Baheda
Baheda
Baheda is also known as “Bibhitaki” in Sanskrit which means “The one that keeps away from diseases”. It is one of the main constituents of “Triphala” which is used for the management of common cold, pharyngitis and constipation. Baheda tree is a large deciduous tree found in the greater part of India. All parts of the tree are used for medicinal purposes, especially the dried fruit. The fruits of Baheda are astringent (bitter) and acrid (sour) in taste.
Baheda is beneficial in relieving cough and cold symptoms due to its antimicrobial and anti-allergic properties. Taking Baheda powder along with honey helps relieve cough as it improves immune health. Baheda churna is an effective home remedy to improve digestion. It can be prepared by adding Baheda churna to a glass of warm water and consumed regularly. It also helps prevent constipation by loosening stool and promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property.
According to Ayurveda, Baheda powder helps in weight loss as it improves metabolism and reduces Ama by increasing the digestive fire.
Baheda fruit is beneficial for skin problems such as acne and acne scars due to its antibacterial property. Applying Baheda fruit powder with rose water on the face prevents the growth of bacteria. Massaging Baheda powder along with rose water and Baheda oil (mixed with coconut oil) on the hair and scalp helps promote hair growth and controls dandruff due to its astringent and Ruksha (dry) properties.
An important precaution with Baheda is that it should be avoided during hyperacidity or gastritis. This is because of its hot potency that might increase these conditions[1][2][11].
Baheda is beneficial in relieving cough and cold symptoms due to its antimicrobial and anti-allergic properties. Taking Baheda powder along with honey helps relieve cough as it improves immune health. Baheda churna is an effective home remedy to improve digestion. It can be prepared by adding Baheda churna to a glass of warm water and consumed regularly. It also helps prevent constipation by loosening stool and promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property.
According to Ayurveda, Baheda powder helps in weight loss as it improves metabolism and reduces Ama by increasing the digestive fire.
Baheda fruit is beneficial for skin problems such as acne and acne scars due to its antibacterial property. Applying Baheda fruit powder with rose water on the face prevents the growth of bacteria. Massaging Baheda powder along with rose water and Baheda oil (mixed with coconut oil) on the hair and scalp helps promote hair growth and controls dandruff due to its astringent and Ruksha (dry) properties.
An important precaution with Baheda is that it should be avoided during hyperacidity or gastritis. This is because of its hot potency that might increase these conditions[1][2][11].
What are the synonyms of Baheda?
Terminalia bellirica, Vibhita, Akaa, Aksaka, Bhomora, Bhomra, Bhaira, Bayada, Beleric Myrobalan, Bahedan, Bahera, Tare kai, Shanti Kayi, Babelo, Balali, Tannikka, Bahera, Thanrikkai, Thanikkay, Bibhitaki
What is the source of Baheda?
Plant Based
Benefits of Baheda
1. Cough and Cold
Baheda is an effective herb in managing cough and cold. Baheda controls cough, releases mucus, clears air passages, thus allowing the patient to breathe freely. This is due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Mix it with honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat daily till you do not get relief from the symptoms of cough and cold.
2. Constipation
Baheda is one of the most important herbs which is used to relieve constipation. This is because of its Rechana (laxative) property. It gives soothing and lubricating effect on the gastroenteric tract and helps in easy expulsion of stool.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda Powder.
b. Swallow it with warm water at night before sleeping.
c. Repeat daily to manage constipation.
3. Weight Loss
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in excessive weight or obesity. Baheda is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama by increasing the digestive fire. This is because of its Ushna (hot) potency. It also removes accumulated waste products in the intestine due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Swallow it with mild hot water after taking lunch and dinner.
4. Loss of appetite and bloating
Baheda helps to manage loss of appetite, thirst, bloating and flatulence. This is due to its Ushna (hot) potency. Baheda enhances the Pachak Agni (digestive fire) which helps in digesting the food easily. It also helps to manage constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda Powder.
b. Swallow it with mild hot water after taking lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat this daily to manage digestive problems.
