Bael fruit

Aegle marmelos

Traditionally attributed effects: ripe fruit cooling, nourishing, mildly laxative; unripe fruit astringent and aids digestion; for chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, asthma (leaves), intermittent fever, melancholy and palpitations.

Safety notes

Traditional use is no proof of effectiveness; if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or have a medical condition, consult a doctor or pharmacist.

Preparation

Powder 2–12 g; tea 12–20 ml; decoction 28–56 ml (leaf, root bark); fruit pulp 2–4 g for dysentery.

Use in traditions

Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Bilva-shriphala. The bael is sacred to Shiva: its trifoliate leaves are offered in worship. In Ayurveda the unripe fruit is a remedy for diarrhoea and the ripe fruit a mild laxative; a sweet summer drink is made from the pulp. In Unani medicine it is called bel.

Applications

Use by tradition

How different herbal traditions describe this herb. Amounts are traditional guidelines checked for obvious errors; they are not medical advice. For poisonous plants no dosage is given on purpose.

Ayurvedic materia medica

Attributed effects

Ripe fruit cooling, nourishing, mildly laxative; unripe fruit astringent and aids digestion; for chronic diarrhoea and dysentery, asthma (leaves), intermittent fever, melancholy and palpitations.

Preparation and amount

Powder 2–12 g; tea 12–20 ml; decoction 28–56 ml (leaf, root bark); fruit pulp 2–4 g for dysentery.

Ways to prepare herbs: Tea (infusion)Decoction Powder and kitchen

Sources

All herbs from Asia →