Bael
Bael
Bael or “Shivaduma” also known as the tree of Lord Shiva has gained a sacred value in India. It is also an important medicinal plant with several uses in traditional medicines. All parts of Bael (root, leaf, trunk, fruit and seeds) are useful in treatment of various diseases. Bael has antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiabetic and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps manage stomach ache, diarrhea, constipation, jaundice, fever, asthma and protects the liver. Bael also has some other uses such as it improves fertility[2-4].
What are the synonyms of Bael?
Aegle marmelos, Sriphala, Vael, Bela, Bilva, Bael Root, Bengal Quince, Bilivaphal, Bill, Bilum, Koovalam, Baela, Bel, Bil, Vilvam, Maredu, Wood Apple[1]
What is the source of Bael?
Plant Based
Benefits of Bael
Modern Science View
Bael might be beneficial in managing diarrhea. Bael has anti-diarrheal and antimicrobial activity.
Bael reduces the growth and inhibits the release of toxins by harmful micro-organisms. Thus, Bael controls the infection and reduces the frequency of stools in case of diarrhea[5][6][10].
Bael reduces the growth and inhibits the release of toxins by harmful micro-organisms. Thus, Bael controls the infection and reduces the frequency of stools in case of diarrhea[5][6][10].
Modern Science View
Bael might be beneficial in managing constipation. Bael fruit has laxative properties. Ripe fruit of Bael is rich in fibre that helps to cleanse the intestine[5][10][11].
How effective is Bael?
Insufficient evidence
Constipation, Diarrhoea
Precautions when using Bael
Patients with diabetes
Modern Science View
Bael may lower the blood sugar level. So, it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while taking Bael with other anti diabetic drugs[5].
FAQs about Bael precautions
Recommended Dosage of Bael
- Bael Juice - ½-1 cup twice a day or as per your taste.
- Bael Churna - ¼-½ teaspoon twice a day.
- Bael Capsule - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Bael Tablet - 1-2 capsules twice a day.
- Bael Candy - 4-5 candies or as per your requirement.
How to use Bael
1. Bael Juice (Sharbat)
a. Take ½- 1 cup of Bael Sharbat.
b. Mix with water and drink it after taking light food once or twice a day.
c. Drink this to get rid of diarrhea or dysentery.
2. Bael Churna
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Bael churna.
b. Mix with water and take after lunch and dinner.
3. Bael Tea
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of roasted Bael pulp.
b. Add hot water to it.
c. Stir for 1-2 minutes.
3. Bael Squash
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Bael pulp in a glass.
b. Pour some cold water to it.
c. Stir for 2-3 minutes.
d. Strain and add water.
e. Drink this for cooling effects on the stomach.
4. Bael Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Bael capsules.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
5. Bael Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Bael.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
6. Bael Murabba
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Bael murabba.
b. Have it preferably in the breakfast for better digestion.
7. Bael Candies
You can take Bael candies as per your liking and requirement.
a. Take ½- 1 cup of Bael Sharbat.
b. Mix with water and drink it after taking light food once or twice a day.
c. Drink this to get rid of diarrhea or dysentery.
2. Bael Churna
a. Take ¼-½ teaspoon Bael churna.
b. Mix with water and take after lunch and dinner.
3. Bael Tea
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of roasted Bael pulp.
b. Add hot water to it.
c. Stir for 1-2 minutes.
3. Bael Squash
a. Take 3-4 teaspoons of Bael pulp in a glass.
b. Pour some cold water to it.
c. Stir for 2-3 minutes.
d. Strain and add water.
e. Drink this for cooling effects on the stomach.
4. Bael Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Bael capsules.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
5. Bael Tablets
a. Take 1-2 tablets of Bael.
b. Swallow it with water preferably after meals.
6. Bael Murabba
a. Take 2-3 teaspoons of Bael murabba.
b. Have it preferably in the breakfast for better digestion.
7. Bael Candies
You can take Bael candies as per your liking and requirement.
Benefits of Bael
1. Urticaria
Urticaria is a type of allergic reaction which is also known as Sheetpitta in Ayurveda. This is due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha as well as when Pitta gets impaired. Bael gives relief in case of Urticaria due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Bael juice or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with coconut oil or rose water and apply on the affected area.
c. Leave it for 4-5 hours to get rid of urticaria.
