Baheda / Harad / Harde / Himej – Terminalia bellerica, commonly known as beleric– or bastard myrobalan is a large deciduous tree common on plains and lower hills in Southeast Asia, where it is also grown as an avenue tree.
Fruits and bark are used in Ayurvedic medicine and cosmetology. Bibhitaki means “the fruit that removes the fear of the disease” because the disease immediately recedes from its healing power.
Bibhitaki is a powerful anti-aging herbal remedy. Bibhitaki has both a strong laxative and a strong astringent effect, cleansing the intestines and increasing its tone. Effective with various stones and waste accumulations in the digestive tract, urinary and respiratory tract; dissolves and removes these formations from the body, expels parasites. It acts on the stomach tonic and astringent, increases appetite. Providing a warming effect, bibhitaki nonetheless does not excite Pitta. This medicinal plant is used in the manufacture of Triphala – an Ayurvedic supplement known for its healing properties.
Ayurveda uses all parts of a tree, most often fruits and bark. The kernel is usually removed from the bibhitaki fruits before use, as it has a narcotic effect. However, it is used as an analgesic in the treatment of inflammation and for the external elimination of pain, inside it is taken with caution when there is vomiting, bronchitis or colic.
It helps to pacify all three dosha especially used for pacification of kapha dosha. Bibhitaki is very supportive for three essential tissues of body – rasa dhatu (plasma), mamsa dhatu (muscle) and asthi dhatu (bone).
Uses:
– to rejuvenate the whole body;
– strengthening immunity;
– neutralization of negative influences on the body, normalization of all its activities,
– gives vitality, restores after a serious illness and stress;
– for diseases of the respiratory tract, asthma, bronchitis, laryngitis, cough (often taken with honey, ghee, pepper, ginger, milk);
– when sore throat – significantly improves the condition of the throat, as well as the timbre of the voice, eliminates hoarseness (often taken with honey);
– to improve the functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, cleanses the intestines, increases its tone;
– depending on the dosage, as well as on combination with other herbs, it has both a laxative and astringent effect, it helps with diarrhea and constipation. In addition, a ripe fruit has more astringent properties, while an unripe fruit is better used as a laxative;
– to cleanse the body of toxins and toxins;
– to stop nausea and vomiting during pregnancy;
– used as an anthelmintic, kills parasitic infections;
– for the treatment of skin diseases and fungal infections, with leukoderma
– used as a drug that dissolves kidney and gall bladder stones (often taken with manjishtha, coriander, gokshura, haritaki or amla);
– aphrodisiac, to enhance potency, treat sexual weakness;
– gives effective result in dysuria, urinary tract infections, cystitis, whites;
– effective for cardiovascular disease;
– to protect the liver, with hepatitis;
– as an antimalarial;
– effective for colic, bloating, flatulence;
– as a painkiller and anti-inflammatory;
– used for normalizing estrogen levels;
– normalizes blood sugar;
– to lower blood cholesterol;
– to quench thirst, in a state where you are thirsty all the time;
– to improve vision, with eye diseases, inflammation;
– effective for dysentery;
– is also beneficial in blood pressure and helps in lowering cholesterol levels. Bark of this tree is used for chest pain and heart diseases;
– seed oil of this herb is also beneficial for skin disorders and premature graying of hair. It also boosts up hair growth and helps to impart black color to hair;
– one of the most famous hair care products in Ayurveda. It is part of oils, shampoos, balms, paints, rinses, masks.
Cautions: Not enough is known about the safety of Terminalia bellerica, but be careful when:
Pregnancy: There is some evidence that Terminalia arjuna is possibly unsafe during pregnancy. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if the other two species are safe to use when pregnant. Stay on the safe side and avoid using any Terminalia species.
Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if Terminalia is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Bleeding disorders: Terminalia might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding in people with bleeding disorders.
Diabetes: Terminalia might lower blood sugar levels. Your diabetes medications might need to be adjusted by your healthcare provider.
Surgery: Terminalia might interfere with blood sugar control and increase the risk of bleeding during surgery. Stop taking Terminalia at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.