Peepal (Ficus Religiosa) Benefits for Skin and Health

The peepal tree, also known as the sacred fig or Ficus religiosa, is a familiar plant in India. It is very important to us because it has many religious purposes; apart from that, it is also known for its air purification and various medicinal benefits. Various parts of the peepal tree contain medicinal benefits, including the root bark, stem bark, roots, leaves, and fruits, which are used to resolve various health issues such as high blood sugar, constipation, and asthma.

Peepal benefits also extend to treating skin problems. Their anti-inflammatory properties make them potent medicines for wound healing. Are you excited to know more about the peepal benefits? Then, this article will explain the benefits of peepal trees in detail.

What is Peepal Tree

Peepal tree also called the Bodhi tree is native to the Indian subcontinent and Indo-China. It is believed that this is the sacred tree under which Buddha got enlightenment. It is known by various other names in India. It is called Aswaththa in Kannada, Aryal in Malayalam and Ravi in Telugu. Arasu or Ashvatham is the Tamil name of Peepal.

What Are the Peepal Benefits for Health?

Peepal benefits include numerous health advantages. Here are some significant health benefits of peepal trees. The bark of peepal trees, known for its astringent qualities, helps alleviate diarrhea by contracting mucosal cells and tissues. Additionally, the dried bark powder is used to manage respiratory issues because of its anti-allergic effects. Pills made from powdered peepal leaves are used as a remedy for constipation due to their laxative properties.

Remedy for Diarrhea

Peepal benefits include being an effective remedy for managing diarrhea (or atisar in Ayurvedic terms). Diarrhea can be caused by many factors, including improper diet, contaminated water, toxins, mental stress, and Agnimandya (weak digestive fire or acids), which leads to an increase in Vata. Increase, resulting in loose, watery stools (loose motion). Using peepal bark powder helps reduce water content loss from the body and resolves consistency issues.

Prevents Menorrhagia

Menorrhagia, or heavy menstrual bleeding, is caused by an increased amount of Pitta dosha. Peepal benefits in managing this condition by balancing Pitta and controlling excessive bleeding due to the Sita (cooling) and Kashaya (astringent) properties of peepal.

Solution for Constipation

Peepal is used for constipation. Constipation can be caused by various factors, including an imbalance in doshas (Vata and Pitta doshas) and due to other factors like frequent junk food consumption, excessive coffee or tea intake, late-night sleeping, stress, and depression. These factors lead to imbalances in Vata and Pitta, which leads to constipation. Usually, peepal leaves are consumed in the form of juice, powder, or pills made from peepal leaves. Peepal is considered a potent remedy for constipation due to its rechana (laxative) properties.

Oral Health

Peepal benefits oral health as peepal twigs have been traditionally used as natural toothbrushes for years.. Peepal twigs have been traditionally used as natural toothbrushes for years. Peepal twigs help to maintain oral hygiene by cleaning the teeth and gums properly. It also prevents dental problems such as gingivitis and bad breath.

Anti-inflammatory Benefits

Peepal possesses anti-inflammatory properties. It can be used against diseases like arthritis and other inflammatory disorders. Usually, the extracts of the bark and leaves are used for this. It is highly beneficial to reduce inflammation and associated pain.

Stress Relief

The peepal tree is helpful for stress relief, not because of its medicinal properties. But in a different way, doing mediation or sitting under the peepal tree for a few minutes may help you for stress relief. The fresh air under the tree eliminates toxins from your respiratory system and improves oxygen levels in the bloodstream. These things will help you to overcome strain and stress caused by different factors.

Treating Asthma

The bark, as well as the ripe fruits of the Peepal tree, can be used to cure Asthma. There are two ways we can Peepal for treating Asthma:

Make the powder form of the bark and the fruits separately and combine them in equal quantities. Consider consuming this mixture three times a day. Add peepal fruit powder to the water and consume it twice daily continuously for 14 days for the best results.

Remedy Poor Appetite

Consuming ripe peepal tree fruits can be used as a remedy for poor appetite.

Relieves Ear Pain

Sometimes, ear pain is intense, and we rush to buy ear drops or other painkillers. Well, the leaves of the Peepal tree can help relieve ear pain. For that, take peepal leaves and wash them before using. After pat drying, heat a pan just to make the leaves hot, and be careful not to burn them. When the leaves become warm, they secrete some juice, and around 2-3 drops of this juice can be applied to the ears for pain relief.

Blood Purification

The impurities present in the blood are the primary cause of many health problems. So, it is highly important to get rid of the unwanted toxins from the blood for overall well-being. Consuming peepal tree seeds with honey is a natural remedy to purify blood.

Effective for Snake Bites

Owing to the blood-purifying properties of peepal, the extract of peepal tree leaves can be used to flush out the poison caused by a snake bite. Consider consuming peepal tree leaf juice four times to minimise the poison intensity.

Beneficial for Heart Health

Peepal leaves are an excellent way to boost heart health and cure heart diseases like palpitations. Boil peepal leaves in water overnight. The strained decoction can be consumed in the morning. Always consult with your doctor to ensure this remedy is safe for you.

Skin Benefits of Peepal

Peepal benefits the skin as its leaves are effective in treating various skin conditions because of their anti-inflammatory properties.

When applied topically, peepal leaves help accelerate wound healing and reduce inflammation associated with conditions like eczema. This makes them a valuable and unavoidable ingredient in natural skincare.

1. Helps to Heal Wounds: Peepal is a commonly used wound healing remedy. Peepal bark and leaves can be used for wound healing because of their antiseptic and healing properties. A topical application of paste made from the leaves is used to heal the wounds or cuts. Because it promotes faster healing and reduces the risk of infection.
2. Soothe Cracked Heels: We always try to avoid the pain and embarrassment caused by cracked heels. The extracted juice of the peepal leaf can be applied over the affected area to soften the cracked heels.
3. Helpful for Eczema and Itching: The bark of the Peepal tree is highly effective for treating eczema and itching which can be used by Boil the peepal tree bark in water and consume it when the solution cools down. The ash obtained by burning the peepal tree bark can be applied to the affected area. For relief, apply a paste of peepal tree ash, lemon juice, and ghee.
4. For Brightening Complexion: The bark of the peepal tree can help improve the complexion due to its skin-brightening properties. The bark powder can be mixed with gram flour and water to make a face pack. Apply this skin brightening face pack twice a week for desired results.

How to Use Peepal for Better Health

Peepal benefits can be utilized in various forms:

• Powdered dried leaves (are readily available in the market; you can buy them or make it by grinding dried peepal leaves).

• Powdered dried bark (these are common in the market now, or you can make it)

• Raw leaf juice (you can make this by grinding fresh peepal leaves).

• Decoction of bark (available in Ayurvedic pharmacies)

• Haircare and skincare products with Peepal(You can search for products that have Peepal as their main ingredient and use them to experience its potential benefits for skin and hair)

Methods of using peepal for its health benefits vary according to which part of the tree is being used and for which disease it is being used. It is better to use these remedies under the supervision of a qualified Ayurvedic physician. Otherwise, it may have had a negative effect.

These are the benefits and uses of peepal. You can start using Peepal after consulting a certified Ayurvedic doctor. Peepal is generally safe to use, but in rare cases, peepal might trigger allergies in sensitive individuals. Also, latex found in peepal fruit may cause allergic reactions.

So, it is recommended that peepal-based products only be used under medical guidance. And small children and pregnant women are prohibited from using this. Add peepal-based products to your life and grab their health benefits without side effects.

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