Peepal
Peepal
Peepal, a large evergreen tree, is considered to be sacred in India. It not only emits oxygen but also has many important medicinal benefits. Different parts of the Peepal such as root bark, stem bark, roots, leaves, and fruits are used to manage conditions like high blood sugar levels, constipation, and asthma.
Peepal is beneficial for managing skin diseases. The topical application of Peepal leaf extract in the form of ointment helps in wound healing. It helps in reducing the inflammation related to eczema due to its anti-inflammatory property.
Peepal bark helps reduce the symptoms of diarrhea by contracting the mucosal cells or other body tissues due to its astringent property. The dried powder of Peepal bark is used in the management of respiratory problems due to its anti-allergic property. The pills made from powdered Peepal leaves might be used to manage constipation due to its laxative property.
Peepal might cause allergies in some hypersensitive individuals, so it is advisable to use Peepal formulations under medical supervision only[7][6].
Peepal is beneficial for managing skin diseases. The topical application of Peepal leaf extract in the form of ointment helps in wound healing. It helps in reducing the inflammation related to eczema due to its anti-inflammatory property.
Peepal bark helps reduce the symptoms of diarrhea by contracting the mucosal cells or other body tissues due to its astringent property. The dried powder of Peepal bark is used in the management of respiratory problems due to its anti-allergic property. The pills made from powdered Peepal leaves might be used to manage constipation due to its laxative property.
Peepal might cause allergies in some hypersensitive individuals, so it is advisable to use Peepal formulations under medical supervision only[7][6].
What are the synonyms of Peepal?
Ficus religiosa, Pippala, Ahant, Asvattha, Ashud, Ashvattha, Piplo, Jari, Piparo, Pipalo, Pipala, Pipal, Arlo, Ranji, Basri, Ashvatthanara, Ashwatha, Aralimara, Aralegida, Ashvathamara, Basari, Ashvattha, Bad, Arayal, Pimpal, Pippal, Aswatha, Ashwarthan, Arasamaram, Arasan, Arasu, Arara, Ravichettu
What is the source of Peepal?
Plant Based
Benefits of Peepal
1. Diarrhea
Peepal is an effective herb for controlling diarrhea. Diarrhea, known as Atisar in Ayurveda, is caused due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. Aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool which leads to loose, watery motions or Diarrhea. Using Peepal bark powder helps to control the loss of water from the body and makes the stool thicker due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Sangrahi (absorbent) properties.
Tips for using Peepal bark powder.
a. Take 2-4gm of Peepal bark powder.
b. Boil it 1 cup of water for 10 minutes or until the water reduces to ¼ quantity.
c. Stain it and have 15ml-20ml of this twice a day (or as directed by the physician) to get rid of the symptoms of diarrhea.
2. Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. This is due to an aggravated Pitta dosha. Peepal bark balances an aggravated Pitta and controls heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
Tips for using Peepal bark powder.
a. Take 1-1.5gm (or as directed by physician) of Peepal bark powder.
b. Swallow it with water once or twice a day to get rid of the symptoms of menorrhagia.
3. Constipation
Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. This can be due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata and Pitta leading to constipation. Peepal leaves juice or pill helps to manage constipation because of its Rechana (laxative) nature. It helps to expel waste products from the large intestine easily.
Tips for using Peepal juice.
a. Take 5-10ml (or as directed by physician) of Peepal leaves juice.
b. Mix it with mild hot water have it before going to bed to get rid of constipation.
Peepal is an effective herb for controlling diarrhea. Diarrhea, known as Atisar in Ayurveda, is caused due to improper food, impure water, toxins, mental stress and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire). All these factors are responsible for aggravating Vata. Aggravated Vata brings fluid in the intestine from various tissues from the body and mixes with the stool which leads to loose, watery motions or Diarrhea. Using Peepal bark powder helps to control the loss of water from the body and makes the stool thicker due to its Kashaya (astringent) and Sangrahi (absorbent) properties.
Tips for using Peepal bark powder.
a. Take 2-4gm of Peepal bark powder.
b. Boil it 1 cup of water for 10 minutes or until the water reduces to ¼ quantity.
c. Stain it and have 15ml-20ml of this twice a day (or as directed by the physician) to get rid of the symptoms of diarrhea.
2. Menorrhagia
Menorrhagia or heavy menstrual bleeding is known as Raktapradar or excessive secretion of menstrual blood. This is due to an aggravated Pitta dosha. Peepal bark balances an aggravated Pitta and controls heavy menstrual bleeding or menorrhagia. This is due to its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) properties.
Tips for using Peepal bark powder.
a. Take 1-1.5gm (or as directed by physician) of Peepal bark powder.
b. Swallow it with water once or twice a day to get rid of the symptoms of menorrhagia.
