Ber
Ber
Ber, known as “Badara” in Ayurveda, is a delicious fruit and an effective herbal remedy against various diseases. This fruit is a rich source of vitamin C, B1 and B2.
Ber seed powder or Ber tea might help in promoting weight loss due to the presence of fibers and vitamin C that play a role in improving body metabolism and thereby promotes digestion. Eating Ber (Jujube fruit) is also considered to be good for diabetes due to its blood sugar lowering activity which further reduces the risk of diabetes related complications. Consumption of Ber on a regular basis provides relief from constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property.
Ber leaves can be externally applied to reduce fever due to its antipyretic (fever lowering) activity. Ber fruit powder along with honey can also be applied on the face in the form of a face mask to help manage skin infections and promote wound healing due to its antioxidant and strong healing properties.
Avoid eating Ber in cough and cold due to its cooling property. In case you have weak digestion, avoid excessive intake of Ber as it is heavy to digest and may cause abdominal discomfort and stomach pain[2-4].
Ber seed powder or Ber tea might help in promoting weight loss due to the presence of fibers and vitamin C that play a role in improving body metabolism and thereby promotes digestion. Eating Ber (Jujube fruit) is also considered to be good for diabetes due to its blood sugar lowering activity which further reduces the risk of diabetes related complications. Consumption of Ber on a regular basis provides relief from constipation by promoting bowel movements due to its laxative property.
Ber leaves can be externally applied to reduce fever due to its antipyretic (fever lowering) activity. Ber fruit powder along with honey can also be applied on the face in the form of a face mask to help manage skin infections and promote wound healing due to its antioxidant and strong healing properties.
Avoid eating Ber in cough and cold due to its cooling property. In case you have weak digestion, avoid excessive intake of Ber as it is heavy to digest and may cause abdominal discomfort and stomach pain[2-4].
What are the synonyms of Ber?
Ziziphus mauritiana, Phenilm, Badara, Bhr, Barkoli, Beir, Yalachi, Mallelentha, Beer, Veer, Ildei, Elandi, Regu chettu, Bayar, Kul, Kol beir, Bor, Boriche jhad, Indian jujube, Indian cherry plum, Fal-e-kambak, Azifum[1]
What is the source of Ber?
Plant Based
Benefits of Ber
1. Hyperacidity
Ber fruit helps to reduce hyperacidity if it is taken before meals. Hyperacidity means an increased level of acid in the stomach and an aggravated Pitta is the main cause. Regular intake of sweet Ber fruit before meals helps to reduce the acid level in the stomach because of its Sita (cold) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 cup of sweet Ber fruit.
b. Have it before taking foods to manage hyperacidity.
2. Constipation
Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata dosha. This can be due to frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Ripe Ber fruit helps in easy expulsion of waste products and corrects constipation. This is due to Vata balancing and Bhedna (purgative) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 cup of sweet Ber fruit.
b. Have it after taking foods to manage constipation.
3. Asthma
Dried Ber fruit powder helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (Asthma). Eating Ber fruit helps to balance Vata and Kapha and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 cup of sweet Ber fruit.
b. have it before taking foods to get rid of the symptoms of asthma.
Ber fruit helps to reduce hyperacidity if it is taken before meals. Hyperacidity means an increased level of acid in the stomach and an aggravated Pitta is the main cause. Regular intake of sweet Ber fruit before meals helps to reduce the acid level in the stomach because of its Sita (cold) property.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 cup of sweet Ber fruit.
b. Have it before taking foods to manage hyperacidity.
2. Constipation
Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata dosha. This can be due to frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata in the large intestine and cause constipation. Ripe Ber fruit helps in easy expulsion of waste products and corrects constipation. This is due to Vata balancing and Bhedna (purgative) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 cup of sweet Ber fruit.
b. Have it after taking foods to manage constipation.
3. Asthma
Dried Ber fruit powder helps to control the symptoms of asthma and gives relief in case of breathlessness. According to Ayurveda, the main doshas involved in asthma are Vata and Kapha. The vitiated ‘Vata’ combines with deranged ‘Kapha dosha’ in the lungs causing obstruction in the respiratory passage. This results in difficulty in breathing. This condition is known as Swas Roga (Asthma). Eating Ber fruit helps to balance Vata and Kapha and remove excess mucus from the lungs. This gives relief from the symptoms of asthma.
