What are the benefits of bhallataka
Bhallataka, botanically known as Semecarpus anacardium, is a potent medicinal plant widely used in traditional Indian medicine, particularly Ayurveda. Also referred to as the “marking nut,” this plant is known for its distinctive black fruit and therapeutic properties. It is considered a “Rasayana” in Ayurveda, meaning it rejuvenates and strengthens the body.
Despite its powerful healing qualities, Bhallataka must be used with caution due to its potential toxicity in raw form. The fruit is usually purified through specific Ayurvedic processes before use.
Latin Name: Semicarpus anacardium
Vernacular Names:
- Hindi: Bhilawa , Bhela,
- Bengali: Bhela , Bhilava
- Tamil: Serenkottai, Sengottai, Arutkaram
- Telugu: Bhallathaki, Gudova, Jeedi, Shenta
- Kannada: Aginimukhi, Bhallataka, chera
- Malayalam: Alakkuceru,Cera,shengotta
- Marathi: Bibba.
- Gujarati: Bhilama
- Punjabi: Bhilavan
- Oriya : Bhela
- English : Marking nut
Sanskrit Name:
Aruskara : Produces wound ,merely by skin contact
Sophakrut : Causes inflammation on skin contact.
Dhanurbeej : The fruits are obliquely ovoid
Tailabija: Fruits contains oil
Bhalli: Juice is very corrosive
Bhedana : Bhallataka alleviate Arbuda
Vira, Vriksha : Potent plant
Agnika, Agnimukha : as hot as fire
Bhutanashana, Krimighna: Kills microbes
Bhallataka benefits & Ayurvedic Description
Bhallataka is a moderate-sized deciduous tree native to the Indian subcontinent, especially found in dry, deciduous forests. It is known for its black, kidney-shaped fruits that exude a potent, skin-irritating resin. The tree is both medicinally valuable and botanically distinctive.
It grows upto 10 to 15 meter in height. The trunk is straight with dark grey or black bark. Leaves- are simple, alternate, oblong lanceolate, leathery, smooth with prominent veins. The flowers are greenish-white to yellowish and the flowering season is february to April. Fruits are kidney shaped , initially green in color but turns black on ripening.
Seeds- are hard as nut and is inside the black fruit. It is used medicinally after purification.
Ras ( Taste)
- Katu ( Pungent)
- Tikta (Bitter)
- Kashay ( Astringent)
Veerya ( Potency)
- Ushna (Hot)
Vipaak ( Post-digestive effect)
- Madhur (Sweet)
Guna ( Qualities)
- Laghu (Lightness)
- Snigdha (Unctuous)
- Teekshna ( Piercing)
Classical Categorization
In charak samhita it is categorized in following groups.
1. Deepaniya : Group of herbs that promotes digestion
2. Bhedaniya: Group of herbs that cause mild purgation.
3. Kushtaghna: Group of herbs that are useful in skin diseases.
4. Mutrasangrahaneeya : group of herbs that cause urine retention
Acharya Sushrut and Vagbhata has classified bhallataka in two groups
1. Nyagrodhadi and Mustadi gana
Bhav prakash nighantu has classified it in Hareetakyadi varga (group).
Benefits of Bhallataka
Anti inflammatory
The chemical constituents of bhallataka help in easing the inflammation. The laxative effect in bhallataka can remove toxins in the body created by indigestion. Moreover, it enhances metabolism, makes the intestine stronger.
Anti Cancer potential
Recent researches conducted on Semecarpus Anacardium shows that it may act as a potent anticancer
drug due to its cytotoxic nature to cells, antioxidant
properties, and anti-inflammatory effect.
Useful in skin problems
Bhallataka is having pungent (katu), bitter( tiktha) and astringent (kashay) quality, because of this it becomes very useful in balancing pitta-kapha dosha. Moreover it is also unctous(snigdha) and helps in balancing vata dosha. As it has a tridosha balancing quality it is useful in various skin problems like acne, dermatitis and other dermatological conditions.