3. Constipation
Constipation is caused due to an aggravated Vata and Pitta dosha. This can be due to the frequent consumption of junk food, excess intake of coffee or tea, sleeping late at night, stress and depression. All these factors aggravate Vata and Pitta leading to constipation. Peepal leaves juice or pill helps to manage constipation because of its Rechana (laxative) nature. It helps to expel waste products from the large intestine easily.
Tips for using Peepal juice.
a. Take 5-10ml (or as directed by physician) of Peepal leaves juice.
b. Mix it with mild hot water have it before going to bed to get rid of constipation.
Precautions when using Peepal
Pregnancy
Modern Science View
Peepal bark powder can be taken by pregnant ladies in recommended doses. However, it is advisable to consult your physician before taking Peepal during Pregnancy[2].
How to use Peepal
1. Peepal Bark Powder
a. Take 1-1.5gm Peepal bark powder or as directed by the physician.
b. Swallow it with water once or twice a day.
c. To get rid of the symptoms of menorrhagia.
2. Peepal Leaves Juice
a. Take 5-10ml Peepal leaves juice or as directed by the physician.
b. Mix with mild hot water have it before going to bed.
c. To get rid of the constipation.
3. Peepal Bark Decoction
a. Take 2-4gm of Peepal bark powder.
b. Boil it 1 cup of water 10 minutes or water remain ¼ in quantity.
c. Stain it and have it 15ml -20ml twice a day or as directed by the physician.
d. To get rid of the symptoms of diarrhea.
a. Take 1-1.5gm Peepal bark powder or as directed by the physician.
b. Swallow it with water once or twice a day.
c. To get rid of the symptoms of menorrhagia.
2. Peepal Leaves Juice
a. Take 5-10ml Peepal leaves juice or as directed by the physician.
b. Mix with mild hot water have it before going to bed.
c. To get rid of the constipation.
3. Peepal Bark Decoction
a. Take 2-4gm of Peepal bark powder.
b. Boil it 1 cup of water 10 minutes or water remain ¼ in quantity.
c. Stain it and have it 15ml -20ml twice a day or as directed by the physician.
d. To get rid of the symptoms of diarrhea.
FAQs about Peepal how to take
Benefits of Peepal
1. Epistaxis
Hemorrhage or bleeding from the nose is called epistaxis. According to Ayurveda, nasal bleeding indicates an aggravation of Pitta dosha. Peepal is a useful herb that helps to control epistaxis. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) property that helps in thickening of blood to stop hemorrhage (bleeding). It also helps reduce inflammation due to its Sita (cold) property.
Tips for using Peepal leaves juice.
a. Put 1-2 drops (or as directed by the physician) of Peepal leaves juice in each nostril to control nasal bleeding.
2.Wound healing
Peepal helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin due to its Ropan (healing) property. Peepal also works on the wound by controlling bleeding because of its Sita (Cold) and Kashaya (astringent) nature.
Tips for using Peepal bark powder.
a. Take 2-3gm (or as per your requirement) of Peepal bark powder.
b. Mix it with honey to make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area and leave it for 15-20 minutes for quick healing of wounds.
Hemorrhage or bleeding from the nose is called epistaxis. According to Ayurveda, nasal bleeding indicates an aggravation of Pitta dosha. Peepal is a useful herb that helps to control epistaxis. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) property that helps in thickening of blood to stop hemorrhage (bleeding). It also helps reduce inflammation due to its Sita (cold) property.
Tips for using Peepal leaves juice.
a. Put 1-2 drops (or as directed by the physician) of Peepal leaves juice in each nostril to control nasal bleeding.
2.Wound healing
Peepal helps in quick healing of the wound, decreases swelling and brings back the normal texture of the skin due to its Ropan (healing) property. Peepal also works on the wound by controlling bleeding because of its Sita (Cold) and Kashaya (astringent) nature.
Tips for using Peepal bark powder.
a. Take 2-3gm (or as per your requirement) of Peepal bark powder.
b. Mix it with honey to make a paste.
c. Apply it on the affected area and leave it for 15-20 minutes for quick healing of wounds.
Precautions when using Peepal
Allergy
Important
Modern Science View
Peepal fruit contains latex that might cause allergies or skin rashes in some individuals. So it is advisable to consult a physician before using Peepal on the skin[9].
How to use Peepal
1. Peepal Leaves Juice
a. Put 1-2 drops of Peepal leaves juice or as directed by the physician in each nostril.
b. To get quick control of nasal bleeding.
