Baheda
Baheda
Baheda is known as “Bibhitaki” in Sanskrit which means “The one that keeps away from diseases”. It is one of the main constituents of “Triphala” which is used for management of common cold, pharyngitis and constipation.
All parts of this plant are used for medicinal purposes especially the dried fruit. The fruits of Baheda are astringent (bitter) and acrid (sour) in taste.
It possesses digestive, anthelmintic (works against parasitic worms), laxative, expectorant and rejuvenating properties. The seeds of Baheda are used as an aphrodisiac (that increases sexual desire). Oil extract from the seed pulp is used in leucoderma (loss of skin colour), alopecia (sudden hair loss) and also shows laxative property[1][2].
All parts of this plant are used for medicinal purposes especially the dried fruit. The fruits of Baheda are astringent (bitter) and acrid (sour) in taste.
It possesses digestive, anthelmintic (works against parasitic worms), laxative, expectorant and rejuvenating properties. The seeds of Baheda are used as an aphrodisiac (that increases sexual desire). Oil extract from the seed pulp is used in leucoderma (loss of skin colour), alopecia (sudden hair loss) and also shows laxative property[1][2].
What are the synonyms of Baheda?
Terminalia bellirica, Vibhita, Akaa, Aksaka, Bhomora, Bhomra, Bhaira, Bayada, Beleric Myrobalan, Bahedan, Bahera, Tare kai, Shanti Kayi, Babelo, Balali, Tannikka, Bahera, Thanrikkai, Thanikkay, Bibhitaki
What is the source of Baheda?
Plant Based
Benefits of Baheda
FAQs about Baheda benefits
1. Cough and Cold
Baheda is an effective herb in managing cough and cold. Baheda controls cough, releases mucus, clears air passages, thus allowing the patient to breathe freely. This is due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Mix it with honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat daily till you do not get relief from the symptoms of cough and cold.
2. Constipation
Baheda is one of the most important herbs which is used to relieve constipation. This is because of its Rechana (laxative) property. It gives soothing and lubricating effect on the gastroenteric tract and helps in easy expulsion of stool.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda Powder.
b. Swallow it with warm water at night before sleeping.
c. Repeat daily to manage constipation.
3. Loss of appetite and bloating
Baheda helps to manage loss of appetite, thirst, bloating and flatulence. This is due to its Ushna (hot) potency. Baheda enhances the Pachak Agni (digestive fire) which helps in digesting the food easily. It also helps to manage constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda Powder.
b. Swallow it with mild hot water after taking lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat this daily to manage digestive problems.
4. Weight Loss
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in excessive weight or obesity. Baheda is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama by increasing the digestive fire. This is because of its Ushna (hot) potency. It also removes accumulated waste products in the intestine due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Swallow it with mild hot water after taking lunch and dinner.
5. Weak Immunity
Baheda helps to increase immunity and promote longevity due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. It helps to fight against infections in the body and prevent recurrent seasonal infections.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Mix with honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat daily to boost immunity.
Baheda is an effective herb in managing cough and cold. Baheda controls cough, releases mucus, clears air passages, thus allowing the patient to breathe freely. This is due to its Kapha balancing property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Mix it with honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat daily till you do not get relief from the symptoms of cough and cold.
2. Constipation
Baheda is one of the most important herbs which is used to relieve constipation. This is because of its Rechana (laxative) property. It gives soothing and lubricating effect on the gastroenteric tract and helps in easy expulsion of stool.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda Powder.
b. Swallow it with warm water at night before sleeping.
c. Repeat daily to manage constipation.
3. Loss of appetite and bloating
Baheda helps to manage loss of appetite, thirst, bloating and flatulence. This is due to its Ushna (hot) potency. Baheda enhances the Pachak Agni (digestive fire) which helps in digesting the food easily. It also helps to manage constipation due to its Rechana (laxative) nature.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda Powder.
b. Swallow it with mild hot water after taking lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat this daily to manage digestive problems.
4. Weight Loss
An increase in weight is due to unhealthy food habits and lifestyle which leads to a weak digestive fire. This increases accumulation of Ama causing an imbalance in Meda dhatu and thus resulting in excessive weight or obesity. Baheda is useful to control obesity as it helps improve metabolism and reduce Ama by increasing the digestive fire. This is because of its Ushna (hot) potency. It also removes accumulated waste products in the intestine due to its Rechana (laxative) property.
Tips:
a. Take 1/2- 1 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Swallow it with mild hot water after taking lunch and dinner.
