English Name: Bengal Quince, Bael fruit
Hindi Name: Bela, Sriphal, Bel
Sanskrit Name: Sriphala
Latin Name: Aegle marmelos Corr. Pennell
A spinous deciduous aromatic tree with trifoliate leaves and greenish-white flowers. It is commonly found in dry hilly areas of the country. Tree is also planted as an aveue tree near temples and in gardens. Fruit as well as bark of the tree are utilized in Ayurvedic system of health care.
Application
Bilva has been used extensively in the treatment of dysentery and diabetes. Dried fruit pulp is used traditionally in many parts of India in preparation of summer drinks, which helps overcome sunstrokes. It was observed that fruit pulp adsorbs the toxins produced by bacteria and other pathogens in the intestine thus helping in the treatment of dysentery. Bark has been reported to have beneficial effects in diabetes.
Chemical composition
Major components are γ-Fagarine, marmesin, marmin, umbelliferone,aeglin, aegelinoletc. The pulp of the fruit contains mucilage, pectin, sugar, tannic acid and a volatile oil. The wood ash contains potassium and sodium compounds, phosphates of lime and iron, calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, silica etc.
Effect on dosha
Pacifies kapha and vata