5. Weak Immunity
Baheda helps to increase immunity and promote longevity due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. It helps to fight against infections in the body and prevent recurrent seasonal infections.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Mix with honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat daily to boost immunity.
Baheda is an effective herb in managing cough and cold. Baheda controls cough, releases mucus, clears air passages, thus allowing the patient to breathe freely. This is due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Mix it with honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat daily till you do not get relief from the symptoms of cough and cold.
2. Constipation
Baheda is one of the most important herbs which is used to relieve constipation. This is because of its Rechana (laxative) property. It gives soothing and lubricating effect on the gastroenteric tract and helps in easy expulsion of stool.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda Powder.
b. Swallow it with warm water at night before sleeping.
c. Repeat daily to manage constipation.
3. Weight Loss
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in excessive weight or obesity. Baheda is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama by increasing the digestive fire. This is because of its Ushna (hot) potency. It also removes accumulated waste products in the intestine due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Swallow it with mild hot water after taking lunch and dinner.
4. Loss of appetite and bloating
Baheda helps to manage loss of appetite, thirst, bloating and flatulence. This is due to its Ushna (hot) potency. Baheda enhances the Pachak Agni (digestive fire) which helps in digesting the food easily. It also helps to manage constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda Powder.
b. Swallow it with mild hot water after taking lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat this daily to manage digestive problems.
5. Weak Immunity
Baheda helps to increase immunity and promote longevity due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. It helps to fight against infections in the body and prevent recurrent seasonal infections.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Mix with honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat daily to boost immunity.
Precautions when using Baheda
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
1. Consult your doctor while taking Baheda if you have diarrhea or loose motion.
2. Consult your doctor while taking Baheda if you have hyperacidity or gastritis due to its hot potency.
2. Consult your doctor while taking Baheda if you have hyperacidity or gastritis due to its hot potency.
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Baheda during Breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Ayurvedic View
Baheda may lower blood sugar level, so it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while using Baheda along with antidiabetic medicines.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Baheda during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Baheda
- Baheda Churna - ¼ to ½ teaspoon twice a day
- Baheda Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day
How to use Baheda
1. Baheda Pulp
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Baheda pulp.
b. Take it with water or honey twice a day after taking lunch and dinner.
2. Baheda Churna
a. Take ½ teaspoon of Baheda Churna.
b. Swallow it with warm water for digestion or honey for cough twice a day after meals.
3. Baheda Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Baheda Capsules.
b. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Baheda pulp.
b. Take it with water or honey twice a day after taking lunch and dinner.
2. Baheda Churna
a. Take ½ teaspoon of Baheda Churna.
b. Swallow it with warm water for digestion or honey for cough twice a day after meals.
3. Baheda Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Baheda Capsules.
b. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner.
Benefits of Baheda
FAQs about Baheda benefits
1. Acne and Acne Scars
Baheda fruit has antibacterial properties which makes it effective for controlling acne and acne scars. This is due to it's Kashaya (astringent) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon Baheda fruit powder.
b. Add rose water to make a paste and apply on the affected area.
c. Wait for 2-3 hours and then wash with tap water.
d. Repeat this 2-3 times a week to control acne and acne- scars.
2. Hair Loss and Dandruff
Baheda helps in promoting hair growth and controls dandruff. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) and Ruksha (dry) properties. It helps remove excess oil and keeps the scalp dry to prevent the growth of dandruff. Baheda also has unique Keshya (hair growth enhancer) property that boosts hair growth resulting in thick and healthy hair.
Tips:
a. Take Baheda fruit powder.
b. Add rose water or honey and make a paste.
c. Apply to hair and scalp.
d. Wait for 2-3 hours and then wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Repeat this twice a week to control dandruff and to promote natural hair growth
3. Wound
Baheda oil helps in quick healing of wound and skin injury due to its Ropan (healing) quality. Baheda oil also prevents secondary infection in the body.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 drops of Baheda oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the affected area for quick wound healing.
