Introduction:
The ‘Peepal tree’ is one of the revered trees in India. This tree is venerated, both by Hindus as well as by the Buddhists. It is believed that Buddha attained enlightenment under this tree and it is also called as the ‘Bodhi tree’ or the tree of wisdom. The Botanical name of this tree is FICUS RELIGIOSA.
The tree is found wild in the forests and in the lower slopes of the Himalayas, in Orissa and in Central India. It grows wild in most parts of India, especially on the banks of the rivers and lakes.
Medicinal uses:
Most Ayurvedic masters mention about this plant and concede that this plant has the power to arrest bleeding from the bowels, lungs, stomach, bladder and other parts of the body.
Bhavaprakasa, Charaka, Sushrutha, Viswakasha and many other Ayurvedic physicians of repute vouch for its anti-hemorrhagic property and find it useful in mouth ulcers when used as a paste mixed with honey. It is also used as a powder in leucorrhoea and in dysentery. The main parts used are the bark, the leaves and the fruit of the plant.
The leaves of this tree are used as a dry powder taken internally to cure constipation. Peepal leaves warmed in Ghee are used as an external application to relieve the swelling and the pain in Mumps.
This remedy is also considered to be useful in Spermatorrhoea, premature ejaculation and to prevent nocturnal emissions.
This remedy is also used in glandular enlargements, where a paste is made from the roots and applied on the enlarged glands.
The bark and the leaves of this plant are used by tribal people, for curing fevers, heart ailments, such as palpitation and cardiac weakness.
This remedy is also used by the tribal people for curing bruises and minor injuries.
Homoeopathic Uses:
It is useful in arresting bleeding disorders such as; bleeding from the lungs, uterus and stomach. This remedy is also useful in controlling dysentery, typhoid and piles.
Conclusion:
The Peepal plant is essentially popular among Ayurvedic and Homeopathic physicians and the tribal people of India.