Bilwa

Treasures of Nature (Prakriti Ka Khazana) – Bilwa

Bilwa is a native tree of India which has great spiritual and medicinal importance and can be found throughout the Southeast Asia. The Bilwa tree tree is considered to be very scared by Hindus and mainly used in worshipping Lord Shiva. The tree is extensively described in many ancient literatures and is one among the Dashamoola herbs. The fruits of this tree are used as food and also in traditional medicine. The root, ripened or un-ripened fruit, leaves, stem and flowers are used in traditional medication.

Spiritual Significance:

Bilva or the leaves of Bilwa tree is used in worshipping Lord Shiva and has extensive mentions in the ‘Shiva Purana’- A scared text for Hindus. The tri-foliate form of leaves symbolizes surrendering one’s human ego at the feet of almighty.

Medicinal Properties of Bilwa:

Ayurvedic texts has classified the Bilwa tree as a Dashamoola herb and has given much importance due to its excellent medicinal properties:

Bilwa leaves have anti-diabetic properties and can be used to regulate body sugar levels.

Bilwa fruit is used in treating diarrhoea or dysentery due to its stool binding properties whereas the ripened fruit is used to treat constipation.

The pulp used along with jaggery can treat blood disorders and also excessive bleeding.

Bilwa leaf juice is used in relieving jaundice.

Skin diseases, burns, ear infections and eye infections are treated using the syrup or oil made from Bilwa. Leaf extract is useful in treating deafness, conjunctivitis and leucorrhea.

Used in treating peptic ulcers to relive the pain and discomfort and irritable bowel syndrome.

Milk along with bark of Bilwa acts in relieving stress, insomnia and nervousness.

Ayurvedic texts suggest that this herb has the capacity to pacify Vata dosha, Kapha dosha and improve the digestive juices.

The leaf extract is believed to have anti-spermatogenic properties and used in fertility control traditionally.

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