Tips:
a. Take ½-1 cup of sweet Ber fruit.
b. have it before taking foods to get rid of the symptoms of asthma.
Recommended Dosage of Ber
- Ber Powder - ¼-1 teaspoon twice a day.
How to use Ber
1. Ber Fruit
a. Take 4-5 Ber fruits.
b. Eat them preferably in the breakfast.
2. Ber Tea
a. Take 2 cups of water in a large pot.
b. Add a small piece of cinnamon and crushed ginger.
c. Make a deep cut into each Ber and add them to the pot containing water.
d. Simmer for 4 hours on a low flame.
e. Strain the liquid before drinking.
3. Ber Seed Powder
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Ber seed powder.
b. Add it to 1 glass of lukewarm milk.
c. Mix well before drinking.
a. Take 4-5 Ber fruits.
b. Eat them preferably in the breakfast.
2. Ber Tea
a. Take 2 cups of water in a large pot.
b. Add a small piece of cinnamon and crushed ginger.
c. Make a deep cut into each Ber and add them to the pot containing water.
d. Simmer for 4 hours on a low flame.
e. Strain the liquid before drinking.
3. Ber Seed Powder
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Ber seed powder.
b. Add it to 1 glass of lukewarm milk.
c. Mix well before drinking.
Benefits of Ber
FAQs about Ber benefits
1. Piles
Ber fruit powder is very useful for reducing burning sensation and swelling of pile mass. This is because of its Sita (cold) nature. A decoction of Ber powder, when used for sitz bath (warm water bath covering the hips to relieve pain), can give relief from pain associated with piles.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Ber fruit powder or as per your requirement.
b. Boil it in 2-4 cups of water till the volume reduces to half.
c. Filter and mix it with 2-5 liters of water in a small tub.
d. Take Sitz bath for at least 15-20 minutes.
e. Repeat daily to control burning and swelling of piles.
2. Wound healing
Ripe Ber helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Ber fruit with coconut oil helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation due to its Ropan (healing) and Pitta balancing properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½ - 1 cup of Ber fruit.
b. Remove the seed and mash well.
c. Mix with coconut oil and make a paste.
d. Apply it on the affected area.
e. Leave it for sometime to dry and wash with plain water.
f. Repeat for quick wound healing.
3. Hair loss
Ber powder or its leaves helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Ber acts on hair fall by balancing Vata. It also promotes new hair growth and removes excessive dryness. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Ber fruit or leaves powder.
b. Mix with Coconut oil and make a paste.
Apply it on the scalp and hair completely.
Leave it for at least 1-2 hours.
Wash it with plain water to manage hair problems.
Anti-wrinkle
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Ber helps in controlling wrinkles and increases moisture content in the skin because of its Snigdha (oily) nature.
Take ½-1 cup of Ber fruit.
Remove the seed and mashed well.
Mix with coconut oil and make a paste.
Apply on the affected area once or twice a day to control wrinkles.
Ber fruit powder is very useful for reducing burning sensation and swelling of pile mass. This is because of its Sita (cold) nature. A decoction of Ber powder, when used for sitz bath (warm water bath covering the hips to relieve pain), can give relief from pain associated with piles.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Ber fruit powder or as per your requirement.
b. Boil it in 2-4 cups of water till the volume reduces to half.
c. Filter and mix it with 2-5 liters of water in a small tub.
d. Take Sitz bath for at least 15-20 minutes.
e. Repeat daily to control burning and swelling of piles.
2. Wound healing
Ripe Ber helps in quick healing of wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin. A paste of Ber fruit with coconut oil helps in quick healing and reduces inflammation due to its Ropan (healing) and Pitta balancing properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½ - 1 cup of Ber fruit.
b. Remove the seed and mash well.
c. Mix with coconut oil and make a paste.
d. Apply it on the affected area.
e. Leave it for sometime to dry and wash with plain water.
f. Repeat for quick wound healing.