2. Peepal Bark Powder
a. Take 2-3gm of Peepal bark powder or as per your requirement.
b. Make a paste of bark powder mixed with honey.
c. Apply it on the affected area and leave it 15-20minutes.
d. To get quick healing of wounds.
a. Put 1-2 drops of Peepal leaves juice or as directed by the physician in each nostril.
b. To get quick control of nasal bleeding.
2. Peepal Bark Powder
a. Take 2-3gm of Peepal bark powder or as per your requirement.
b. Make a paste of bark powder mixed with honey.
c. Apply it on the affected area and leave it 15-20minutes.
d. To get quick healing of wounds.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, we can eat Peepal leaves however it is recommended to wash these leaves properly before eating. A tea made from Peepal leaves is also effective for managing certain skin diseases such as itching.
Modern Science View
The average lifespan of the Peepal tree is approximately 900-1500 years.
Ayurvedic View
You can make Peepal leaf juice by the following method:
1. Take a few fresh leaves of Peepal.
2. Crush or grind them to get extract juice.
3. You can also buy Peepal juice available in the market.
1. Take a few fresh leaves of Peepal.
2. Crush or grind them to get extract juice.
3. You can also buy Peepal juice available in the market.
Modern Science View
The scientific name of the Peepal tree is Ficus religiosa. It is a large perennial tree, found throughout the plains of India. It has got mythological, religious as well as medicinal importance in Indian culture.
Modern Science View
Both Peepal and Indian banyan trees are very similar species, quite much similar in appearance and other features. They have large deep roots, big leaves and both possess medicinal as well as spiritual values in Indian folklore. Even though the roots of peepal trees also grow deep and large and woody in time just like the Banyan tree, they are not aerial. Another noticeable difference which distinguishes these species from each other is the appearance of leaves. The leaves of Peepal tree are medium, leathery, and heart-shaped, while Banyan leaves are large, leathery, glossy, and elliptical.
Modern Science View
Peepal trees generally have a very long lifespan. It may live up to 900 to 1500 years.
Modern Science View
Yes, Peepal fruits might show anti-fertility properties in females due to the presence of certain constituents (such as Terpenoids, glycosides and flavonoids). Studies suggest that these constituents have anti-implantation activity that prevents the attachment of the fertilized egg to the uterine lining[4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Peepal might help manage diabetes due to its anti-diabetic property. Peepal contains certain constituents (β-sitosterol-D-glucoside and phytosterolin) which have antioxidant properties. These constituents prevent the damage of pancreatic cells caused by free radicals and enhance insulin secretion. This helps in lowering the blood sugar levels[5][6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Peepal is good for the heart when used as an ingredient in various food products due to the presence of antioxidants. These antioxidants prevent cardiac cell damage caused by free radicals and manage blockage of arteries. It also helps to lower cholesterol levels and might improve overall heart functions[7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Peepal leaves or fruit powder might help manage asthmatic conditions due to its anti-allergic property. It prevents the narrowing of the airways in the lungs (bronchoconstriction) caused by certain mediators such as histamine and acetylcholine and thus helps ease breathing[7][8].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Peepal leaves or fruit powder (dry) helps to control the symptoms of asthma because it has Kapha balancing property. It helps to expel excessive sputum and gives relief in asthmatic conditions.
Modern Science View
Yes, the leaves of Peepal might help in Parkinson disease due to its anti-Parkinson activity. It improves the motor performance of an individual. It also contains antioxidants which reduce oxidative stress and prevents cell (neurons) damage by fighting against the free radicals[7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Leaf powder of Peepal might help manage constipation due to the presence of certain constituents (such as flavonoids and sterols). These constituents have a laxative property that helps to loosen the stool and promotes bowel movements[7].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Peepal can be used internally to maintain healthy digestion. Peepal bark helps to control the frequency of stool in diarrhea because of its Kashaya (astringent) and Sangrahi (absorbent) properties. On the other hand, Peepal leaves juice helps to correct constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
Modern Science View
Peepal offers various medicinal benefits. It has been used for the treatment of asthma, cough, sexual disorders, diarrhea, ear-ache and toothache, migraine, eye troubles and gastric problems[14]. Its bark is used in traditional medicine for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. Fruits of this plant contain numerous amino acids whereas the fig of this plant has been reported to contain the highest amount of serotonin than other Ficus species[14].
Ayurvedic View
Whole parts of Peepal like root bark, stem bark, roots, leaves and fruits are beneficial in managing conditions like poor digestion, high sugar level and skin problems. Peepal bark helps to control the frequency of diarrhea, whereas Peepal leaves promote quick healing due to their Ropan (healing) nature.
