Health Benefits of Baheda [The Traditional & Ayurvedic Fruit]

Baheda or Bhibhitaki is an effective herb that contains powerful medicinal values and numerous health benefits. It has been widely used in Ayurveda, Unani, and other traditional medicines to treat various diseases since ancient times.

Baheda contains lots of bioactive compounds such as Gaelic, beta-sitosterol, ethyl, tannins, and elegiac acid. Baheda is one of the important ingredients in Triphala that is an effective medicine to treat various diseases.

The leaves and oil extracted from the seeds of Baheda contain powerful medicinal properties.

In Ayurveda, the dried and powdered forms of Baheda are effectively used for many diseases and improves your health. Every part of this herb contains different medicinal values that can be widely used in folk medicines.

What is Baheda / Bibhitaki?

Origin

Baheda is a huge deciduous plant that grows up to 12-50 m in height and 3 m wide. It belongs to the Combretaceae family and native to tropical areas of Asia, such as Nepal, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, China, and Indonesia. It is mainly grown in dry forest areas of Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat, and Odisha. 

Growth

Baheda is an excellent medicinal plant in India that can provide effective treatment for various diseases. It prefers well-drained loam soils and even withstands in poor soils. 

The bark of this plant is ash-grey or blue in color and has a thickness of 10-20 mm. Baheda leaves are large, alternative, 8-20 cm long, 7.5-15 cm wide, and elliptical in shape.

Leaf

The leaves contain smooth surfaces with 6-9 pairs of veins. The end of the leaves is rounded or narrow-pointed. 

Flowers

The flowers of Baheda are small 3-15 cm long and 5-6 mm wide. The flowers are followed by the new leaves, the upper flowers are male, and the lower flowers are bisexual. 

Seed

The seeds of this plant are scattered by the animals. The oil extracted from seeds contains various applications. It is an effective remedy to treat heart diseases and diseases related to nose and bronchitis.

Medicinal Properties of Baheda

• Analgesic Property
• AntipyreticProperty
• Anti-cancer Property
• Aphrodisiac Property
• Anti-diabetic Property
• Anthelmintic Property
• Antioxidants Property
• Antimicrobial Property
• Antidepressant Property
• Anti-inflammatory Property
• Immunomodulatory Property

Other Names of Baheda

• Botanical Name: Terminalia Bellerica
• English Name: Baheda
• Tamil Name: Thandri
• Hindi Name: Baheda
• Telugu Name: Vadikaya
• Kannada Name: Tarekapi
• Bengali Name: Bayada
• Punjabi Name: Baheda
• Sanskrit Name: Vibhitak, Akshay, Kalidrum

Health Benefits and Medicinal Uses of Baheda / Bibhitaki

Baheda contains numerous nutrients that have powerful medicinal properties to treat various diseases. It is one of the most effective herbs in Ayurveda that has been used in the treatment of many diseases. Some of the significant health benefits of Baheda are as follows.

1] Reduces Weight

Baheda is an effective herb for obese people to decrease weight. It has an astringent taste that helps to shrink the tissues of fat. This effective herb improves your digestion system, and it causes tissue dryness. The rich amounts of nutrients present in Baheda help to provide enough strength without adding fat to your body. 

It effectively improves weight loss by reducing excessive fat in your body. The fruit of Baheda improves your metabolism and prevents fat accumulation. The regular consumption of Baheda maintains appetite, and the combination of Baheda provides better results in weight loss.

2] Treats Cold & Cough

Baheda is an effective remedy to treat cold, cough, and other respiratory diseases. It is widely used in Ayurveda to decrease cough, loosens mucus formation, and clears the blockage in the air pathways.
The powerful anti-inflammatory property of Baheda reduces the inflammation in bronchial tubes and cures breathing difficulties. Moreover, the Baheda fruit contains a cholagogue effect that provides great relief from cough. 

Apart from this, it is an excellent remedy for gingivitis, which is a common problem that occurs in the mouth and gums. The main symptoms are swelling in the gum or mouth occurs due to the bacteria or viral infection.

3] Prevents Ulcer

Baheda is an effective remedy for treating ulcers. According to studies, it is found that Baheda contains powerful anti-ulcer properties that fight against stomach ulcers. The Baheda fruit contains rich amounts of Ellagic acid and Gallic acid that provide anti-ulcer properties. It helps to improve your digestive system and calms your stomach. The powerful anti-inflammatory property present in Baheda helps to decrease the inflammation in the affected area of your stomach.

4] Treats Constipation

Bibhitaki is the most important medicinal plant in Ayurveda that has been widely used to treat constipation since ancient times. It contains dietary fiber that acts as a digestive agent and fights against constipation. Consuming Bibhitaki churna provides a calming and lubricating effect for your gastrointestinal tract. Apart from this, it also cures and improves your intestinal tract, and it is effective for digestive problems like IBS or stomach cramps. Also, the laxative property of Baheda treats constipation.

5] Cures Wounds

Bibhitaki contains powerful healing properties that help to cure the wounds effectively. It is traditionally used as folk medicine by tribal people in many rural areas of India to treat external wounds and skin infections. The extract of the fruit contains a huge amount of healing effect. Applying the extract on the affected area cures the wounds and increases the speed of the healing process.

