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About Bilva

Bilva, popularly known as Bengal Quince or Wood Apple, is one such sacred tree in Mythology connected with Shiva, the Hindu god. Its leaves are considered to be very significant in worship towards Shiva as against Ayurveda that puts much emphasis on this tree’s property in curing a host of ailments ranging from gastrointestinal diseases to obesity, inflammatory processes, and more

Scientific Classification: Aegle Marmelos

Family: Rutaceae

Used in Ayurveda for: healthy digestion, diabetes, anti-infection, cognitive enhancement.

Religious & Spiritual Importance

  • This sacred tree in Hinduism is usually found in every Shiv temple.

  • The leaves that have trifoliate are supposed to represent the three eyes of Lord Shiva; they are used to balance the three doshas, namely, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

  • Offering Bilva Patra for prayers is said to give blessings and spiritual purification.

  • Offering Bilva Patra in prayers is said to bring blessings and spiritual purification.

Religious & Spiritual Importance for Bilva

Compounds & Properties

Ayurvedic Pharmacodynamics

Rasa (Taste): Astringent, Bitter.

Guna (Qualities): Dry, Light.

Virya (Potency): Hot.

Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Pungent.

Doshakarma: Alleviates Kapha & Vata Dosha.

Rasa (Taste): Astringent, Bitter.

Guna (Qualities): Dry, Light.

Virya (Potency): Hot.

Vipaka (Post-digestive effect): Pungent.

Doshakarma: Alleviates Kapha & Vata Dosha.

Alkaloids: Aegeline, Skimmianine.
Coumarins: Marmelosin, Psoralen.
Tannins: Found in fruit & leaves.
Triterpenes: β-sitosterol, Lupeol.

Ayurvedic properties

Medicinal Uses

Digestive Aid

Digestive Aid:

It treats diarrhea, IBS, and maintains gut flora.
Wound Healing

Wound Healing:

Accelerates the healing of cuts and wounds.
Ulcer Healing

Ulcer Healing:

Protects and heals gastric ulcers.
Antimicrobial

Antimicrobial:

Against bacteria, fungi, and infections.

Home Remedies

Digestion

For Digestion

The pulp of unripe Bilva fruit is useful in diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome.
Memory Booster

Memory Booster:

Bilva powders combined with sugar and butter.
Diabities

Diabetes:

Juice of Bilva leaves with Bakula skin and milk.

Scientific Research

  • Controls blood sugar and improves insulin response.
  • Effective in IBS, colitis, and diarrhea.
  • Neuroprotective effects helping in improving cognitive function.

FAQ

Are there any precautions while consuming Bilva?
Take a consult if pregnant. Avoid ripe fruit if having constipation. Moderate consumption is preferred to prevent any chances of bloating. Diabetics have to observe for blood sugar levels.
Yes, in moderate quantities. As per the recommendations offered in Ayurveda.
The best form to consume is powder (Churna), juice (Swarasa), or decoction.