Bibhitaki, commonly known as Baheda is an important species of herb mentioned in Ayurvedic medicine. Belonging to the Combretacae family baheda benefits our health in many ways. It forms an important part of the magical Triphala churna which is composed of a blend of dried fruits of Amla (Emblica Officinalis), Harad (Terminalia Chebula) and Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica) in appropriate proportion and is considerd as best Rasayana( anti-ageing) formulation.
Baheda is having a strong anti-microbial, antioxidant, anti-diarrheal, anti-asthmatic, anti-spasmodic, anti-cancer, anti-hypertensive, hepatoprotective, anti-pyretic, anti-tussive and expectorant properties.
Latin Name: Terminalica Bellirica
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Baheda, Bahera, Phinasa, Bhaira, Bahuvirya, Bhutvas
- Bengali: Baida, Bohera, Behri
- Tamil: Akkam, Todikai,Thanakki, Tanri, Tani,Toandi
- Telugu: Tanikeya,Tanni, Tadichettu, Balla
- Kannada: Shanti Kaye, Tare kaye, Tode,Thali
- Malayalam: Thaani, Thani, Adamarutha, Tusham
- Marathi: Ativisha
- Gujarati: Baheda, Beda
- Punjabi: Baheda
- Oriya :Bahada
- Urdu : Bahera
Sanskrit Name:
Karshaphala : The weight of the fruit is about 10 to 12 gms.
Vindhyajata : Commonly grows in Vindhya region of India
Kasghana : Cures Cough
Vibhedala : Removes diseases from the root
Bahuvirya : Fruit is very potent
Bhutavasa : The tree is resident of devils
Others Sanskrit synonyms are Akshaphala, Kalidrum, Kalpdrum, , Madhujiva, Baheda, Dharmadweshi, haryaksha, Kalkivriksha, Kalko
Baheda Benefits & Ayurvedic Description
Baheda is a tree of deciduous origin that grows to a height of up to 12 to 50 meters and a diameter of 3 meter. The branches are up to 20 meters in length the bark is usually 10-20 millimeter thick and are bluish or grey in color. The bark is covered with numerous fine longitudinal cracks and yellowish inner marks on the bark The leaves are simple elleptic, large and are alternately arranged on the twigs The flowers are simple and solitary and are usually white or yellow in color with strong honey-like odor Fruits are usually in the form of drupes, grey-colored and ovoid-shaped and are covered with minute pale pubescence enclosing one stony hard seed within. The fruits are similar to that of haritaki but without longitudinal ridges..
Ras ( Taste)
- Kashay ( Astringent)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Madhur(Sweet)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Rooksha (Dry)
Benefits of Baheda
Hair loss and Dandruff
Baheda helps in promoting hair growth and controls dandruff. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) and Ruksha (dry) properties. It helps remove excess oil and keeps the scalp dry to prevent the growth of dandruff. Baheda also has unique Keshya (hair growth enhancer) property that boosts hair growth resulting in thick and healthy hair.
Acne
Baheda fruit has antibacterial properties which makes it effective for controlling acne and acne scars. This is due to it’s Kashaya (astringent) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties.
Cold and Cough
Baheda is an effective herb in managing cough and cold. It controls cough, releases mucus, clears air passages, thus allowing the patient to breathe freely. This is due to its Kapha balancing property.
Relieves Constipation
Baheda is one of the most important herbs which is used to relieve constipation. This is because of its Rechana (laxative) property. It gives soothing and lubricating effect on the gastroenteric tract and helps in easy expulsion of stool.
Helps to Improve digestion
Baheda helps to manage loss of appetite, thirst, bloating and flatulence. This is due to its Ushna (hot) potency. It enhances the Pachak Agni (digestive fire) which helps in digesting the food easily. This also helps to manage constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Medicinal Qualities of Baheda
Keshya : Improves hair quality and growth.
Kasnasham: relieves cough and cold
Netrahitam: good for eyes.
Bhedanam: Eases motion has laxative action.
Kruminashan : Relieves worm infestation.
Vaishvaryanashna: Relieves hoarness of voice.