Aids in digestion
Bhallataka is having deepan ( digestive) and pachana( carminative ) property. As a result of this it helps to improve digestion by stimulating digestive enzymes and increasing appetite, which can be helpful in treating conditions like indigestion and loss of appetite.
Strengthen the Nervous sysyem
In Ayurveda, it is valued for its ability to strengthen the nervous system and is used to support cognitive functions and mental clarity.
Advantages of bhallataka fruit in Ayurveda
Svadupak rasa : Sweet in taste
Laghu: Light to digest.
Pachana: helps in digestion.
Chedana: has cutting and slicing effect
Bhedi: Induces purgation
Medhya : Improves intelligence
Kapha-Vatahar : balances kapha and vata dosha
Vranahar : boost the wound healing process
Udarahara: Useful in ascites
Kushthar: Useful in skin diseases
Arshahar : helps in healing of piles.
Gulma : useful in gaseous distention of abdomen.
Shopha : Relieves inflammation
Krimi : useful in worm infestation
Grahani : useful in malabsorption syndrome
Why is Bhallataka shodhan
( Purification) neccesaary?
Purification of bhallataka is necesarry because this helps to eliminate allergic compounds which can cause rashes and inflammation.Moreover after purification it becomes more effective for theraputic application. It also helps in reducing the hot potency of this herb, which helps to prevent digestive discomfort and hypersensitivity reaction.
How is Bhallataka shodhan done ?
For shodhan purpose ripe seeds of bhallataka are taken. These seeds are then put into water, the seeds that sink in water are taken for purification rest seeds are discarded.
These selected seeds are then soaked in cow’s milk for 3 days. Milk is changed in every 24 hours.
After soaking these seeds are then boiled in cow’w milk in dola yantra for 3 to 4 hours.
Finally after the boiling is over, the seeds are rubbed with rough surface like brick powder or sand to remove the outer resinous layer.
The seeds are then dried in sun and are then used for making medicines.
Chemical composition
- Flavonoids: These compounds exhibit strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, helping to neutralize free radicals, reduce oxidative stress and lower the risk of chronic diseases.
- Alkaloids: Known for their analgesic and antimicrobial effects, alkaloids contribute to pain relief and combat infections by inhibiting bacterial and fungal growth.
- Tannins: These astringent compounds aid in wound healing, reduce inflammation, and possess antimicrobial properties, making Bhallataka effective in treating skin conditions and infections.
- Saponins: Natural immune-boosting agents, saponins support cardiovascular health, reduce cholesterol levels and enhance overall immunity.
- Glycosides: These bioactive compounds exhibit adaptogenic properties, helping to regulate physiological functions and promote overall well-being.
- Phenolic Compounds: These act as potent antioxidants, offering protection against cellular damage, premature ageing and neurodegenerative disorders.
- Semecarpol & Bhilawanol: Unique bioactive compounds found in Bhallataka, responsible for its potent medicinal effects, including immune modulation and anti-cancer potential.
Ten ways to take bhallataka
Taking bhallataka with these 10 things helps to improve body strength, intelligence, age of the person.
Bhilava with pieces of fresh Amla, curd, seasame oil, jaggery, milk, ghee, barley powder, with seasame seed, honey and meat soup and soup prepared with moong dal .
How to use Bhallataka
Bhallataka can be consumed in various forms, including:
- Bhallataka tail: 10 to 20 drops two times a day. It should be taken under medical supervision.
- Ksheer pak: 30 ml . This is prepared by boiling bibba seeds in milk.
- Fatal Dose : More than 10 gms
- Fatal period : 12-24 hours
- Part Used : Stem bark, seeds gum ( go
What are the side effects of Bhallataka
Like any other Ayurvedic herb Bhallataka is having many health benefits . However , it may have some side effects if taken in higher doses
1. It may cause blisters on tongue and throat.
2. Increased thirst and sweats
3. Heartburn
4. Oliguria and swelling
5. Renal failure
6. Severe skin irritation and rashes
How to counter side effects
For allergic reactions like rash ,itching swelling the antidotes used are coconut oil, ghee, corriander leaves pulp or butter mixed with musta.
