Ficus religiosa (Moraceae) Peepul, Ashvattha

Ficus religiosa (Sacred Fig)

1. Taxonomic insights

Species: Ficus religiosa

Family: Moraceae

Genus: Ficus

The Moraceae family, often referred to as the fig or mulberry family, is characterized by plants containing latex and bearing multiple drupelets in a synconium (fig). Many members hold significant medicinal and cultural importance in Ayurveda.

Related Herbs from the same family:

• Ficus benghalensis (Vata): The banyan tree, whose aerial roots and bark are used as a powerful astringent for dental health, skin diseases, and diabetes.

• Ficus racemosa (Udumbara): The cluster fig, used for digestive disorders, menorrhagia, and as a lactagogue.

• Artocarpus heterophyllus (Panasa): The jackfruit tree, whose leaves, fruit, and bark are used for diabetes, skin conditions, and as a nutritive tonic.

• Morus alba (Tuta): The white mulberry, whose leaves are used for diabetes and whose fruit is a nutritive tonic.

2. Common Names:

Scientific Name: Ficus religiosa | English: Sacred Fig, Peepal Tree, Bodhi Tree | Sanskrit: Ashvattha, Pippala, Bodhidruma | Hindi: Peepal, Pippal | Tamil: Arasu, Aswatha | Telugu: Ravi, Ashvatham | Kannada: Arali, Ashwatha | Malayalam: Arayal | Marathi: Pimpal | Bengali: Asvattha | Sinhala: Bo | Nepali: Pipal | Thai: โพธิ์ (Pho) |

If at all you have any doubts as to why this tree is so revered, just take a look at its wide range of medicinal benefits.

Medicinal Uses: Antidiabetic, cognitive enhancer, wound healing, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antimicrobial, antiviral, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antiasthmatic, parasympathetic modulator, estrogenic effects, antitumor, antiulcer, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), antihelminthic, endothelin receptor antagonistic, apoptosis inducer, hypotensive, treatment for diabetes, diarrhea, leucorrhea, vaginal and urinogenital disorders, skin diseases, digestive aid, laxative, refrigerant, cardiac tonic, treatment for asthma, vomiting, anorexia, edema, antibacterial against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, cough, hematuria, toothache, migraine, eye troubles, scabies, food poisoning, inflammation, and wound healing.

Medicinal Parts:The bark, leaves, fruits, and latex are used medicinally.

• Bark: The most commonly used part, especially in decoctions for diabetes and skin diseases.

• Leaves: Used in poultices and for their anti-inflammatory properties.

• Fruits (Figs): Used in preparations for respiratory and digestive issues.

• Latex: Applied topically for wounds, warts, and bruises.

4. Phytochemicals specific to the plant and their action.

Flavonoids (Leucocyanidin, Leucopelargonidin): These specific flavonoids isolated from the bark are potent Antioxidants and contribute significantly to its Hypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic actions.

Tannins (Gallic Acid, Ellagic Acid): Provide strong Astringent, Antidiarrheal, and Wound Healing properties by precipitating proteins and contracting tissues.

β-Sitosterol: A phytosterol with documented Anti-inflammatory and Hypocholesterolemic (cholesterol-lowering) effects.

Phenolic Compounds: Contribute to the overall Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory capacity, protecting against oxidative stress-related disorders.

5. Traditional and Ethnobotanical uses covering the Medicinal uses.

Madhumeha (Diabetes) & Medoroga (Lipid Disorders)

Formulation: Bark decoction (Kashayam).

Preparation & Use: A decoction made from the bark is consumed daily on an empty stomach to help manage blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

Reasoning: The flavonoids and phytosterols improve insulin sensitivity, reduce glucose absorption, and modulate lipid metabolism, aligning with itsHypoglycemic and Hypolipidemic actions.

Vrana (Wounds) & Twak Vikara (Skin Diseases)

Formulation: Latex application or bark paste.

Preparation & Use: The milky latex is applied directly to cuts, warts, and bruises to stop bleeding and promote healing. A paste of the bark is applied to inflamed skin conditions and boils.

Reasoning: The astringent tannins and anti-inflammatory compounds help contract tissues, reduce swelling, and form a protective layer over wounds.

Atisara (Diarrhea) & Raktapitta (Bleeding Disorders)

Formulation: Bark decoction or fruit powder.

Preparation & Use: A cold infusion or decoction of the bark is used to treat diarrhea and dysentery. The dried fruit powder is also used for similar purposes.

Reasoning: The high tannin content provides a strong Astringent effect, reducing intestinal secretions and calming the gut lining.