2. Dandruff
According to Ayurveda, dandruff is a condition marked by flakes of dry skin on the scalp. This is due to an aggravated Vata. Bael has properties of balancing Vata dosha and helps to control dandruff.
Tips:
a. Take Bael peel powder.
b. Mix with coconut oil and massage regularly.
c. Continue this for at least 1-2 months for better results.
Urticaria is a type of allergic reaction which is also known as Sheetpitta in Ayurveda. This is due to an imbalance of Vata and Kapha as well as when Pitta gets impaired. Bael gives relief in case of Urticaria due to its Vata and Kapha balancing properties
Tips:
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Bael juice or as per your requirement.
b. Mix with coconut oil or rose water and apply on the affected area.
c. Leave it for 4-5 hours to get rid of urticaria.
2. Dandruff
According to Ayurveda, dandruff is a condition marked by flakes of dry skin on the scalp. This is due to an aggravated Vata. Bael has properties of balancing Vata dosha and helps to control dandruff.
Tips:
a. Take Bael peel powder.
b. Mix with coconut oil and massage regularly.
c. Continue this for at least 1-2 months for better results.
Recommended Dosage of Bael
- Bael Powder - ½ - 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement.
How to use Bael
1. Bael Juice
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Bael juice.
b. Mix with coconut oil or rose water.
c. Apply on the affected area and leave it for 4-5 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
2. Bael Pulp Scrub
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Bael pulp.
b. Gently massage on your face and neck for 4-5 minutes.
c. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
3. Bael Powder with Hair Pack
i. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Bael powder.
ii. Add coconut oil to it and stir.
iii. Massage on the hair and let it sit for 4-5 hours.
iv. Rinse with shampoo and water.
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon Bael juice.
b. Mix with coconut oil or rose water.
c. Apply on the affected area and leave it for 4-5 hours.
d. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
2. Bael Pulp Scrub
a. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Bael pulp.
b. Gently massage on your face and neck for 4-5 minutes.
c. Wash thoroughly with tap water.
3. Bael Powder with Hair Pack
i. Take 1-2 teaspoon of Bael powder.
ii. Add coconut oil to it and stir.
iii. Massage on the hair and let it sit for 4-5 hours.
iv. Rinse with shampoo and water.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
1. Ways to eat ripe Bael fruit:
a. Peel of the skin of Bael.
b. Mash it well and soak the pulp for 2-3 hours before consuming it.
2. Ways to make Bael juice:
a. Cut the Bael fruit and scoop the pulp with a spoon.
b. Mash it well and add milk for flavor.
c. Strain and drink the juice.
a. Peel of the skin of Bael.
b. Mash it well and soak the pulp for 2-3 hours before consuming it.
2. Ways to make Bael juice:
a. Cut the Bael fruit and scoop the pulp with a spoon.
b. Mash it well and add milk for flavor.
c. Strain and drink the juice.
Modern Science View
Bael has a characteristic taste of its own. At first it tastes like a mixture of mango and banana. After few seconds the taste changes to slightly astringent and refreshing.
Modern Science View
Bael wood is not edible and do not contain any specific medicinal value.
Ayurvedic View
Unripe Bael fruit is very effective in treating dysentery, diarrhea, and other gastrointestinal disorders. But if it is taken in large amount it can cause constipation. This is due to its Grahi (absorbent) property.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon of unripe Bael pulp.
2. Dry roast and add sugar and honey.
3. Have it once or twice a day to get relief in dysentery, diarrhea.
Tips:
1. Take 1-2 teaspoon of unripe Bael pulp.
2. Dry roast and add sugar and honey.
3. Have it once or twice a day to get relief in dysentery, diarrhea.
Ayurvedic View
No, Bael fruit or its juice is good for several respiratory problems like cold, asthma and bronchitis. This is because of its Kapha balancing property.
Modern Science View
Yes, Bael is beneficial in managing diabetes due to its anti-diabetic property. Bael helps in reducing the blood glucose level. Bael also increases the secretion of insulin. Due to its antioxidant property, Bael also reduces the risk of diabetes related complications[7][8][10].
Modern Science View
Yes, Bael is good for liver. It has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective properties. Bael leaves protect the liver against the damage caused by alcohol consumption[7][10].