Baheda fruit has antibacterial properties which makes it effective for controlling acne and acne scars. This is due to it's Kashaya (astringent) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon Baheda fruit powder.
b. Add rose water to make a paste and apply on the affected area.
c. Wait for 2-3 hours and then wash with tap water.
d. Repeat this 2-3 times a week to control acne and acne- scars.
2. Hair Loss and Dandruff
Baheda helps in promoting hair growth and controls dandruff. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) and Ruksha (dry) properties. It helps remove excess oil and keeps the scalp dry to prevent the growth of dandruff. Baheda also has unique Keshya (hair growth enhancer) property that boosts hair growth resulting in thick and healthy hair.
Tips:
a. Take Baheda fruit powder.
b. Add rose water or honey and make a paste.
c. Apply to hair and scalp.
d. Wait for 2-3 hours and then wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Repeat this twice a week to control dandruff and to promote natural hair growth
3. Wound
Baheda oil helps in quick healing of wound and skin injury due to its Ropan (healing) quality. Baheda oil also prevents secondary infection in the body.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 drops of Baheda oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the affected area for quick wound healing.
Precautions when using Baheda
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Consult any doctor before applying the paste of Baheda fruit on eyelids in case of eye disease due to its hot potency.
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Use a paste of Baheda fruit with coconut oil or rose water as it may cause hypersensitivity due to its hot potency.
Recommended Dosage of Baheda
- Baheda Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement
- Baheda Powder - ½ to 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement
How to use Baheda
1. Baheda Powder
a. Take the fruit Powder of Baheda.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the affected area.
c. Let it to sit for 2-3 hours and then wash thoroughly with tap water.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day for effective relief from swelling and inflammation.
2. Baheda Oil
a. Take 2-3 drops of Baheda oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the scalp thrice a week.
c. Use this oil on the regular basis as it is extremely nutritive and strengthens the growth.
a. Take the fruit Powder of Baheda.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the affected area.
c. Let it to sit for 2-3 hours and then wash thoroughly with tap water.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day for effective relief from swelling and inflammation.
2. Baheda Oil
a. Take 2-3 drops of Baheda oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the scalp thrice a week.
c. Use this oil on the regular basis as it is extremely nutritive and strengthens the growth.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Baheda Powder is easily available in the market under various brands and the price ranges from Rs 50- 100 per 100 gms. You can choose the brand according to your liking and requirement.
Modern Science View
Baheda Powder has an approximate shelf life of 2 years. The container should be airtight. Store it in a cool and dry place preferably at the room temperature.
Modern Science View
Baheda may cause drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension or a headache as side-effects in some peoples so it may not be safe to drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery. One should not drive a vehicle if using the medicine makes you drowsy, dizzy or lowers your blood-pressure extensively. Consult your doctor for before taking Baheda if you have any illness[3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Baheda may be useful in increasing immunity. Baheda has immunomodulatory activity due to which it increases the production and activity of white blood cells[2][4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Baheda may be useful in managing typhoid fever. Consuming Baheda on a regular basis removes typhoid-causing bacteria (S. typhimurium) from the liver. This helps in the prevention of infection. Baheda also has antipyretic property due to which it prevents an increase in body temperature[2][6].
Modern Science View
Baheda powder has various health benefits. It helps in managing constipation due to its laxative property and is used as an ingredient in triphala churna. It is also used in cough and cold due to its antimicrobial and anti-allergic properties. Along with that, it improves metabolism and hence it is helpful in weight management. Baheda powder is also beneficial for skin, as it prevents skin infection caused by bacteria mainly due to its antibacterial activity[9][10].
