BABOOL

Description

Acacia nilotica or Vachellianilotica is a tree 5–20 m high with a dense spheric crown, stems and branches usually dark to black coloured, fissured bark, grey-pinkish slash, exuding a reddish low quality gum. The tree has thin, straight, light, grey spines in axillary pairs, usually in 3 to 12 pairs, 5 to 7.5 cm (3 in) long in young trees, mature trees commonly without thorns. The leaves are bipinnate, with 3–6 pairs of pinnulae and 10–30 pairs of leaflets each, tomentose, rachis with a gland at the bottom of the last pair of pinnulae. Flowers in globulous heads 1.2–1.5 cm in diameter of a bright golden-yellow color, set up either axillary or whorly on peduncles 2–3 cm long located at the end of the branches. Pods are strongly constricted, hairy, white-grey, thick and softly tomentose. Its seeds number approximately 8000/kg.

Chemical composition :

Acacia is a varied genus including a variety of bioactive components such as alkaloids flavonoids terpenoids phenolic compounds, and tannins , which are accountable for various pharmacological and biological properties such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, antiplatelet, A. nilotica leaf extracts revealed that it contains volatile oil, saponins, hydrolysable tannin, flavonoids, tannins, triterpenoid, phenol, alkaloids which are actual important compounds when regarding the pharmacologically bioactive phytochemicals in the plant.

Properties :
• Rasa- Kashaya
• Virya – Sheeta
• Guna – Guru , Ruksha
• Vipak – Katu
• Karma- Kaphhara

Benefits :

1.For oral health
Babool is considered as one of the best Ayurvedic herbs for maintaining oral health. Regular use of Babool helps to strengthen gums, teeth, and reduces plaque formation and gingival inflammation.

2. For healing wounds.
   The chemical compounds present in leaves and bark of Babool are beneficial for healing wounds. It has the ability to control the bleeding of wounds and infection. Sprinkling Babool powder on wounds and cuts speeds the healing process.
3. For diarrhoea
   The decoction prepared from the leaves of this plant has a cooling effect and balances all the doshas in the body. It can stop and manage all the disturbances in the body. This makes it an effective medicine for the treatment of diarrhoea.
4. For diabetic patients
   Babool has a bitter property that helps in controlling and managing a healthy level of sugar in the body. It is also rich in dietary fiber that plays a huge role in regulating blood sugar. Including Babool in our daily diet regulates the blood sugar level.
5. For sexual wellness
   The fruit pods of Babool have aphrodisiac properties. It is widely used in Ayurveda to increase libido in both men and women. It is also very effective in treating problems like premature ejaculation in men.
   Although Babool is loaded with numerous health benefits, the impressive health benefits of Babool are lesser-known to the people. So, it is time that we celebrate this under-rated Ayurvedic herb and use the benefits of this plant to its full potential for the betterment of our lives.