The paste made from Bibhitaki is also an effective remedy for healing rashes, and skin irritations. Prepare a smooth paste by rubbing the small piece of Baheda on the stone using water. Apply the paste externally on your skin to get quick relief from the wounds.

6] Treats Digestive Problems

Bibhitaki is an excellent medicinal herb that provides effective treatment for digestive problems. The rich amounts of bioactive constituents present in Baheda treat, gas, abdominal pain, growling stomach, bloating, etc. Baheda eliminates the gas formation in the intestines and improves your digestive system. 

Prepare a churna using Baheda, licorice root, and long pepper in equal amounts. Make a decoction by boiling two teaspoons of churna with 500 ml of water and wait until it decreases to 300 ml. Consume 100 ml of decoction two times per day both morning and evening to get better results.

7] Improves Liver Health

According to studies, it is found that Bibhitaki contains bioactive compounds that have hepatoprotective action. It improves your liver health and reduces the symptoms related to the liver. The extract of Baheda contains significant actions that detoxify your liver and reduces liver fibrosis, lipid peroxidation, and serum enzymes. It is an effective remedy to protect your liver and prevents various diseases.

8] Prevents Cancer

Bibhitaki is an effective remedy to treat cancer and prevents the spreading of cancer tumors. It contains a powerful anti-cancer property that provides effective treatment for cancer and prevents the formation of cancer tumors from the other parts of your body. Research conducted on the anti-cancer property proves that Bibhitaki is more effective for cancer treatment.

9] Treats Metabolic Diseases

Metabolic syndrome is a condition that occurs due to increased blood pressure, obesity, and blood sugar levels that may lead to diabetes and heart diseases. The effective medicinal properties present in Baheda helps to decrease metabolic disorders. Consuming the extract of Bibhitaki fruit with water reduces the cholesterol level in your body and prevents you from obesity, and other symptoms.

10] Antimicrobial Property

Baheda has been widely used as an effective remedy in folk medicines for treating infections caused by microbes. Many studies found that Baheda contains a powerful antimicrobial property that fights against the dangerous microbes entering your body.

The antimicrobial property of Baheda is produced by compounds such as flavonoids, phenols, alkaloids, etc. The extract obtained from the leaves and stem of the Bibhitaki plant contains huge amounts of antimicrobial action to fight against foreign bodies.

11] Treats Erectile Dysfunction

The seeds of Baheda contain powerful Aphrodisiac properties that help to treat erectile dysfunction. In Ayurveda, the Baheda fruit is used as an effective remedy for treating erectile dysfunction. The weight loss property of Baheda decreases the symptoms of erectile.

12] Relieves Headache

Bibhitaki is an excellent painkiller that relieves all kinds of pains, especially headaches. Headache is a common problem affected by many people due to several reasons. Prepare a decoction using Baheda and Jawasa by adding one teaspoon of ghee. Consuming this decoction thrice a day provides great relief from headaches and makes you energetic. It also treats dizziness, fever headaches that occur due to pitta, etc.

13] Cures Acne

Bibhitaki is an effective herb to treat acne, rashes, pimples, etc. The powerful anti-bacterial property of Baheda fights against the bacterias that cause rashes and infections on your skin. Bibhitaki contains rich amounts of vitamin C and minerals such as copper, iron, potassium, manganese, and selenium that helps to decrease inflammation and make your skin smooth. It contains numerous antioxidants that effectively maintain the health of skin and appearance. The seeds of Bibhitaki contain powerful antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties that help to decrease the scars of acne, pimples, and cures other skin problems.

14] Treats Diabetes

Bibhitaki fruit is an effective remedy for patients who suffer from diabetes. It contains a powerful anti-diabetic property that helps to maintain the blood sugar level by decreasing the glucose level in your body. The extract of Bibhitaki contains various effective actions that help to decrease the glucose level significantly. It also contains many antioxidants that inhibit the formation of excessive free radicals. Consuming the extract of Baheda helps to increase the production of insulin and glucose tolerance levels. It also provides effective treatments for type-2 diabetic patients (Diabetes Mellitus).

15] Relieves Stress & Depression

Stress and depression are conditions that occur due to many reasons and may lead to various severe diseases. Bibhitaki contains a powerful antidepressant property that helps to relieve stress, tension, depression, anxiety, etc., and decreases the symptoms of other disorders. The extracts of Bibhitaki is an excellent remedy that provides great results.

16] Treats Diarrhea

Baheda is the most popular traditional herb that helps to treat diarrhea effectively. Diarrhea occurs due to the intake of unhealthy food items and bacterial infections. It eliminates unwanted wastes and prevents intestinal worms. Prepare a remedy using 2-5 gms of the bark of Baheda and 1-2 cloves. Grind them well by adding one teaspoon of honey. Consuming this four times per day helps to control diarrhea and decreases the frequency of diarrhea.

