calorie profile.
8. Carbohydrates: 31.8 g
- Provides a source of energy through sugars and starches.
9. Minerals: 1.7 g
- Includes essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and magnesium that support various bodily functions.
10. Niacin (Vitamin B3): 1.1 mg
- Aids in digestion, energy production, and maintaining healthy skin.
Notable Points
- High Riboflavin Content: As noted by Gopalan et al. (1971), Bael fruit is exceptionally high in riboflavin compared to other fruits, making it a valuable source of this essential vitamin.
- Low Fat and Rich in Carbohydrates: The fruit is low in fat and provides a substantial amount of carbohydrates, making it a good source of energy.
- Hydration and Nutritional Support: The high water content supports hydration, while vitamins and minerals contribute to overall health and well-being.
Bael fruit’s nutritional value underscores its role as a healthful addition to the diet, providing essential vitamins, minerals, and energy in a low-fat, hydrating form.
1. Benefits & Uses of Bilva Leaves (Aegle marmelos)
1. Balancing Doshas
- Vata and Kapha: Bilva leaves are traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to balance excess Vata (air) and Kapha (phlegm) doshas. They help alleviate conditions associated with these doshas, such as joint pain, respiratory issues, and digestive disturbances.
2. Diabetes Management
- Blood Sugar Control: Regular consumption of Bilva leaves can be beneficial for managing diabetes mellitus. Chewing a few leaves daily and drinking fresh juice extracted from the leaves can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve overall insulin sensitivity.
3. Diaphoretic Effects
- Sweat Production: The leaves have diaphoretic properties, meaning they promote sweating. This helps in reducing body temperature and alleviating fevers, making them useful during illnesses that cause elevated body temperatures.
4. Aphrodisiac Properties
- Enhancing Libido: Bilva leaves are considered to have aphrodisiac properties, potentially improving sexual health and vitality.
5. Seasonal Health Remedies
- Fever and Flu: A decoction made from Bilva leaves is a favored remedy for seasonal ailments. It is commonly used to treat fever, flu, and fatigue that often occur during changes in seasons.
6. Additional Benefits
- General Well-being: The leaves support overall health by aiding digestion, improving respiratory function, and boosting the immune system.
Bilva leaves offer a range of benefits from balancing doshas and managing diabetes to alleviating seasonal ailments and enhancing general well-being.
Their diverse uses in traditional medicine underscore their significance in maintaining health and treating various conditions.
2. Benefits & Uses of Bilva Fruit (Aegle marmelos)
1. Digestive Health
- Astringent Properties: The pale fawn flesh of Bilva fruit is sweet and astringent, thanks to its tannin content. This makes it effective in tightening and toning the tissues of the bowels, helping to manage conditions such as diarrhea and dysentery.
2. Flavor and Aroma
- Pleasant Taste: Bilva fruit is noted for its sweet, pleasant taste and aromatic qualities. This makes it not only enjoyable to eat but also a flavorful addition to various culinary dishes.
3. Nutritional Supplement
- Dietary Benefits: The fruit provides an excellent dietary supplement due to its nutritional profile, offering essential vitamins and minerals that support overall health.
4. Medicinal Preparation
- Dietary Bel: When the dried pulp of Bilva fruit is powdered and mixed with arrowroot, it is known as “dietary Bel.” This preparation serves a dual purpose:
- Food: It acts as a nutritious food ingredient.
- Healing Medicine: It combines the health benefits of Bilva fruit and arrowroot, making it a valuable remedy for digestive issues and general health maintenance.
3. Benefits & Uses of Bilva Root (Aegle marmelos)
1. Treatment for Vomiting
- Ginger and Toasted Rice Preparation: A traditional remedy involves preparing a mixture of ginger root and toasted rice. This preparation is used to alleviate vomiting and settle the stomach.
2. Relief for Hemorrhoids and Digestive Disorders
- Piles and Diarrhea: Bilva root, when mixed with a tuberous root, is used to treat hemorrhoids (piles), dysentery, and diarrhea. This combination helps soothe and heal the digestive tract, addressing these conditions effectively.
3. Nasal and Ear Health
- Oil Application: Oil extracted from Bilva root, when boiled with Bilva leaf juice and applied to the head, is beneficial for treating nasal catarrh (excessive mucus production) and ear diseases. This application provides relief from symptoms and promotes healing.
4. Antibacterial Properties
- Studies and Research: Research has demonstrated that extracts of Bilva fruits, roots, and leaves exhibit activity against various bacterial strains. This highlights the antimicrobial potential of Bilva in combating infections.
5. Additional Benefits
- Holistic Use: The root’s medicinal properties make it a valuable component in traditional medicine for treating a range of conditions, from digestive issues to respiratory ailments.
Bilva root is an important part of Ayurvedic medicine, offering diverse therapeutic benefits. Its applications extend from digestive health to respiratory relief and antibacterial action, underscoring its versatility and effectiveness in traditional remedies.
Top 14 Medicinal Uses of Bel Patra
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.
In summary, Bilva (Aegle marmelos) is not only a sacred plant but also a powerful medicinal herb with diverse applications in health and wellness. Its traditional uses, backed by modern research, affirm its role as a cornerstone in holistic healing practices.
