Babool is a highly prized Ayurvedic plant well-known for its indispensable medicinal properties. Acacia arabica, commonly called Babool, is found in dry and sandy parts of India. It is majorly used as the datum for cleaning the teeth and regular use of this facilitates strengthening gums and teeth and reducing plaque and inflammation.
What Is Babool?
Babool (Acacia arabica) is a powerful Ayurvedic herb known for its medicinal benefits, especially for oral health, digestion, and wound healing. Babool is a medium-sized tree growing to a height of 8-10m containing spikes. Babool goes by several vernacular names like Barbar, Ajameghya in Sanskrit, Babul, Kikar in Hindi, Baabla in Bengali, Jaali Mara in Kannada, Karuvel in Tamil and Nallatumma in Telugu.
It is also clad by other names such as gum Arabic tree, babul kikar, Egyptian thorn, Sant tree, and prickly acacia. The bark, gum, leaves, seeds and pods of the babool tree possess potent medicinal properties—antibacterial, antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and hemostatic.
The bark of babool is cooling, aphrodisiac and expectorant in nature. The gum of babool is also a potent emollient, expectorant, detoxifier, aphrodisiac and antipyretic in nature. The Babool tree is valuable in treating kapha and pitta; the gum pacifies vata and pitta and treats urinary problems such as UTI, pain and bleeding of the uterus.
This article explores its uses, benefits, dosage, and potential side effects.
Nutritional Profile of Babool
Babool is a great source of vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The treasure trove of nutrients in babool includes iron, manganese, protein, zinc and essential amino acids, including valine, histidine, isoleucine, threonine, lysine and leucine. The bark and pod of babool are rich in tannin and polyphenolic compounds. The gum of the plant contains a host of plant compounds, including galactose, aldobio uronic acid and arabinobioses and minerals calcium and magnesium. The flowers of the babool tree are a good source of flavonoids like kaempferol 3-glucoside, iso-quercetin and leucocyanidin.
Health Benefits of Babool
Effectively Heals Wounds
The leaves of babool are valuable in healing wounds. The leaves and bark of babool possess potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, which aid in controlling bleeding and infections, which speed up the healing of wounds, cuts and injuries. Take a small quantity of babool leaf powder and sprinkle it on the wound for quick healing.
Promotes Dental Health
Babool for oral health is widely used in the manufacturing of toothpaste, which ensures healthy gums and teeth. Acacia arabica promotes oral care and also battles against dental caries and gum diseases associated with heart disease. The pod and peel of babool are burnt to ash and this is used to brush teeth and treats toothache. Furthermore, the tender branches are used as a brush, which strengthens the teeth and heals dental infections.
Also Checkout: Dental Cavities: Easy Ways To Maintain Oral Hygiene – Infographic
Controls Hair Fall
Babool for hair care is a great way to control hair fall and promote hair growth. To avert hair fall, apply the paste of babool leaves on the scalp, let it stay for 15-20 minutes and rinse well with warm water. Remember to use a good quality shampoo to wash the hair for a better result. Also Checkout: 5 Easy Home Remedies To Control Hair Loss - Infographic
Enriches Skin Texture
Babool leaves works amazingly well to heal dry skin problems like itching and flakiness. The powerful anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antifungal properties of babool leaves are beneficial in treating various skin conditions. Furthermore, babool leaves sustain the skin radiance and glow.
Natural Aphrodisiac
The pods of babool are used as an effective traditional remedy to improve libido and vitality in both men and women. In addition, it is also beneficial in treating sexual problems like premature ejaculation and spermatorrhea. Mix powdered pod with honey and have this twice daily which improves the semen quality and treats most of the sexual problems. Also Read: The Ultimate Aphrodisiac Food Guide
Additional Health Benefits
Cures Diarrhoea
The decoction prepared from the leaves of the babool plant can cure bacterial and viral stomach infections. Babool also has a potential cooling effect and balances many doshas in the body. By managing disturbances of the stomach, it makes an effective herbal medicine for the treatment of diarrhea.
