Aswatha

Description

Ficus religiosa, or the sacred fig/Peepal tree, is a large, fast-growing tree native to India that can reach up to 30 meters in height. It is characterized by its large, leathery, heart-shaped leaves with a distinct tail-like drip tip, a pale, often buttressed trunk, and small, rounded, purplish figs that grow in pairs. The tree is culturally significant to Hindus and Buddhists, used in traditional medicine for various ailments, and is important for its shade and role as a host for lac insects.

Useful Parts

Bark, fruit, latex, tender shoot

Benefits

Urinary System Diuretic → Promotes urine flow and supports renal clearance. Anti-urolithic → Helps in preventing stone formation by reducing urinary crystallization. Immune System Immunomodulatory → Balances immune response by regulating cytokines and enhancing lymphocyte activity. Respiratory System Anti-asthmatic → Relieves bronchospasm and eases breathing difficulties. Expectorant → Promotes expulsion of mucus, improving airway clearance. Musculoskeletal System Anti-inflammatory → Reduces swelling and tissue inflammation by suppressing inflammatory mediators. Analgesic → Provides pain relief through central and peripheral pathways. Anti-arthritic → Alleviates joint pain and stiffness. Hepatic System (Liver) Hepatoprotective → Shields liver cells against toxin-induced damage. Cardiovascular System Cardioprotective → Improves lipid profile and reduces oxidative stress on cardiac tissue. Antidiabetic → Lowers blood sugar by enhancing insulin sensitivity. General / Multi-systemic Antioxidant → Neutralizes free radicals, protecting against oxidative damage. Antimicrobial → Inhibits bacterial and fungal growth. Wound Healing → Accelerates repair by enhancing collagen deposition and tissue regeneration. Antipyretic → Reduces fever by acting on thermoregulatory pathways.

Pharmacological Action

Astringent, cooling, Aphrodisiacs.

Rasapancakam

Rasa: Kashaya, Madhura

Guna: Guru, Ruksha

Virya: Sita

Vipaka: Katu

Dosha Karma: Pittakapha shamaka