Ashvattha (Sacred Fig)
Peepal (Sacred Fig)
Ficus religiosa
Sacred fig tree, also called pipal or bodhi: bark and leaf used for skin and breathing.
Peepal tree · Tree · Parts: Bark, Tender leaf, Root bark, Fruit
- Taste (rasa)
- Astringent, sweet, bitter
- Energy (virya)
- Cooling
- Balances
- Pitta, Kapha
What it is used for
Benefits
- Bark decoction traditionally used for skin eruptions and itching
- Leaf and bark used in classical practice for cough and asthma-like breathlessness
- Astringent bark used as a mouth rinse for gum complaints
- Studied for antioxidant and blood-sugar effects in early research
How much
Dosage
Bark decoction (kwatha) 20-40 ml once or twice daily, or 1-3 g of dried bark powder. Use in short courses.
How to take it
Preparation & usage
Bark decoction
Simmer 1 tbsp coarse dried bark in 2 cups water until reduced by half; strain and cool.
Once daily, or as a skin wash and gargle
Tender leaf infusion
Steep 2-3 washed tender leaves in a cup of hot water for 10 minutes.
Morning during damp, congested weather
Read this first
Precautions
- Do not harvest bark from roadside or sprayed trees
- Avoid internal use in pregnancy without supervision
- Latex from cut leaves can irritate sensitive skin
Where this comes from
Sources
Where to buy
Shop this remedy
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