Banyan Tree is a type of strangling fig and an evergreen tree with a wide, spreading crown, growing to 65 ft (20 m) with oval leaves, Fig-type fruit, and roots that grow into the ground from branches, growing wild in India and Pakistan, but cultivated across the Indian subcontinent.
• Its usually begins life as an epiphyte (growing in the branch of another tree) and as it grows older it sends down aerial roots, which on reaching the ground quickly form roots and become much thicker and more vigorous.
Plant Description
History
Types & Varieties
Mechanism of Action
Additional Information
Key Actions
Usable Parts
fruit, bark, leaves, latex, aerial roots.
Directions of Preparation
Recommended Dosage
Its Active Constituents:
• Banyan Tree contain:
• Ketones (such as 3-Ketones),
• Sterols,
• Ficusin,
• Bergaptin,
• Bengalenoside,
• Leucoanthocyanidins,
• Leuco-Anthocyanin,
• Phytosterolin,
• Meso-Inositol,
• Friedelin,
• Quercetin,
• 3-Galactoside,
• Rutin,
• Tiglic Acid.
Precaution:
* Banyan Tree latex is toxic and should not be taken internally.
Health Benefits of Banyan Tree
Circulatory System
• Banyan Tree twigs infusion is a useful remedy for hemoptysis and its milky latex is applied to treat bleeding. Its fruit is tonic and has a cooling effect.
Foods & Circulatory System
Detoxification
• Banyan Tree leaves decoction (with toasted Rice) is used as a Diaphoretic (increases perspiration and Sweating).
• Its bark or leaves decoction is tonic and Diuretic (increases the flow of urine).
Foods & Detoxification
Diabetes
• Banyan Tree bark infusion is anti-diabetic used as an Astringent in the treatment of Leucorrhoea and contain leucocyanids (a compound which may have potential for treating Diabetes).
• Its bark and leaves is used in Ayurvedic medicine for Diabetes as its Glycosides have an anti-diabetic activity, capable of lowering blood-sugar levels.
Foods & Diabetes
Infant
• Banyan Tree concentrated latex (mixed with sugar) is used as a treatment for dysentery in children.
Foods & Infant
Infections
• Banyan Tree milky latex is dripped into Wounds to kill or expel germs.
Foods & Infections
Intestine
• Banyan leaves and bark is Astringent, thus can be employed to relieve Diarrhea and dysentery and to reduce bleeding.
Foods & Intestine
Men Health
• Banyan Tree concentrated latex (combined with the Fruit) has aphrodisiac activity and useful to the treatment of spermatorrhoea and gonorrhoea.
Foods & Men Health
Musculoskeletal System
• Banyan Tree milky latex is applied topicaly to Bruises, painful areas, rheumatic joints, Lumbago and applied to cracked and inflamed soles.
• Its latex is applied to Hemorrhoids, warts, and aching joints.
• Its leaf buds and aerial roots decoction (mixed with Raw Honey) have significant analgesic and anti-pyretic properties, thus can be given for burning sensation and Skin disorders (such as sores), and is recommended for rheumatism (Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, april- june, 2016).
• Its bark and leaves have analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory properties which have significant analgesia in the central anti-nociceptive paradigms and painful conditions (Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, april- june, 2016).
Note:
* Subjective sensation of pain can be blocked centrally by stimulating micro-receptor (opioid-like) or peripherally through the blocking of pain mediators (such as prostaglandins) formation by inhibiting cyclooxygenase (NSAID-like) or phospholipase A2(Steroid-like) (Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice, april- june, 2016).
Foods & Musculoskeletal System
Oral & Dental
• Banyan Tree is a remedy for toothache. Its roots are chewed to prevent Gum disease. Its milky latex is applied topically to treat toothache and swelling of the Gums.
Foods & Dental
Reproductive Health
• Banyan Tree root fibres decoction is useful as a treatment against gonorrhoea.
Foods & Reproductive Health
Skin Health
• Banyan Tree milky sap is applied externally to treat pains and Bruises. Its young leaves are heated and applied to abscesses as a poultice to promote suppurations and discharge of pus. Its bark have Anti-Inflammatory and analgesic properties which is considered useful in burning sensation, ulcers, and painful Skin diseases.
Foods & Skin Health