3. Hair loss
Ber powder or its leaves helps to control hair fall and promote hair growth when applied on the scalp. This is because hair fall is mainly due to an aggravated Vata dosha in the body. Ber acts on hair fall by balancing Vata. It also promotes new hair growth and removes excessive dryness. This is due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropan (healing) properties.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2-1 teaspoon of Ber fruit or leaves powder.
b. Mix with Coconut oil and make a paste.
Apply it on the scalp and hair completely.
Leave it for at least 1-2 hours.
Wash it with plain water to manage hair problems.
Anti-wrinkle
Wrinkles are due to aging, dry skin and lack of moisture. According to Ayurveda, it is due to an aggravated Vata. Ber helps in controlling wrinkles and increases moisture content in the skin because of its Snigdha (oily) nature.
Take ½-1 cup of Ber fruit.
Remove the seed and mashed well.
Mix with coconut oil and make a paste.
Apply on the affected area once or twice a day to control wrinkles.
Recommended Dosage of Ber
- Ber Powder - ½ -1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Ber
1. Ber fruit face mask
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Ber fruit powder.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply evenly on the face.
d. Wait for atleast 4-5 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy to cleanse your skin effectively.
a. Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Ber fruit powder.
b. Add honey to it.
c. Apply evenly on the face.
d. Wait for atleast 4-5 minutes.
e. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
f. Use this remedy to cleanse your skin effectively.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Enough scientific evidence is not available to support the use of Ber during pregnancy.
Modern Science View
Yes, Ber might help you sleep better (manage insomnia) as it contains certain constituents (spinosin and swertish) that have sedative properties. It helps to calm the brain and induce sleep thereby managing insomnia[5][7].
Ayurvedic View
Sleep generally gets disturbed due to an imbalance of Vata dosha. Ber might help to improve your sleeping disorder due to its Vata balancing property. This helps relax the nerves in the brain and promotes a healthy sleep.
Modern Science View
Ber might help in weight loss as it is rich in fiber. It helps to increase the faecal mass and aids in easy passage of stools. It also increases fat removal through stools thereby reducing triglyceride levels in the body. Ber improves the metabolism of the body thereby managing weight[8][9].
Ayurvedic View
Weight gain is a condition that generally occurs due to weak or poor digestion which results in the formation and accumulation of excessive fat and Ama (toxins remain in the body due to incomplete digestion). Ber helps to manage weight due to its Deepan (appetizer), Ushna (hot) and Saarak (laxative) properties. It helps to digest food properly and helps to remove the excessive fat or Ama out of the body.
Tips:
1. Take 2 cups of water in a large pot.
2. Add a small piece of cinnamon and crushed ginger to it.
3. Make a deep cut into 2-3 Ber fruits and add them into the pot of water.
4. Let it simmer for 4 hours on a low flame.
5. Strain the liquid before drinking.
Tips:
1. Take 2 cups of water in a large pot.
2. Add a small piece of cinnamon and crushed ginger to it.
3. Make a deep cut into 2-3 Ber fruits and add them into the pot of water.
4. Let it simmer for 4 hours on a low flame.
5. Strain the liquid before drinking.
Modern Science View
Yes, Ber might help in strengthening the immune system as it contains certain constituents that help boost immunity due to its immunomodulatory property. It also prevents cell damage caused due to free radicals in the body due to its antioxidant property which further strengthens the immune system[10][11].
Ayurvedic View
Immunity might get disturbed due to poor digestion where a person faces nutrient deficiency in the body. Ber might help maintain good immunity due to its Deepan (appetizer), Ushna (hot) and Saarak (laxative) properties. Improved digestion helps prevent any nutrient deficiency in the body and eventually improves internal health and immunity.
Modern Science View
Yes, Ber might help in keeping bones and teeth healthy as it contains a high amount of calcium which provides strength to bones as well as teeth[12].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Ber might help you in keeping your bones and teeth healthy due to its Balya (strength provider) property. This helps make the skeletal system strong by keeping your bones healthy.
