Our digestive health defines our overall well-being, and it depends on various factors. Many of us tend to munch on junk food, lead a sedentary lifestyle, reel under shooting stress levels due to work pressure, and unusual food and sleep timings, which in turn affect the gastrointestinal system in a negative manner.
In the majority of cases, sudden alterations in food timings make people complain about painful and severely constipated tummy and other gastrointestinal troubles worldwide.
If you would love to try natural medications sans any side effects to address your tummy issues, Ayurveda can be a safe bet. One such incredible Ayurvedic herb that is an absolute answer to all your digestive woes and more is Amalbedha.
What Is Amalbedha?
Amalbedha is a powerful ayurvedic plant of evergreen origin, prized for its tasty, slightly sour-tasting fruits. It belongs to the Clusiaceae family and goes by the botanical name Garcinia pedunculata. The word ‘Amalbedha’ comes from a Assamese word ‘Bor Thekera’. It is a powerful ayurvedic plant that has been used for centuries to treat digestive anomalies, respiratory woes, haemorrhoids, diabetes, liver and kidney problems, and even obesity.
Amalbedha Plant Description
Amalbedha is an evergreen tree that grows to 20-25 meters. It chiefly showcases a fluted trunk with short branches. The leaves of the tree are usually lanceolate, with prominent midribs bearing male flowers that are light green. The female flowers are yellowish, mainly solitary, while the roundish fruit diameter ranges between 8 and 12 cm. The fruit has a juicy interior with edible arils. Amalbedha is native to the south-eastern regions of Asia and is also found growing in some areas of Myanmar and the northeastern parts of India.
Synonyms
The plant has a myriad of vernacular names including Rasamla, Veeravetas, Vetasamla, Amlasar, Bhedan, Raktasar, Shankhadravi, Mansadrav, Shankhadravi, Mansadravi, Borthekera, Tikul, Tikur, Thaikal, Chaarigehuli, Pulivanchi, Pullaprabbali, and Vrntamlaphala.
Phytochemical Constituents
Although the exact biochemical composition of Amalbedha is not well known, some studies suggest that the plant contains benzophenones, pedunculol, garcinol, cambogin, and xanthone. Imbued with powerful expectorant, diuretic, analgesic, anti-convulsant, carminative, anti-inflammatory, anti-amnesiac, digestive, and anti-inflammatory properties, Amalbedha is extensively used for the treatment and management of digestive disorders, fever, asthma, indigestion, constipation, piles, liver and kidney anomalies, obesity, etc.
Amalbedha Ayurvedic Indications
The holistic science of Ayurveda terms mentions this herb time and again in several ayurvedic scriptures and journals for various indications:
- Deepana for enhancing stomach fire
- Pachana for better digestion
- Rochana for stimulating appetite
- Anulomana improves breathing
- Kashahara relieves cough
- Vamana prevents nausea and vomiting
- Mehahara for treating urinary tract disorders
- Prameha manages diabetes
- Trutahara relieves excessive thirst
- Rasayani rejuvenates the whole body
- Balya improves muscle strength
- Sangrahini treats diarrhoea
- Kustha treats skin disorders
- Kamala prevents jaundice
- Varnya improves complexion
- Amahara treats indigestion
- Krimihara relieves intestinal worms
- Jvara useful in fever
- Arsha for treating piles
- Shwasha clears breathing difficulties
- Krichra treats painful micturition
Amalbedha Health Benefits
Promotes Digestion
Amalbedha is an excellent digestive herb. The anti-flatulent property of the fruit decreases the accumulation of gas in the alimentary canal. As a result, one can notice instant relief from flatulence, bloating, and abdominal distension. Besides increasing appetite, reducing indigestion, and promoting better absorption of nutrients, the higher concentration of fiber in this fruit serves as a potent remedy for constipation and other digestive issues.
Remedies Respiratory Troubles
Amalbedha is considered to be a one-shot remedy for all sorts of respiratory troubles. Amalbedha plays a pivotal role in treating the common cold, cough, and flu symptoms with powerful anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic properties. It also thins and loosens catarrh particles within the chest and nasal cavities easing the breathing pattern and helping the body to get rid of mucus. It is also helpful in treating bronchitis and asthmatic conditions. Daily consumption of this incredible herb fortifies lung tissues and lung health.
Also Read: 5 Home Remedies To Soothe Sore Throat And Cough
Aids In Weight Loss
The abundance of flavonoids in Amalbedha, fiber, and essential powder aid in shedding excess weight faster. Amalbedha satiates the hunger pangs and prevents overeating and hence can play a pivotal role in one's weight loss regimen. The extract of Amalbedha also reduces the deposition of LDL (i.e., Low-Density Lipoproteins or bad cholesterol) in the body, thereby enhancing metabolism and helping the body to maintain a proper weight.
Cures Piles
Being a powerful laxative, Amalbedha is prescribed extensively for treating piles or haemorrhoids. This powerful herb not only softens the stools but facilitates easy passage of it from the intestines by reducing pressure on the lower part of the intestines. Regular intake of these medicines prevents anal fissure, bleeding, or protrusion of a mass from the region. It also promotes the strength of the intestines and helps in cleansing the colon.
Manages Diabetes
Diabetes, also known as Madhumeha in Ayurveda, is due to an imbalance of Vata-Kapha dosha and impaired digestion. Amalbedha showcasing Kapha-Vata normalizing qualities play a crucial role in assuaging the body's blood sugar levels as consumption of Amalbedha produces insulin from β-pancreatic cells making them active. Adequate dosage of the fruit also helps to reduce the breakdown of starch into glucose and hence manage diabetes.
Amalbedha Effect On Doshas
Mother Nature sanctifies this herb with Amla Rasa (i.e., sour taste) and Laghu (i.e., light), and Rukshna Guna (i.e., dry quality). It intrinsically portrays Ushna Virya (i.e., hot potency) and Amla Vipaka (i.e., sour metabolic taste). Being light and dry, it has an antagonistic effect on Pitta (i.e., fire and air) Doshas, whereas having a sour metabolic taste and hot potency helps the herb to balance the Vata or air, Kapha or earth, and water doshas.
Also Read: Introduction To Ayurveda: Learn About Vata, Pitta, And Kapha Doshas
Amalbedha Dosage
The precise healing dosage of Amalbedha may vary from person to person depending upon the patient's age, severity, and condition. The patient is advised to an ayurvedic doctor or practitioner for a thorough examination and to prescribe the effective dosage for the required period of time. Amalbedha is widely available in both powder and juice form and can be taken directly as prescribed.
Amalbedha Side Effects
Although this magical fruit is an all-rounder and potent remedy for a number of health anomalies, it is not suggested to be taken on a regular basis unless recommended by the doctor. Without proper consultation, overdosage of Amalbedha may cause liver problems.
Amalbedha Precautions
Since there is no supporting study to recommend Amalbedha to be pregnant and lactating women, it is strictly advised not to take Amalbedha during pregnancy or breastfeeding without the doctor’s knowledge.
Conclusion
Amalbedha is an astounding herb blessed with umpteen health benefits. It holds high significance in treating indigestion, respiratory issues, diabetes, piles, and even excessive weight gain. If taken in the proper dosage, one can steer clear of the side effects and enjoy the countless wellness incentives.