5. Weak Immunity
Baheda helps to increase immunity and promote longevity due to its Rasayana (rejuvenating) property. It helps to fight against infections in the body and prevent recurrent seasonal infections.
Tips:
a. Take 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of Baheda powder.
b. Mix with honey and have it after lunch and dinner.
c. Repeat daily to boost immunity.
Precautions when using Baheda
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
1. Consult your doctor while taking Baheda if you have diarrhea or loose motion.
2. Consult your doctor while taking Baheda if you have hyperacidity or gastritis due to its hot potency.
2. Consult your doctor while taking Baheda if you have hyperacidity or gastritis due to its hot potency.
Breastfeeding
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Baheda during Breastfeeding.
Patients with diabetes
Ayurvedic View
Baheda may lower blood sugar level, so it is generally advised to monitor your blood sugar level while using Baheda along with antidiabetic medicines.
Pregnancy
Ayurvedic View
Consult your doctor before taking Baheda during pregnancy.
Recommended Dosage of Baheda
- Baheda Churna - ¼ to ½ teaspoon twice a day
- Baheda Capsule - 1-2 capsule twice a day
How to use Baheda
1. Baheda Pulp
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Baheda pulp.
b. Take it with water or honey twice a day after taking lunch and dinner.
2. Baheda Churna
a. Take ½ teaspoon of Baheda Churna.
b. Swallow it with warm water for digestion or honey for cough twice a day after meals.
3. Baheda Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Baheda Capsules.
b. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner.
a. Take ½-1 teaspoon of Baheda pulp.
b. Take it with water or honey twice a day after taking lunch and dinner.
2. Baheda Churna
a. Take ½ teaspoon of Baheda Churna.
b. Swallow it with warm water for digestion or honey for cough twice a day after meals.
3. Baheda Capsule
a. Take 1-2 Baheda Capsules.
b. Swallow it with water or honey after taking lunch and dinner.
Benefits of Baheda
FAQs about Baheda benefits
1. Acne and Acne Scars
Baheda fruit has antibacterial properties which makes it effective for controlling acne and acne scars. This is due to it's Kashaya (astringent) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon Baheda fruit powder.
b. Add rose water to make a paste and apply on the affected area.
c. Wait for 2-3 hours and then wash with tap water.
d. Repeat this 2-3 times a week to control acne and acne- scars.
2. Hair Loss and Dandruff
Baheda helps in promoting hair growth and controls dandruff. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) and Ruksha (dry) properties. It helps remove excess oil and keeps the scalp dry to prevent the growth of dandruff. Baheda also has unique Keshya (hair growth enhancer) property that boosts hair growth resulting in thick and healthy hair.
Tips:
a. Take Baheda fruit powder.
b. Add rose water or honey and make a paste.
c. Apply to hair and scalp.
d. Wait for 2-3 hours and then wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Repeat this twice a week to control dandruff and to promote natural hair growth
3. Wound
Baheda oil helps in quick healing of wound and skin injury due to its Ropan (healing) quality. Baheda oil also prevents secondary infection in the body.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 drops of Baheda oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the affected area for quick wound healing.
Baheda fruit has antibacterial properties which makes it effective for controlling acne and acne scars. This is due to it's Kashaya (astringent) and Rasayana (rejuvenating) properties.
Tips:
a. Take ½ - 1 teaspoon Baheda fruit powder.
b. Add rose water to make a paste and apply on the affected area.
c. Wait for 2-3 hours and then wash with tap water.
d. Repeat this 2-3 times a week to control acne and acne- scars.
2. Hair Loss and Dandruff
Baheda helps in promoting hair growth and controls dandruff. This is because of its Kashaya (astringent) and Ruksha (dry) properties. It helps remove excess oil and keeps the scalp dry to prevent the growth of dandruff. Baheda also has unique Keshya (hair growth enhancer) property that boosts hair growth resulting in thick and healthy hair.
Tips:
a. Take Baheda fruit powder.
b. Add rose water or honey and make a paste.
c. Apply to hair and scalp.
d. Wait for 2-3 hours and then wash thoroughly with tap water.
e. Repeat this twice a week to control dandruff and to promote natural hair growth
3. Wound
Baheda oil helps in quick healing of wound and skin injury due to its Ropan (healing) quality. Baheda oil also prevents secondary infection in the body.
Tips:
a. Take 2-3 drops of Baheda oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the affected area for quick wound healing.