Modern Science View
Yes, Ber fruit is good for diabetes. This is due to its blood sugar lowering effect. Ber also reduces the risk of diabetic complications due to its antioxidant property[4].
Modern Science View
There are certain constituents that are responsible for the activity of the leaves. The leaves have antipyretic (fever-reducing) property. The leaves are also useful for weight management[2].
Modern Science View
Yes, Ber has a role in wound healing. It promotes wound contraction and closure. It helps in the production of collagen for wound repairing. Ber also has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties. It prevents skin infection and promotes the healing process[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Ber might help give you glowing skin as it contains certain constituents that have antioxidant property. These constituents slow down the process of aging by preventing cell damage caused by free radicals. It also contains fatty acids that help in skin lightening and tightening. Ber also has blood purifying and moisturizing properties which help in skin rejuvenation and provide glow to the skin. Research suggests that applying Ber leaf extract topically helps in improving skin texture[5][6].
Ayurvedic View
Ber helps give you glowing skin due to its Snigdha (oily) and Ropana (healing) properties. It prevents the early signs of skin aging such as wrinkles and also helps in healing wounds, which helps retain the natural glow of the skin.
Tips :
-Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Ber fruit powder.
-Add honey to it and mix to form a paste.
-Apply the paste evenly on the face.
-Wait for at least 4-5 minutes.
-Wash thoroughly with tap water.
-Use this remedy to cleanse your skin effectively.
Tips :
-Take ½ -1 teaspoon of Ber fruit powder.
-Add honey to it and mix to form a paste.
-Apply the paste evenly on the face.
-Wait for at least 4-5 minutes.
-Wash thoroughly with tap water.
-Use this remedy to cleanse your skin effectively.
References
- Balkrishnan A.Badara.Ayurved Jadi Buti Rehsya. Danik Bhaskar.2017.
- Mahajan RT,Chopda MZ.Phyto-Pharmacology of Ziziphus jujuba Mill-A plant review.PhcogRev. 2009;3:320-329.
- Palejkar CJ, Palejkar JH, Patel AJ, et al.A PLANT REVIEW ON ZIZIPHUS MAURITIANA.IJUPLS.2012;2(2):202-211.
- Sharma GN, Gaur A.ZIZIPHUS MAURITIANA LAM-AN OVERVIEW.Indo American Journal of Pharmaceutical Research.2013.3(6):4560-4566.
- Palejkar CJ, Palejkar JH, Patel AJ, et al. A Plant Review on Ziziphus Mauritiana.IJUPLS.2012;2(2):202-211.
- Akhtar N, Ijaz S, Khan HM, et al..A.Ziziphus mauritiana leaf extract emulsion for skin rejuvenation.Tropical Journal of Pharmaceutical Research.2016; 15 (5): 929-936.
- Chen J, Liu X, Li Z, Qi A, Yao P, Zhou Z, Dong TTX, Tsim KWK. A Review of Dietary Ziziphus jujuba Fruit (Jujube): Developing Health Food Supplements for Brain Protection. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017.
- Ganachari MS, Shiv Kumar, Alagawadi KR. Anti-obese activity of Ziziphus jujube Lam leaves extract in dietary obese rats. J Natural Remedies 2007, 7(1):102-108.
- Deshpande M, Shengule S, Apte K. et al. Anti-obesity activity of Ziziphus mauritiana: A potent pancreatic lipase inhibitor. Asian Journal of Pharmaceutical and Clinical Research.2013;6:168-173.
- Afzal S, Batool M, Ch BA, et al. Immunomodulatory, Cytotoxicity, and Antioxidant Activities of Roots of Ziziphus mauritiana. Pharmacogn Mag. 2017 Jul;13( 2):262-265.
- Chen J, Liu X, Li Z, et al. A Review of Dietary Ziziphus jujuba Fruit (Jujube): Developing Health Food Supplements for Brain Protection. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2017.
- Mohammed H, Garba AA,Hamza MF. Evaluating the Medicinal and Nutritional Benefits of Nigerian Edible Fruits of Ziziphus jujube and Ziziphus spina-christi Plants.Northwest University Science.2015.
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.