English Name: Indian Gum Arabic
Hindi Name: Babula, Babura, Kikar
Sanskrit Name: Bavari, Kinkirata
Latin Name: Acacia arabica Willd Pennell
A medium sized tree with a short trunk and spreading crown growing throughout the drier regions of India, more particularly in southern and southwestern parts of the country. Bark of the tree is used medicinally.
Application
Babul bark finds its primary applications in oral & dental hygiene, burn injuries and in the management of skin diseases. Being an astringent agent, twigs of Babula have been used in India as natural toothbrushes. Such use has been time-tested approach in prevention of bleeding gums. In burn injuries, use of Babula bark powder has been a trusted remedy. It is believed that, Babula hastens the healing process of burn injuries and minimizes the scar formation. Decoction prepared out of Babul bark is employed for cleansing infected wounds. Internal use of Babula is recommended in treatment of skin diseases.
Chemical composition
Gum of the tree contains calcium, magnesium and potassium, malic acid, sugar. Bark and pods contain a large quantity of tannins.
Effect on dosha
Bark pacifies Kapha and Pitta. The gum resin pacifies.