Ayurvedic View
Peepal leaves is a very effective medicine for managing uterus-related problems like Menorrhagia or painful menses in females. Drinking Peepal leaves juice helps to control excessive bleeding and reduce the pain during menses due to its Sita (cold) and Kashaya (astringent) nature.[1]
Ayurvedic View
Peepal bark powder 1 to 1.5gm can be taken with warm water once or twice a day or as directed by the physician.
Modern Science View
Peepal tree leaves have been traditionally used in the treatment of heart ailments, nose bleeding, diabetes, constipation, fever, jaundice, etc. You can take some extract of 2-3 leaves of Peepal tree and mix it with water and little sugar, taking this mix twice a day can help in relieving symptoms of jaundice[7].
Modern Science View
Yes, Peepal might help in wound healing as it contains certain constituents which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies state that applying Peepal leaf extract on wound promotes wound contraction and closure. It increases the synthesis of collagen and the formation of new skin cells. It also reduces the risk of infection in the wound due to its antimicrobial properties[6][13].
Modern Science View
Yes, Peepal might be useful in managing ulcers as it contains certain constituents which have anti-ulcer and gastroprotective properties. It decreases the volume of gastric juice as well as total acidity and increases the gastric pH in the stomach. This protects the gastric cells against acid damage and prevents ulcers[7][10].
Modern Science View
Yes, Peepal might help in managing the symptoms of arthritis due to its antiarthritic property. It contains certain constituents which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These constituents inhibit the activity of inflammatory proteins responsible for pain and inflammation. Thus, reducing the joint pain and swelling associated with arthritis[11].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available for the role of Peepal in eczema. It might help in reducing the pain and inflammation related to eczema due to its anti-inflammatory property[12].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, the paste of Peepal bark powder helps to control the symptoms of eczema-like eruptions when applied on the affected area because of its Ropan(healing) and Kashaya(astringent) properties.
Modern Science View
Leaf juice extract of Peepal has been used for the treatment of ear infection. Cooking the filtrate of crushed or ground Peepal leaves in gingelly (sesame) oil and applying the paste on the diseased part can show positive results in providing relief from ear pain[7].
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India. Part 1 Volume 1.
- Panchawat S. Ficus religiosa Linn. (Peepal): A Phyto-Pharmacological Review. International journal of pharmaceutical and chemical sciences. 2012;1(1):435-446.
- Olaokun OO, McGaw LJ, Eloff JN, et al. Evaluation of the inhibition of carbohydrate hydrolysing enzymes, antioxidant activity and polyphenolic content of extracts of ten African Ficus species (Moraceae) used traditionally to treat diabetes. BMC Complementary Altern Med. 2013;13:94.
- Devi P, Kumar P, Dhamija N, et al. Antifertility activity of medicinal plants on male and female reproduction. IJPSR. 2015;6(3):988-1001.
- Choudhary S, Pathak AK, Khare S, et al. Evaluation of the antidiabetic activity of leaves and fruits of Ficus religiosa Linn. IJPLS.2011;2(12):1325-1327.
- Makhija IK, Sharma IP, Khamar D, et al. Phytochemistry and pharmacological properties of Ficus religiosa: an overview. Annals of biological research.2010;1(4):171-180.
- Sandeep, Kumar A, Dimple, et al. Ficus religiosa: A wholesome medicinal tree. Journal of pharmacognosy and phytochemistry.2018;7(4):32-37.
- Kapoor M, Jasani N, Acharya N, et al. Phytopharmacological evaluation and anti-asthmatic activity of Ficus religiosa leaves. Asian pacific journal of tropical medicine. 2011;4(8):642-644.
- Quattrocchi U. CRC World Dictionary of Medicinal and Poisonous Plants. CRC press. 2016.
- Gregory M, Divya, Mary RA, et al. Anti-ulcer activity of Ficus religiosa leaf extract. Asian pacific journal of tropical biomedicine. 2012; 3(7):554-556.
- Rathod VD, Ware DN, Pillai S, et al. Antiarthritic activity of ethanolic extract of Ficus religiosa leaves in FCA induced arthritis in rats. World Journal of Pharmaceutical research.2018;7(2):778-779.
- Vishwanathan S, Thirugnanasambantham P, Reddy MK, et al. Anti-inflammatory and mast cell protective effect of Ficus religiosa. Ancient science of life. 1990;10(2):122-125.
- Roy K, Shivakumar H, Sarkar S.Wound Healing Potential of Leaf Extracts of Ficus Religiosa on Wistar albino strain rats.International Journal of PharmTech Research.2009;1(3):506-508.
- Gulecha V, Sivakumar T, Upaganlawar A, Mahajan M, and Upasani C. Screening of Ficus religiosa leaves fractions for analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Indian J Pharmacol. 2011 Nov-Dec; 43(6): 662–666.
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.