Babool: Astonishing Wellness Benefits Of This Versatile Medicinal Plant
Babool is a highly prized Ayurvedic plant well-known for its indispensable medicinal properties. Acacia arabica or commonly called as Babool, it is found in dry and sandy parts of India. It is majorly used as the datum for cleaning the teeth and regular use of this facilitates in strengthening gums, teeth and reduce plaque and inflammation.
It is also clad by other names such as gum Arabic tree, babul kikar, Egyptian thorn, Sant tree, prickly acacia. The bark, gum, leaves, seeds and pods of babool tree possess potent medicinal properties -antibacterial, antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and hemostatic.
Babool goes by several vernacular names like Barbar, Ajameghya in Sanskrit, Babul, Kikar in Hindi, Baabla in Bengali, Jaali Mara in Kannada, Karuvel in Tamil and Nallatumma in Telugu. Babool is a medium-sized tree growing to a height of 8-10m containing spikes.
The bark of babool is cooling, aphrodisiac and expectorant in nature. The gum of babool is also a potent emollient, expectorant, detoxifier, aphrodisiac and antipyretic in nature. Babool tree is valuable in treating kapha and pitta, the gum pacifies vata, pitta and treats urinary problems such as UTI, pain and bleeding of the uterus.
Nutritional Values of Babool
Babool is a powerhouse of essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. It contains iron, manganese, protein, zinc, and vital amino acids such as valine, histidine, isoleucine, threonine, lysine, and leucine. The bark and pods are rich in tannins and polyphenolic compounds, while the plant’s gum contains plant compounds like galactose, aldobio uronic acid, arabinobioses, as well as calcium and magnesium. The flowers are a good source of flavonoids, including kaempferol 3-glucoside, isoquercetin, and leucocyanidin.
Health Benefits of Babool
1. Heals Wounds Effectively
Babool leaves are highly effective in treating wounds. The anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties of its leaves and bark help control bleeding, prevent infections, and speed up the healing process. Simply sprinkle babool leaf powder on the wound for faster recovery.
2. Promotes Dental Health
Babool is widely used in toothpaste production due to its ability to ensure healthy gums
and teeth. The pods and peel, when burned into ash, can be used to brush teeth and treat toothaches. Tender branches of the tree are also used as natural toothbrushes, strengthening teeth and preventing infections.
3. Controls Hair Fall
Babool leaves help prevent hair fall and promote hair growth. Applying a paste of babool leaves to the scalp for 15–20 minutes before rinsing with warm water can effectively reduce hair loss.
4. Improves Skin Texture
Babool leaves are excellent for managing dry skin issues such as itching and flakiness. Their anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and antifungal properties help treat various skin conditions while maintaining skin radiance and glow.
5. Acts as a Natural Aphrodisiac
The pods of the babool tree have been traditionally used to boost libido and vitality in both men and women. Mixing powdered pods with honey and consuming it twice daily enhances semen quality and addresses sexual problems like premature ejaculation.
Additional Health Benefits
- Cures Diarrhea: A decoction of babool leaves helps manage bacterial and viral stomach infections, making it effective for diarrhea treatment.
- Augments Liver Health: The antioxidant properties of babool minimize oxidative stress and reduce the risk of liver disorders.
- Reduces Cancer Cell Growth: Babool’s antimutagenic and anti-cancer properties combat the growth of cancerous cells, lowering cancer risks.
- Promotes Heart Health: Babool extracts help reduce cholesterol levels and platelet aggregation, protecting the heart from cardiovascular issues and heart attacks.
Ayurvedic Uses of Babool
Commonly known as Kikar in Hindi, babool is a fiber-rich herb with numerous health benefits, such as relieving constipation, supporting heart health, and healing liver issues. Used extensively in Ayurveda, its gum, leaves, and fruits are used for both internal consumption and topical application.
- Effect on Doshas: Babool has an astringent taste (kashaya rasa) and provides a cooling effect (sheeta veerya). It helps balance the kapha dosha and supports tridoshic harmony, boosting metabolism and immunity.
- Dosage:
- Liquid decoction: 50–100 ml per day (divided doses)
- Seed powder: Up to 6 grams daily
- Gum resin: 2–3 grams daily
Side Effects
Babool is generally safe for most people but may cause side effects in pregnant and lactating women. It is also not recommended for individuals with asthma or chronic constipation.
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