Augments Liver Health
The aggressive activity of free radicals has negative effects on the body. The antioxidant properties of babool are useful in minimizing oxidative damage and curing liver disorders. The bark has effective compounds that also help in reducing the chances of hepatotoxicity
Reduces Growth Of Cancer Cells
Babool has anti-cancer and antimutagenic effects that help reduce the risks of certain cancers, besides helping to slow down tumorous growth. Antimutagenic agents present in babool can combat the growth of cancerous cells and prevent the body from this fatal illness
Promotes Heart Health
The decoction made from extracts of babool is very effective in lowering cholesterol levels and preventing an unnecessary rise in platelets. This helps to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disorders and prevent the heart from sudden heart attacks and various heart related anomalies
Ayurvedic Uses Of Babool:
Effect On Doshas:
A short tree with spiky fluid-filled projections as leaves, babool grows widely in the arid desert regions of India and displays an intrinsically kashaya or astringent rasa i.e. taste. The resultant effect of consuming babool is a soothing, cooling sensation in the body, thereby holding a sheeta i.e. chill veerya or catalytic property. Being high on dietary fibers, babool has a guru (elaborate breakdown and digestion) as well as a rooksha or inherently dry quality i.e. guna. Moreover, this beneficial herb also balances the kapha dosha, thereby helping maintain the tridoshic harmony of vata, pitta and kapha in the body, immensely boosting metabolism and immunity.
Dosage:
Depending upon the health anomaly to be treated, the certified Ayurvedic practitioner mentions the appropriate dosage and formulation babool to be consumed, to treat all ailments.
The general recommended dosage is 50 – 100 ml of liquid decoction per day, divided into equal portions. If taking the seed powder, a maximum level of 6 grams daily is considered safe and efficacious. 2 – 3 grams of the gum resin can be ingested every day and is well-tolerated by the system.
Side Effects:
Babool is generally safe for most of the people, however, may have certain side effects for pregnant and lactating women. It is also not recommended for asthmatic patients and those who suffer from constipation.
Conclusion:
Babool is a great ayurvedic herb with umpteen health benefits. Right from the bark, branches, leaves, pods and fruit, all parts of the plant offer you a host of medicinal properties. It is beneficial in treating skin conditions, improving oral health, heals the wound and many more.
Have you tried Babool for dental care or digestion? Share your experience in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Babool help with digestion?
Yes, Babool bark and gum aid digestion, relieve diarrhoea, and support gut health.
Is Babool beneficial for skin health?
Its antimicrobial and soothing properties help treat wounds, acne, and skin infections.
How does Babool support joint health?
The anti-inflammatory compounds in Babool help reduce joint pain and stiffness.
Can Babool be used for hair care?
Yes, Babool strengthens hair, reduces dandruff, and promotes scalp health.
How can Babool aid in managing diabetes?
Its natural compounds help regulate blood sugar levels and improve insulin sensitivity.
What are the best ways to consume Babool for health benefits?
Babool can be used as a powder, decoction, or in herbal formulations for various health benefits.
(This article is reviewed by Kalyani Krishna Chief Content Editor)
Author Profile
Soumita Basu:
Soumita Basu holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Pharmacy and is keenly interested in Ayurveda, home remedies, yoga, fitness, diagnostics, and beauty. With nearly 6 years of experience, she produces evidence-based health content, including articles, videos, and infographics, to provide valuable insights to her audience.
References:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4149135/#:~:text=Some%20antimicrobial%20activity%20was%20found,antimicrobial%20effect%20on%20Streptococcus%20mutans.
- https://www.researchgate.net/publication/338999964_MEDICINAL_PROPERTIES_OF_DIFFERENT_PARTS_OF_ACACIA_NILOTICA_LINN_BABUL_ITS_PHYTOCONSTITUENTS_AND_DIVERSE_PHARMACOLOGICAL_ACTIVITIES