Precautions when using Baheda
Advice from Experts
Ayurvedic View
Consult any doctor before applying the paste of Baheda fruit on eyelids in case of eye disease due to its hot potency.
Allergy
Ayurvedic View
Use a paste of Baheda fruit with coconut oil or rose water as it may cause hypersensitivity due to its hot potency.
Recommended Dosage of Baheda
- Baheda Oil - 2-5 drops or as per your requirement
- Baheda Powder - ½ to 1 teaspoon or as per your requirement
How to use Baheda
1. Baheda Powder
a. Take the fruit Powder of Baheda.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the affected area.
c. Let it to sit for 2-3 hours and then wash thoroughly with tap water.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day for effective relief from swelling and inflammation.
2. Baheda Oil
a. Take 2-3 drops of Baheda oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the scalp thrice a week.
c. Use this oil on the regular basis as it is extremely nutritive and strengthens the growth.
a. Take the fruit Powder of Baheda.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the affected area.
c. Let it to sit for 2-3 hours and then wash thoroughly with tap water.
d. Use this remedy 1-2 times a day for effective relief from swelling and inflammation.
2. Baheda Oil
a. Take 2-3 drops of Baheda oil.
b. Add coconut oil to it and apply on the scalp thrice a week.
c. Use this oil on the regular basis as it is extremely nutritive and strengthens the growth.
Frequently asked questions
Modern Science View
Yes, Baheda Powder is easily available in the market under various brands and the price ranges from Rs 50- 100 per 100 gms. You can choose the brand according to your liking and requirement.
Modern Science View
Baheda Powder has an approximate shelf life of 2 years. The container should be airtight. Store it in a cool and dry place preferably at the room temperature.
Modern Science View
Baheda may cause drowsiness, dizziness, hypotension or a headache as side-effects in some peoples so it may not be safe to drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery. One should not drive a vehicle if using the medicine makes you drowsy, dizzy or lowers your blood-pressure extensively. Consult your doctor for before taking Baheda if you have any illness[3].
Modern Science View
Yes, Baheda may be useful in increasing immunity. Baheda has immunomodulatory activity due to which it increases the production and activity of white blood cells[2][4].
Modern Science View
Yes, Baheda may be useful in managing typhoid fever. Consuming Baheda on a regular basis removes typhoid-causing bacteria (S. typhimurium) from the liver. This helps in the prevention of infection. Baheda also has antipyretic property due to which it prevents an increase in body temperature[2][6].
Modern Science View
Yes, Baheda may be useful in promoting wound healing. It contains certain components that reduce the size of the wound and increase the rate of wound closure[2][5].
Modern Science View
Although enough scientific evidence is not available, Baheda may be useful in promoting hair growth as well as preventing hair loss[7][8].
References
- Motamarri SN, Karthikeyan M, Kannan M.Terminalia belerica .Roxb-A phytopharmacological Review.International Journal of Research in Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences.2012;3(1):96-99.
- Deb A, Barua S, Das B.Pharmacological activities of Baheda (Terminalia bellerica): A review.Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry.2016; 5(1): 194-197.
- Kadian R, Parle M, Yadav M. Therapeutic potential and phytopharmacology of Terminalia belerica.World J Pharm Pharm Sci.2014;3(10):804-819.
- Saraphanchotiwitthaya A, Sripalakit P, Ingkaninan K.Effects of Terminalia bellerica Roxb. methanolic extract on mouse immune response in vitro.Mj. Int. J. Sci. Tech. 2008, 2(02), 400-407.
- Choudhary GP.Wound healing activity of the ethanol extract of Terminalia bellirica Roxb. fruits.Natural Product Radiance.2008;7(1):19-21.
- Khan KH, Jain SK.Regular intake of Terminalia chebula can reduce the risk of getting typhoid fever.Advanced Biotech.2009;8(9):1-5.
- Nithya Devi P, Kaleeswari S, Poonkothai M.Antimicrobial activity and phytochemical analysis of fruit extracts of Terminalia Bellerica.Int J Pharm Pharm Sci.2014;6(5):639-642.
- Md. Mahabub Nawaz AH, Hossain M, Karim M et al.An ethnobotanical survey of Rajshahi district in Rajshahi division, Bangladesh.Am J Sustain Agric.2009;3(2):143-150.
Disclaimer
The content is purely informative and educational in nature and should not be construed as medical advice. Please use the content only in consultation with an appropriate certified medical or healthcare professional.