- Region
- Asia
- Origin
- Asia (South and Southeast Asia)
- Sanskrit
- Vibhitaka
- Traditions
- Ayurveda, Sowa Rigpa: Tibetan medicine, Unani medicine
Asia · Herb · № 563
Terminalia bellerica
Herb · Asia
Bibhitaki
Terminalia bellerica
Traditionally attributed effects: astringent, tonic, expectorant, laxative (unripe fruit), cleansing.
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 1–3 g (laxative 3–6 g); decoction 56–112 ml; in 'triphala'; kernel oil on the hair or for rheumatism; tea as a gargle.
Use in traditions
Described in the Ayurvedic materia medica. Sanskrit name: Vibhitaka. One of the three fruits of triphala. In Ayurveda bibhitaki is used mainly for coughs and eye complaints. In some regions the tree was considered the dwelling of demons; in the Mahabharata King Nala lost his kingdom in a game of dice played with bibhitaka nuts. In Tibetan medicine it is called ba ru ra.
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
Astringent, tonic, expectorant, laxative (unripe fruit), cleansing; for cough, hoarseness, eye diseases, liver and digestive diseases, oedema, haemorrhoids, diarrhoea, fever, asthma, urinary diseases, worms, vomiting, enlarged spleen and liver, stomatitis and gum ulcers.
Preparation and amount
Powder 1–3 g (laxative 3–6 g); decoction 56–112 ml; in 'triphala'; kernel oil on the hair or for rheumatism; tea as a gargle.
- Ways to prepare herbs
- Tea (infusion)DecoctionPowder and kitchen