I used to see this tree on my way to the neighbouring village. It was quite a non descriptive tree, with grey bark and gnarled trunk. It was only yesterday that my gardener told me that the Baheda tree was in full bloom.
The tree is festooned with light yellow flowers. It is beseiged by bees , clamouring for the nectar. There are scores of little birds too, feasting on the nectar.
The Baheda,
Bellarica myrabolan, is a native Indian tree, prized for its medicinal properties. The honey scentedd flowers are very attractive. Villagers think that this tree is inhabited by demons, and so they leave it undisturbed. The fruit of the Baheda is used in the Rasayana treatment by Ayurveda practitioners. It is also used for tanning.
I used to see this tree on my way to the neighbouring village. It was quite a non descriptive tree, with grey bark and gnarled trunk. It was only yesterday that my gardener told me that the Baheda tree was in full bloom.
The tree is festooned with light yellow flowers. It is beseiged by bees , clamouring for the nectar. There are scores of little birds too, feasting on the nectar.
The Baheda, Bellarica myrabolan, is a native Indian tree, prized for its medicinal properties. The honey scentedd flowers are very attractive. Villagers think that this tree is inhabited by demons, and so they leave it undisturbed. The fruit of the Baheda is used in the Rasayana treatment by Ayurveda practitioners. It is also used for tanning.
What a beautiful tree, and all the more wonderful when you know the cultural significance, uses and folklore. Do you know how cold hardy it is?
ReplyDeleteBeautiful and interesting to learn its history!
ReplyDeleteHad never heard of the tree before. Its medicinal qualities in particular sound interesting.
ReplyDeleteAyurveda in India has become a lost and corrupted science. If only some genuine, intelligent research could be carried out, we would have a safe answer to many medical evils.
Isn't it interesting that most of our native medicinal plants come attached to either divinity (as in the case of the Indian holy basil, Tulsi - Ocimum sanctum) or a demon to escape being vandalised by humans?
ReplyDelete@Lotusleaf: Thanks for the informative post with photos.
ReplyDelete@Green thumb: Ayurveda is still alive and well at least among those who are interested. Do join the Ayurveda mailing list at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ayurvedaonline/ where a wealth of information is being exchanged by some very reputed vaidyas. I enjoy reading these exchanges and learning a lot.
Hello Rainforest gardener! I don't think the plant is cold hardy.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Carol.
GT, I think Ayurveda is still being practised in its pure form in some places.
Shailaja, I too think it is a clever idea thought out by our ancestors to preserve those plants.
Gururaj< thanks for the address.
A very beautiful tree, I love hearing about the trees and plants that grow where you live.
ReplyDeleteThe flowers are very unique. Look like leaves from far. I have never seen one here yet.
ReplyDeleteI'm just starting to learn about the Indian Ayurvedic home remedies. Its fasnating to find that Baheda has very many powerful qualties to cure so many diseases.
ReplyDeleteI'm just starting to learn about the Indian Ayurvedic home remedies. Its fasnating to find that Baheda has very many powerful qualties to cure so many diseases.
ReplyDeletemay i know the name of baheda tree in urdu or punjabi bcos i could not found it in pakistan with this name. thnx
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeletethese trees are mind blowing I would like to visit and see directly can you guide me to this farm.
Thankyou
Hi, This is Siraaj from Chennai, I am interested on Baheda (vibhitaki) Tree.. Can you tell me where i can get it? In Chennai or Bangalore..???
ReplyDeleteThanks..
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