Modern Science View
Yes, Bael has anti-ulcer activity. Oxidative stress is one of the main causes of gastric ulcers. Luvangetin, a chemical present in Bael has strong antioxidant property and prevents ulcer formation[8].
Modern Science View
Yes, Bael can be used as a good male contraceptive. Animal studies state that Bael bark reduces the testosterone level. It inhibits sperm formation thus, reduces the sperm count and movement. Thus, Bael inhibits pregnancy. But, the fertility can be restored once the treatment is withdrawn[6][10].
Modern Science View
Yes, Bael has anti-asthmatic and antihistaminic property. Allergy causing substances cause contractions in trachea. Bael is known to reduce these contractions. Bael also reduces phlegm formation and reduces the severity of asthma[10].
Ayurvedic View
No, Bael does not cause rashes because of its Ropan (healing) properties. But it is advisable to consult a doctor before applying Bael if you have a hypersensitive skin.
Modern Science View
Yes, Bael helps to promote wound healing. Bael when applied, helps in the formation of new skin cells and promotes wound closure[7].
Ayurvedic View
Yes, Bael helps to promote wound healing because it has Ropan (healing) property. It promotes quick healing when applied on the affected area.
Modern Science View
Yes, Bael leaves are effective in managing eye infections like conjunctivitis. Decoction prepared from Bael flowers can also be used as an eye lotion in eye infections[10].
Modern Science View
Yes, Bael fruit powder can be applied externally for the treatment of burns.
Tip:
1. Mix Bael fruit powder with mustard oil.
2. Apply on the burn.
Tip:
1. Mix Bael fruit powder with mustard oil.
2. Apply on the burn.
Modern Science View
Yes, Bael is used in managing ear infections. Bael has astringent and anti-inflammatory properties. Bael reduces ear inflammation and pus discharge[10].
Modern Science View
Although not enough evidence is available, Bael can be used in case of leprosy[10].
Ayurvedic View
Bael helps to promote quick healing when applied on the affected area. This is due to its Ropan (healing) property.
Tips:
1. Take a few Bael leaves.
2. Sundry and powder the leaves.
3. Sprinkle on the wound after taking bath.
Tips:
1. Take a few Bael leaves.
2. Sundry and powder the leaves.
3. Sprinkle on the wound after taking bath.
Modern Science View
Yes, Bael is used in managing leucoderma. Psoralen in Bael increases the tolerance of skin against sunlight and helps to maintain the normal color of the skin[10].
Ayurvedic View
Bael helps to promote healing when applied on the affected area. This is because of its Ropan (healing) property.
References
- The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia Of India.Part 1 Volume 1.
- Shahedur R, Rashida P.Therapeutic potential of Aegle marmelos (L.)-An overview.Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2014; 4(1): 71–77.
- Gupta D, John PP, Kumar P, et al.PHARMACOLOGICAL REVIEW OF AEGLE MARMELOS CORR. FRUITS.JPSR.2011;2(8):2031-2036.
- Sekar DK, Kumar G, Karthik L, et al.A review on pharmacological and phytochemical properties of Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Serr. (Rutaceae).Asian Journal of Plant Science and Research.2011;1 (2):8-17.",https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-164/Bael,"Rahman S, Parvin R.Therapeutic potential of Aegle marmelos (L.)-An overview.Asian Pac J Trop Dis. 2014 Feb; 4(1): 71–77.
- Sanghi SB, Mushtaq S. Aegle marmelos a potential medicinal tree: An overview. International Journal of Research - GRANTHAALAYAH.2017;5(8):63-66.
- Dutta A, Lal N, Naaz M, et al. Ethnological and ethno-medicinal importance of Aegle marmelos (L.) corr (Bael) among indigenous people of india. American Journal of Ethnomedicine.2014;1(5):290-312.
- Rishabha M, Ajay K, Anupama S, et al. Pharmacological screening, ayurvedic values and commercial utility of Aegle marmelos. IJDDR.2012;4(1):28-37.
- Patel PK, Sahu J, Sahu L, et al. Aegle marmelos:A review on its medicinal properties. International Journal of Pharmaceutical and Phytopharmacological Research.2012;1(5):332-341.
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.