Krumihar : Useful in worm infestation, infected wound .
Jwarhara: Helps to relieve fever .
Sh0thara : Reduces swelling and inflammation.
Chemical Composition
Baheda contains essential vitamins like Vitamin C, proteins, and minerals like potassium, selenium, manganese, iron, and copper. It contains chemical constituents like tannic acid, ellagic acid, chebulagic acid, gallic acid, oxalic acid, phyllemblin, β-sitosterol, mannitol, galactose, glucose, fructose, rhamnose etc. in it.
How to use Baheda
Ativisha can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Baheda Powder (Churna): 1/4 t0 1/2 grams of Baheda churna two times a day with water or honey.
- Decoction: Prepared by boiling the Baheda in water, useful for digestive or respiratory issues.
- Part Used : Fruits
Frequently Asked questions
1. Is Baheda powder available in market ?
Yes Baheda powder is available in the markets with price range of Rs 50 to Rs 120 per 100 grams. There are many brands selling Baheda powder online as well as offline.
2.Can Baheda help in reducing Hair fall ?
Yes Baheda oil has shown promising result is controlling the hair fall. It is having a unique Keshya property that boost hair growth.
3.How long can I consume Baheda powder ?
Baheda do not have any significant long term or short term side effect. So it is safe to consume this herb for at least 3 months. You should consult you doctor if you wish to take it for longer than 3 months.
4.Can Baheda be used for wound healing purpose ?
Yes Baheda has got astringent property and antimicrobial activity. Because of this it helps in healing the wound faster.
Home Remedies of Baheda
In cough : Take small piece of Baheda bark and keep in mouth and chew. Swallow the juice of this bark, this will give quick relief from coughing.
For Burning sensation : Take the inner part of baheda fruit and mix it with water to make a paste from it. Apply this paste on the part where there is burning sensation. This will relieve the burning sensation.
In Sinusitis, Asthma : Take a 5 gms fruit of baheda and then add 5 gms of candy sugar and water. Boil this to make decoction. Take this decoction for 2 to 3 times daily helps to relieve Kapha related problems.
Cautions And Contraindications
While Baheda( Terminalia bellirica) has many benefits and is generally safe, excessive consumption may cause:
- Dryness of mouth, tremors and other Vata dominance symptoms .
- Allergic reactions in rare cases.
Pregnant or lactating women and those on medications should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Frequently asked questions
1.Can this herb be used while taking homoepathic medicine ?
Yes. This herb does not react with homeopathic medicine.
2.Can this herb/medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin, omega 3, spirulina ?
Yes .Generally this herb goes well with most dietary supplement. However if you are taking more than one product per day please consult your doctor for opinion.
3. Can Baheda be continues with western/modern medicine
Seek your doctors advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic/modern) medicine. Some ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
When taking ayurvedic medicine or herb with modern medicine it is best to keep one hour gap in between both the medicine.
4. How long does Baheda take to start showing result ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly baheda work. However it is observed that results are usually visible in 1-2 weeks or even months.
5.Can it be used in people with diabetes?
Yes. But always keep watch on your sugar levels. This herb can lower your blood sugar levels. Do not stop your diabetes medicine once you start taking this herb/medicine. Keep in touch with your ayurvedic doctor. They will guide you in this respect.
6.Are there any diet restriction( Pathya) while taking this product.
No .There are no such restriction while taking this product. However if you have been advised with any specific diet based on disease, you should continue to follow it.
Conclusion
Since ancient times, Baheda has been mentioned in several ayurvedic scriptures as an absolute remedy for numerous health anomalies. Thanks to the essential bio-active ingredients and incredible therapeutic properties, it is widely used for managing cough and cold, remedying sore throat, treating digestive anomalies, enhancing cardiac functioning, preventing skin infections, promoting digestion, diminishing urinary problems, boosting immunity and many more.
Please consult your doctor before taking this medicine.
This Article is written by Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari B.A.M.S, PGDCR Director of Risha’s Health And Ayurvedaa Solutions.He is having more than 20 years of experience in field of Ayurvedic medicine.
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