Shwas (Asthma) & Kasa (Cough)

Formulation: Fruit decoction with honey.

Preparation & Use: A decoction of the dried fruits (figs) is mixed with honey and consumed to relieve asthma, bronchitis, and chronic cough.

Reasoning: The fruit is believed to have mucolytic and bronchodilatory properties, helping to clear respiratory passages.

Peepal stem bark decoction for wound wash:

Bark is boiled in water and the volume of the decoction is reduced to half its original quantity. The decoction is let to cool till its lukewarm and then used to wash wounds; infected or otherwise for quick healing.

This decoction can also be used internally for hiccups, vomiting and gastrointestinal issues.

Tender leaf shoot paste for mouth ulcers:

Crushed tender shoots applied inside the mouth to relieve stomatitis.

Leaf juice combined with honey:

Used for diarrhea, asthma, cough, earache, toothache, migraine, gastric problems, and haematuria.

Powdered bark paste:

Used as an absorbent for inflammatory swellings, in burns and anal fistula.

Miscellaneous uses:

Dried and powdered fruits. Used for asthma therapy by oral consumption with water.

- Leaf powder with fennel seeds and jaggery: Used to relieve constipation.

- Bark decoction: Used for skin diseases, scabies, hiccup, vomiting, and gonorrhea.

- Fresh leaves tied on bleeding wounds: To immediately stop bleeding.

These preparations utilize various parts of the tree such as bark, leaves, tender shoots, fruit, and latex in traditional medicine for treating wounds, respiratory ailments, gastrointestinal and skin disorders, and infections

6. Healing recipes, Teas, Decoctions and Culinary use (if any):

The fruit is edible but not a major culinary item. Medicinal use is primary.

Diabetes & Cholesterol Management Decoction

Purpose: As an adjunct for managing blood sugar and lipid levels.

Preparation & Use:

• Take 1-2 teaspoons of dried, crushed Ashvattha bark.

• Boil in 2 cups of water until it reduces to 1 cup.

• Strain and drink ½ cup of this decoction in the morning on an empty stomach. Monitor blood parameters regularly.

Topical Latex for Warts

Purpose: To reduce and remove common warts.

Preparation & Use:

• Collect a drop of fresh latex from a leaf stalk or tender branch.

• Apply directly to the wart using a cotton swab, avoiding surrounding skin.

• Repeat daily for 1-2 weeks. May cause irritation.

Astringent Bark Paste for Boils

Purpose: To draw out infection and reduce inflammation in skin boils.

Preparation & Use:

• Grind a piece of the bark with a little water or rose water to make a paste.

• Apply a thick layer to the clean, affected area.

• Leave on for 30 minutes before washing off. Repeat twice daily.

7. Disclaimer:Ficus religiosa is generally safe when used in recommended medicinal doses. However, the latex can be a skin irritant for some individuals and should be used topically with caution. Internal use of the bark decoction for diabetes should not replace prescribed medication but may be used as supportive therapy under medical supervision. Due to its strong astringent property, excessive internal use may cause constipation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a practitioner before use. This information is for educational purposes only.

8. Reference Books, Books for In-depth Study:

• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu (specifically the Vatadi Varga)

• Dravyaguna Vijnana (Vol. II) by Dr. J.L.N. Sastry

• Indian Materia Medica by Dr. K.M. Nadkarni

• The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India

9. Further study: Plants that might interest you due to similar medicinal properties

1. Ficus benghalensis (Banyan, Vata)

• Species: Ficus benghalensis | Family: Moraceae | Genus: Ficus

• Similarities: A close relative with almost overlapping medicinal uses. Both have highly astringent bark used for diabetes, skin diseases, and leucorrhea. They are often mentioned together in scriptures and are considered sacred.

2. Gymnema sylvestre (Meshashringi, Gurmar)

• Species: Gymnema sylvestre | Family: Apocynaceae | Genus: Gymnema

• Similarities: Both are premier herbs for diabetes (Madhumeha) in Ayurveda. While Gymnema is famous for blocking sweet taste and sugar absorption, Ashvattha works on improving metabolism. They are often used in combination for a synergistic effect.

3. Terminalia arjuna (Arjuna)

• Species: Terminalia arjuna | Family: Combretaceae | Genus: Terminalia

• Similarities: Both are large, revered trees whose bark is the primary medicinal part. While Arjuna is specifically cardioprotective, and Ashvattha is antidiabetic, they share strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic properties, making them important for metabolic and vascular health.

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