VIBITIKI (BAHERA)

Description

T.bellirica A large deciduous tree 10-12 m or more high, with straight & tail trunk. Leaves sub opposite, hairy, 6-18 cm long, ovate or oblong ovate, elliptic, clustered at the end of the branch lets, acuminate, lateral nerves prominent. Petiole 1-2.5cm long, usually with glands on the upper side.
Bibhitaki is a large deciduous tree found throughout India reaches height up to 30 meters. Trunk of the tree is straight with brownish grey color. Leaves are long, alternate, oval and are clustered towards the end of branches. These are 7-14cm in breadth and 10-12cm in length.

Chemical constituents:
Ellagitannins such as corilagin, chebulagic acid, galloylpunicalagin, and digalloyl-hexahydroxydiphenoyl-hexoside were found to be the major components in Terminalia bellirica whereas flavonoid glycosides including quercetin rutinoside and quercetin galloyl-glucoside were highly abundant in Terminalia sericea.

Properties:
Rasa: Katu
Guna:Ruksha,Laghu,Tikshna
Virya: Shita
Vipaka: Madhura

Benefits:

1. Ulcer
   Bibhitaki is an amazing fruit that can be effective in treating stomach ulcers. Evidence proves that the antiulcer properties of Bibhitaki fruit derived from rich plant compounds like gallic acid and ellagic acid, aid in digestion and soothe the tummy.
2. Stress
   Depression and anxiety are mood disorders that can hamper your health and Bhibhitaki serves as a wonder fruit in easing stress. Studies have proven that ethanolic extracts present in the fruit have shown significant anti-depressant effect and can lower stress.
3. Metabolic Disorder:
   A metabolic syndrome is a group of a conditions characterized by elevated blood pressure, blood sugar and obesity which can increase the risk of heart disease and diabetes.
4. Liver Health:
   Bhibhitaki fruit is hepatoprotective in nature. According to various studies, the extract has shown positive effects in promoting liver health by lowering lipid peroxidation, liver fibrosis and detoxifies the liver.
   5.Heals Wounds:
   Bibhitaki is well known for its potent wound healing properties. The goodness of ethanol and tannins extract present in the fruit heal external wounds at a faster rate. The antimicrobial properties of the fruit can significantly hinder the growth of harmful microorganisms. The leaf extract of this plant is also known to exhibit antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria.
   6.Enhances Digestion:
   Imbibed with powerful digestive qualities, the dried fruit of Bibhitaki or Baheda, actively facilitates in breaking down of food particles in the stomach and intestine, triggers the secretion of digestive juices and thereby increase the absorption of essential nutrients through the intestines. Not only does it help to eliminate abdominal gas while reducing abdominal distension, bloating and gaseous cramps but also plays a pivotal role in treating a host of gastrointestinal anomalies like constipation,indigestion, gastritis, stomach ulcer etc.
   7.Boosts Immunity
   Thanks to the quarry of antioxidants and bioactive components, this unique fruit confers several folk remedies for improving the immune system, combatting microbes and fortifying the body against various infections. It also portrays the presence of strong anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal properties, which hold high significance in preventing infections and uplifting overall health and wellness.

Is Bibhitaki safe:
Bibhitaki is also commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine to treat diabetes and blood sugar dysregulation. This is because Bibhitaki is high in gallic acid and ellagic acid, two phytochemicals that have beneficial effects on blood sugar levels, insulin sensitivity and body weight.

Contradictions:
While Bibhitaki has various potential health benefits in Ayurveda,there are certain contradictions and precautions to consider like: Pregnancy and Lactation, Digestive conditions,Dehydration