Babool is a highly prized Ayurvedic plant well-known for its indispensable medicinal properties. Acacia arabica or commonly called as Babool, it 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 in strengthening gums, teeth and reduce plaque and inflammation.
It is also clad by other names such as gum Arabic tree, babul kikar, Egyptian thorn, Sant tree, prickly acacia. The bark, gum, leaves, seeds and pods of babool tree possess potent medicinal properties -antibacterial, antihistaminic, anti-inflammatory, astringent and hemostatic.
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. Babool is a medium-sized tree growing to a height of 8-10m containing spikes.
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. Babool tree is valuable in treating kapha and pitta, the gum pacifies vata, pitta and treats urinary problems such as UTI, pain and bleeding of the uterus.
Nutritional Values Of Babool:
Babool is a great source of vital nutrients, vitamins and minerals. The treasure trove of nutrients in babool include 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 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 on the wound for quick healing.
Promotes Dental Health
Babool tree is widely used in the manufacturing of toothpaste which ensures healthy gums and teeth. Acacia arabica promotes oral care and also battle 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 brush which strengthens the teeth and heals dental infections. Also Checkout: Dental Cavities: Easy Ways To Maintain Oral Hygiene – Infographic
Controls Hair Fall
Babool leaves are great to control hair fall and promotes 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.
