Peepal (Pippal)
Also known as
Latin : Ficus religiosa
English : Peepal tree
Sanskrit : Ashathhah, Pippalah
Hindi : Pippal
Marathi : Pimpal
Tamil : Arasu
Telugu : Ravi
Malayalam : Arayal
Kannada : Aswaththa
How it looks�It is a large, woody tree with few or no aerial roots and drooping branchlets. The leaves are shining and ornate and rustle in the wind typically.
The bark is ash-coloured with thin membranous flakes and patches.
What we use�Bark, leaves, tender shoots, fruits, seeds.
What it does�Bark�astringent, cooling, aphrodisiac
Fruits�laxative, digestive
Leaves and Tender shoots�purgative
Seeds�refrigerant, laxative.
How we use it�
In
inflammation and burns�A paste of the powdered bark is a good absorbent for inflammatory swellings and burns.
'Peepal' is one of the drugs most used as an antiseptic and is beneficial in the treatment of ulcers. It relives burning sensation and reduces accumulated fat in the obesity.
In
diseases of uterus and vagina, a decoction of the bark is highly useful.
In
Gouty arthritis�Peepal bark decoction in the dose of 15ml twice a day with equal quantity of water is used with honey.
In
gouty arthritis�The tender leaves of peepal are made into a decoction and poured on the joints to relieve pain.
For
vigour and vitality�The fruit of root, bark, and tender shoots are boiled with milk and taken internally with sugar and honey in doses of 15ml twice a day for an aphrodisiac
effect.
Fractures: The barks of the peepal, palaash, and banyan trees are very useful in bandaging broken bones as soft but strong splints.
In
sterility in women�A plant growing in peepal tree, popularly known as BADANIKA is boiled with milk and given internally in the suitable dosage and form. It helps in establishing
pregnancy.
In
vomiting�Vomiting can be controlled effectively by the ash of the bark well mixed in water. It should be allowed to settle down. This supernatant fluid is filtered and given
repeatedly in severe vomiting.
Ulcers in the mouth: Fine powder of peepal bark should be applied, well-mixed in honey inside the oral cavity regularly. This effectively checks ulcers within 10 to 12 days time.
Modern Study
The aqueous extract of the bark exhibited antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
