Bibhitaka (Terminalia belerica)

Bibhitaka - Terminalia belerica

Bibhitaka, commonly known as ‘Beleric myrobalan’ is a large deciduous tree found throughout the deciduous forests of India, Burma and Ceylon. The name ‘Bibhitaka’ indicates that it removes fear about diseases. The word ‘Terminalia’ means the end leaves are terminal in position and ‘belerica’ came from the Arabic word Bely. Bibhitaka is used to pacify all three aggravated doshas ; Vata, Pitta and Kapha. It is a commonly seen tree of high medicinal use and is used to treat a wide variety of diseases.

Dr.Gupta’sIAFA conducted various studies in Beleric myrobalan to find out the therapeutic actions of the herb. Our experts have successfully proven the activities like Astringent, Tonic, Expectorant, Antimicrobial, Antibacterial, Antiallergic, Antidiabetic, Antioxidant and Antiulcer properties of Bibhitaka. It has been also found out that the methanolic extract of fruits of Bibhitaka has antiulcer actions. The fruit extract of this plant is also proven to possess antidiabetic and antioxidant activities. Aqueous extracts of Bibhitaka fruit has antibacterial actions and is effective against bacteria like Salmonella typhi. Gallic acid found in Bibhitaka is effective against liver and kidney damage. It is also effective in preventing atherosclerosis and hypercholesterolaemia.

Action of Bibhitaka - Terminalia belericain Allergies

IAFA experts are putting continuous efforts to prove the antiallergic property of Bibhitaka. The plant contains phytoconstituents like tannin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, phyllemblin, ethyl galate, gallocyl glucose, beta-sitosterol, chebulagic acid, mannitol, glucose, galactose, fructose, rhamnose, bellericanin, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid, oxalic acid etc. These phytoconstituents contribute to its actions against many microorganisms like bacteria and viruses. It is also effective against many allergens, and can be used in allergic reactions caused by all three doshas ie; Vata, Pitta and Kapha.

Vernacular Names and Botanical Classification

Botanical Name	Terminalia belerica
Family	Combretaceae
Native Names
Sanskrit Name	Bibhitaka, Vibhitaka, Aksa
Hindi Name	Bahera
English Name	Beleric myrobalan
Malayalam Name	Tannikkai
Kannada Name	Tare kai, Shanti kai
Marathi name	Baheda

Ayurveda reference of Bibhitaka - Terminalia belerica

Morphology of Bibhitaka - Terminalia belerica

A large deciduous tree.
Thick and dark-green bark.
Leaves gathered about the extrerneties of the branches, alternate, coriaceous.
Flowers pale greenish yellow, with an offensive odour.
Fruit – drupe globose.

Geographical distribution of Bibhitaka - Terminalia belerica

Bibhitaka is found throughout the deciduous forests of India, Burma and Ceylon below elevations of about 3,000 feet.

Phytoconstituents of Bibhitaka - Terminalia belerica

The plant contains phytoconstituents like tannin, gallic acid, ellagic acid, phyllemblin, ethyl galate, gallocyl glucose, beta-sitosterol, chebulagic acid, mannitol, glucose, galactose, fructose, rhamnose, bellericanin, palmitic acid, oleic acid, linoleic acid and oxalic acid

Parts used of Bibhitaka - Terminalia belerica

Fruit
Seed
Bark

Dosage of Bibhitaka - Terminalia belerica

Powder(churna)- 1-2 g

Medicinal Properties of Bibhitaka - Terminalia belerica

Shotha hara – anti inflammatory
Kesya – promotes hair growth
Swasahara – relieves asthma
Kasahara – useful in cough
Chardighna – useful in vomiting
Krimighna – useful in worm disease
Netrya – improves eyesight
Swarya – improves voice

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– Dr. Sahil Gupta (B.A.M.S., M.H.A.)

Ayurvedic Allergy Specialist
CEO & Founder of IAFA®

Home remedies of Bibhitaka - Terminalia belerica

Ayurveda is one of the ancient medical systems practiced in India. All the ingredients were collected from surrounding itself. So it was able to cure many diseases with home remedies. Bibhitaka is one of the commonly seen plant and it is beneficial in many ways like,

To improve eyesight (Drsti balartha) – Sesame oil, oil of bibhitaka, juice of Eclipta alba and decoction of Pterocarpus marsupium is cooked in an iron vessel and used as nasal instillation or errhine.
In Cough (Kasa) – Powder of Bibhitaka is taken with honey.
In Oedema (Sotha) – Fruit pulp of Bibhitaka is taken and applied externally in all kinds of oedema.
In Corneal opacity (Sukra) – Collyrium is made of seed pulp of Bibhitaka and applied.
In Skin diseases ( Visarpa) – Paste is made of bark of Bibhitaka, warmed and applied over skin.
In Renal calculus (Asmari) – A paste is prepared with seed powder of Bibhitaka and wine and taken orally.
In Asthma (Swasa) – Powder of Bibhitaka is taken with honey in asthma.
In Burning sensation (Daha) – Fruit pulp of Bibhitaka is taken and applied externally in burning sensation.