17] Cures Sore Throat

Sore throat is a condition that causes pain when it swells. Bibhitaki is an excellent remedy to treat sore throat. Take a Baheda, pound it, and remove the seed inside it. The shells provide effective results for cough and sore throat.

18] Treats Dental Problems

Baheda provides effective treatment for dental problems and improves the health of your mouth. It kills the bacteria and fungus that cause infections in your mouth. Prepare a decoction by boiling the shells of Bibhitaki fruit and water. Rinsing your mouth using the decoction of Baheda provides great relief from dental problems such as mouth ulcers, bad odor, gum infections, and strengthens your gums and teeth.

19] Treats Fever

In Ayurveda and other traditional medicines, Bibhitaki has been used to treat fever effectively. It contains powerful antipyretic properties that help to decrease the temperature of your body and also reduces fatigue, weakness, and other symptoms associated with fever. The numerous antioxidants present in Bibhitaki improves your immune system and prevents you from various diseases.

20] Baheda Benefits for Hair

Baheda is an effective remedy for treating all hair problems and improves the health of your hair. It treats various problems such as hair fall, dandruff, hair lice, baldness, etc. The rich amounts of nutrients present in Bibhitaki promote the health of hair and prevent premature greying hair. 

It is better to avoid coloring your hair using hair dyes because that may affect the root and scalp. The oil extracted from Baheda contains a high level of Gallic acid that helps to replace the damaged hair and promotes hair growth. Applying Baheda oil helps to retain the hair color and prevents hair loss and dandruff.

21] Treats Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite is a problem that occurs due to stress, depression, anxiety, etc. It also occurs due to the infections of microbes in the liver and stomach. Loss of appetite is an initial stage of various major diseases. Consuming 3-6 gms of churna prepared from the fruit of Baheda provides great relief from these symptoms. It improves your digestive system by increasing appetite and strengthens your stomach. It effectively eliminates the gas formation in your stomach and intestines.

Traditional Uses of Baheda

• Bibhitaki is an effective traditional herb that helps to treat digestive and respiratory diseases effectively.
• Bibhitaki is an excellent astringent, laxative, anthelmintic, tonic, that improves your digestive system.
• In traditional medicines, the ripe Baheda is an effective remedy for treating digestive problems and diarrhea, while the unripe fruit is used as an effective laxative to treat chronic constipation. The lotion prepared from the Baheda fruit helps to treat sore eyes.
• According to Ayurveda, it is stated that Bibhitaki fruit helps to treat various diseases, provides longevity, strength, and vitality.
• Baheda provides great relief from cough, sore throat, and hoarseness that are associated with infections of the upper respiratory tract.
• The kernels of Bibhitaki are eaten by the people in the Indian subcontinent areas.
• Bibhitaki is one of the three ingredients of Triphala that is an effective Ayurvedic medicine to treat various diseases.
• Baheda fruit contains a Triterpenoid that provides powerful anti-microbial property and helps to fight against the microbes.
• Applying the oil extracted from Baheda helps to promote hair growth, prevents hair loss, premature hair greying, and dandruff.
• Consuming the Baheda powder with honey provides great relief from cold and coughs.
• Bibhitaki effectively eliminates the excessive formation of mucus in the respiratory tract and relieves the blockage in the passage.
• The oil extracted from the seeds of Baheda helps to provide great relief for rheumatism and relieves inflammation. Apart from this, the oil is also effective in treating various skin disorders.
• Baheda helps to slow down aging and boosts your immune system to fight against several diseases.
• By rinsing the decoction prepared by Bibhitaki, you can get rid of many dental problems and bad odor. It also strengthens your gums and teeth.
• It improves your mental health and reduces your stress, depression, anxiety, more effectively.
• Baheda treats liver disorders and prevents lipid formation to keep your liver healthy.
• Baheda is an effective remedy to maintain the blood sugar level by decreasing the glucose level in your body, and it increases the production of insulin.
• It reduces the cholesterol level in your body and decreases high blood pressure. Thus, it reduces the risks of heart diseases.

Bibhitaki – Side Effects

Bibhitaki is considered safe to consume in the proper dosage, and it doesn’t have any reported side effects. But it may cause some side effects when you take large amounts. Thus, it is better to consult your doctor before taking Bibhitaki. Baheda may cause some allergic reactions to sensitive people.

Pregnancy & Lactation

It is unsafe to consume during pregnancy. There are no studies that prove that consuming Baheda is safe for pregnant women, so it is better to avoid Baheda during pregnancy because it may cause birth deficiencies to your child. It is also not recommended for breastfeeding mothers because it may cause any side effects to both the mother and child.

Interactions

Diabetes: Baheda may interact with the level of blood sugar and reduce it to the lowest. Therefore, if you have already taken sugar medicines, you should consult a doctor.

Surgery: Bibhitaki can interfere with your surgery and cause excessive bleeding during surgery. Thus, you should avoid using Bibhitaki for two weeks before your scheduled surgery.

Conclusion

Bibhitaki is an excellent traditional herb that contains numerous medicinal values that help to treat various diseases. It is a very famous herb in India due to its numerous medicinal values and health benefits. It helps to fight against several diseases and prevents many symptoms.