Precautions
Avoid taking bhallataka if you are experiencing heart burn or having any problem with your kidneys.
During breast feeding avoid consuming bhallataka.
Avoid consuming bhallataka during pregnancy due to lack of research on safety during pregnancy.
Always use bhallataka in recommended dosage to avoid potential side effects such as nausea and bloating. It is better to ask Ayurveda doctor about dose and suitability for your body type.
If you have pre exixting medical conditions or taking any medications, consult a doctor before using Bhallataka. This ensures that there are no harmful interactions or contraindications.
Avoid using bhallataka in childrens.
Don’t use bhallataka continuosly for long period of time . Take break to allow your body to respond appropriately. Also when we use any herb continuosly ,then the body becomes use to it and it don’t respond to it.
Store bhallataka in cool and dark place to maintain its potency and prevent it from contamination. Proper storage helps in retaining its therapeutic value.
Home Remedies of Bhallataka
For Arthritis and Pain relief : Take 1 gms of purified bhallataka and soak it is a cup of water. Keep it overnight. Next day filter the water and drink it. This helps to relief backpain, stiffness and arthritis.
For Piles : Make paste by rubbing the fruits of bibba in 5 gms of ghee till the seed is visible, now apply this paste on the internal part of anus. After applying give hot fomentation on that part. This will help to stop bleeding per rectum and gives quick pain releif.
A saturating drink of buttermilk mixed with bhilava or bilva or chitrak or yavani should be consumed in piles.
To Relieve Worms: Take purified bhallataka churna with curd or tamarind helps to get rid of worms.
On Eczema: Mix bhallataka and raal in seasame oil. Apply this paste on patches eczema.
Frequently asked question
1.Can this herb be used while taking homeopathic 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. 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 bhallataka take to start showing benefits ?
It depend on any existing disease, overall health, your prakriti ( genetic make up) all these factors plays a role in how quickly bhallataka benefits are seen.
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 seeds ?
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.
Ayurvedic medicine that contains bhallataka
Bhallataka is the main ingredients in following medicines
Sanjivani vati : Useful in skin diseases and antiageing medicine.
Amrit Bhallataka: Helpful in skin diseases and haemorhhoids.
Bhallataka Rasayan : Useful in skin diseases and as anti-ageing medicine.
Bhallataka Rasayana
First collect ripened bhilava in summer season and keep it inside a box filled with the barley or others grains . Then take them out in winter season ( hemant ritu).
Before starting taking this rasayana patient has to take sweet, oily and cooling foods and herbs.
In the beginning boil 8 bhilava in 8 part of water, when 1/8 th of water is remaining then filter it and add milk to it. This milk is then given to the person. Remember to smear persons mouth with ghee.
After this add one bhilava each day for 21 days, then give 3 bhilava each day for 40 days.
Now reduce the bhilava as it was added that is reduce 3 fruits of bhilava per day for 40 days then 1 fruit for 21 days. In this way in 49 days total 1000 bhilava should be administered.
Here remember one thing that it is practically not possible to consume this dose of 1000 bhilva’s in today’s time. That is why now it is prescribed as per patients body constitution.
During this process and then afterwards for 21 weeks one should follow diet of milk and ghee. They also take shali rice along with ghee and milk.
This bhallataka rasayana is very beneficial for prameh, krimi, piles, obesity.
Conclusion
Bhallataka is a revered herb in Ayurveda with wide-ranging health benefits, especially for chronic diseases like arthritis, skin conditions, and immune disorders. However, due to its toxic nature in the unprocessed form, it requires proper purification and medical supervision for safe use. With growing scientific validation of traditional herbs, Bhallataka stands as a testament to the depth and complexity of Ayurvedic pharmacology.
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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Disclaimer :The content provided here is for informational purpose only. This blog is not intended to substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek medical advice of a qualified healthcare provider for any questions or concern you may have regarding a medical conditions.
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