Bilwa Uses in Ayurveda

Bilwa – sometimes called “Bilva” or “Bael Fruit” is one of the most frequently used plants in India and Ayurveda medicine.  Various parts of this tree native to India (stem, root, bark, leaves, fruit) are harvested and used in a variety of forms to address a number of ailments.  The Hindu culture considers this tree to be sacred and the fruit is regarded with similar honor, as well, often used in religious rituals.

The aromatic fruit is seemingly most valuable when it is just beginning to ripen.  The smooth, woody outer shell of the fruit is broken and the seeds removed.  Next, the pulp is removed and strained.  Sugar and milk may be added to the mixture to make consumption more pleasant.  While the fruit may be consumed fresh or in dried form -- in many cases, the fresh fruit pulp is used to make a “sherbat” or “sharbat” for people to eat.  If being harvested fresh, the juice is frequently strained and a sweetener added to make a liquid -- much like lemonade.  Dried fruit products are achieved by slicing and sun drying the slivers of fruit.  Later, they may be simmered in water.  Leaves from the tree are sometimes eaten as part of a salad.

Bilwa is considered as one of the best laxatives available.  Aside from having the ability to tone and clean the intestine, it is also an effective remedy for chronic diarrhea and dysentery. 

Unique to other fruits, Bael Fruit takes nearly 11 months to ripen and is about the size of a grapefruit.  Cracking the shell is not an easy task – and many doing the harvesting use a machete to complete this effort.  The fruit is described as having a taste similar to marmalade and a scent similar to roses.  Other names associated with this BIlwa or Bilva plant are Bel juice, Bel, wood apple, stone apple, Beli fruit, and Vilva marem.

Bilwa is credited with having the capability to help in the treatment of nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps and intestinal worms.  Ayurvedic medicine often references Bilwa as a specific remedy for coughs, dysentery and digestive disorders.

As with all herbal supplements, a doctor’s or herbalist’s involvement is strongly encouraged for those interested in adding Bilwa as part of a health regimen.  Specific parts of this plant may be more effective at addressing targeted ailments and require a different dosage than a counterpart.  Bilwa roots, for example are often prepared with ginger roots and toasted rice.  (A treatment for vomiting.)  Meanwhile the Bilwa leaves may simply be chewed or used to create a juice to address a fever or fatigue.  Worthy of note: the leaves are also sometimes considered an aphrodisiac. 

A medical professional can help determine what herbal form and dosage is best for a patient once reviewing their unique medical history and circumstances.