Belleric Myrobalan is called Vibhitaki, Vibeekaka and Bibhitak in Sanskrit. It is also known by various other names such as Bhaira and Bahera. The botanical name for Belleric Myrobalan is Terminalia Belerica and is called Beleric Myrobalan in English. The herb has crucial importance in Ayurvedic medicine.
The herb is highly beneficial to health in Ayurveda. It is the main component of rasayana preparation Triphala. Fruit part of the herb is used as a medicine. It is used to treat various ailments due to its several Ayurvedic properties. The herb is considered to be antiviral, hepatoprotective, hypolipidaemic, purgative, antidiarrhoeal, astringent and tonic. Various health benefits of Belleric Myrobalan are discussed in this article.
Ayurvedic Properties of Beleric Myrobalan
The herb has following Ayurvedic properties:
- Guna: Ruksha (dry) and Laghu (light)
- Rasa: Madhur (sweet) and Kashaya (astringent)
- Dosha: Pacifies tridosha
- Vipaka: Madhur (sweet)
- Veerya: Ushna (hot)
Health Benefits of Beleric Myrobalan
Beleric Myrobalan has following health benefits:
- Stomach Disorders — The herb is beneficial for stomach upsets like diarrhea and indigestion. Herb’s decoction should be taken to cure these disorders.
- Coughs — The herb is an excellent remedy to cure cough. Fruit pulp mixed with long pepper, salt and honey is taken to cure the problem. To cure catarrh and cough, the fruit is first fried and then covered with wheat flour and then roasted. This is also a popular remedy for catarrh and cough.
- Sore Throat — A decoction of the herb is used for treatment of the sore throat and voice hoarseness.
- Intestinal Worms — The herb is mixed with Butea seeds, which is an effective anthelmintic. The herb should be taken 3 times a day. The herb is an effective cure for removal of intestinal worms.
- Chronic Constipation — The fruit which is half ripen is an effective cure for chronic constipation.
- Eye Disorders — Beleric Myrobalan is applied as a soothing lotion over eyes. The herb can be made into fine powder and is beneficial to cure epiphora, which is watering of the eyes.
- Brain Tonic – The herb can be used as brain tonic.
- The herb is also used to treat piles, leprosy, fever and dropsy.
Chemical Constituents of Belleric Myrobalan
It has various chemicals which are as follows:
- Triterpenoids – Belleric acid, β-Sitosterol and bellericanin.
- Polyphenols — Phyllembin, ethyl gallate, hexahydroxydiphenic acid ester3,4 , gallic acid, ellagic acid and chebulagic acid.
- Fixed oil is taken out from the seeds of Belleric myrobalan.
The above are some of the health benefits of Belleric Myrobalan.