Ayurvedic View
Baheda powder is an effective remedy to reduce the symptoms of cough and cold because of its Kapha balancing property. It also has Bhedna or Rechana (laxative) nature which helps to correct constipation. Baheda is also a part of Triphala Churna which is a well-known classical Ayurvedic drug that is being used for all types of digestive problems.
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidences are not available to support the role of Baheda for hair, but it might act as a hair tonic[11].
Ayurvedic View
Baheda is an effective remedy for hair problems like hair fall or dandruff. Baheda helps to maintain healthy growth of hair because it has a unique Keshya (hair growth enhancer) property that boosts hair growth resulting in thick and healthy hair.
Modern Science View
Yes, Baheda might help manage ulcers due to its antiulcer activity. It contains certain constituents which reduce the gastric acid and prevent damage caused by excessive acid, thereby managing the pain and discomfort related to ulcers[11].
Ayurvedic View
Ulcers generally occur due to an imbalance of pitta dosha. Baheda despite being Ushna (hot) in nature, helps to manage this condition due to its pitta balancing property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Baheda is useful in depression cases due to its antioxidant and antidepressant properties. The antioxidants present in Baheda fights against free radicals and prevent brain cell damage. Baheda also improves the concentration of neurotransmitters (mediators which help in signal transmission) in the brain and thus helps in managing depression and anxiety [12].
Modern Science View
Baheda fruit has laxative property which helps loosen the stools and promotes improved bowel movement. It also helps to remove the parasitic worms from the body due to its antiparasitic property. Dry Baheda fruit also prevents microbial infections because of its antimicrobial property[11].
Ayurvedic View
Baheda fruit is an effective remedy to improve digestion. It helps to maintain healthy and clean bowel by removing waste products due to its Bhedna or Rechana (laxative) nature. Baheda also helps to remove worms from the intestine because it has Krimighna (anti-worm) property.
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence are not available to support the role of Baheda in the management of heart disease.
Modern Science View
Yes, Baheda might prevent the development of kidney stones in the body due to its nephroprotective property. It prevents the deposition of Calcium oxalate crystals which are responsible for the formation of kidney stones. In addition to that, Baheda has a diuretic property which increases urine production and helps in easy removal of kidney stones[13].
Modern Science View
Yes, dry Baheda fruit has antimicrobial properties. It prevents microbial growth by inhibiting the multiplication of microorganisms[14].
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence are not available to support the role of Baheda in excessive salivation.
Ayurvedic View
Baheda can help control excessive salivation because it is Kashaya (astringent) in taste. It helps to reduce excessive salivation.
Modern Science View
Yes, Baheda may be useful in promoting wound healing. It contains certain components that reduce the size of the wound and increase the rate of wound closure[2][5].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Baheda may be useful in promoting hair growth as well as preventing hair loss[7][8].
References
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- Singh MP, Gupta A, Sisodia SS. Ethno and Modern Pharmacological Profile of Baheda (Terminalia bellerica): A Review. The Pharmaceutical and Chemical Journal, 2018, 5(1):153-162.
- Kumar N, Khurana SMP. Phytochemistry and medicinal potential of the Terminalia bellirica Roxb. (Bahera). Indian Journal of Natural Products and Resources.2018; 9(2):97-107.
- Deb A, Barua S, Das B. Pharmacological activities of Baheda (Terminalia bellerica): A review. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry.2016;5(1):194-197.
- Manohar VR, Rai MS, Kateel R, et al. Attenuation of depression on sub acute administration of Terminalia bellerica fruit in tail suspension test. The journal of phytopharmacology. 2014;3(3):163-167.
- Upadhyay N, Tiwari SK, Srivastava S, et al. Anti- urolithiatic effect of Terminalia Bellirica Roxb. Fruits on ethylene-glycol induced renal calculi in rats. Indo american journal of pharmaceutical research. 2015;5(5):2015.
- Elizabeth KM. Antimicrobial activity of Terminalia Bellerica. Indian journal of clinical biochemistry. 2005; 20(2): 150-153.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.