Bad (Vat Vriksha) Powder Ficus bengalensis & Achyranthes aspera – The Ayurvedic Pure Herb (50 Gm)

🌳 VAT VRIKSHA (Ficus benghalensis Linn.)

Common Name: Banyan Tree
Family: Moraceae
Part Used: Bark, Root bark, Aerial roots, Latex, Fruits

1. Synonyms

Sanskrit Names:
वटः (Vataḥ), रक्तफलः (Raktaphalaḥ), शृङ्गी (Śṛṅgī), न्यग्रोधः (Nyagrodhaḥ),
स्कन्धजः (Skandhajaḥ), ध्रुवः (Dhruvaḥ), क्षीरी (Kṣīrī),
वैश्रवणावासः (Vaiśravaṇāvāsaḥ), बहुपादः (Bahupādaḥ), वनस्पतिः (Vanaspatiḥ)

Etymological Meanings:

• वटः – “Vatayati” – surrounds other trees with its roots.
• रक्तफलः – bears red fruits.
• शृङ्गी – having horn-like projections (leaf buds).
• न्यग्रोधः – sends down roots from above that grow downward.
• ध्रुवः – ever-lasting or firm.
• क्षीरी – latex-bearing.
• बहुपादः – possessing numerous roots.
• वनस्पतिः – ruler or lord of the forest.

2. Regional Names

3. Botanical Description

Botanical Name: Ficus benghalensis Linn.
Family: Moraceae

A large, spreading evergreen tree known for its extensive network of aerial roots that grow into subsidiary trunks, giving it a majestic and sacred appearance.

• Height: Up to 100 feet or more.
• Trunk: Massive, with many aerial roots developing into accessory stems.
• Leaves: 4–8 inches long, thick, leathery (coriaceous), ovate to elliptic, with a rounded or sub-cordate base.
• Fruits: Sessile, in pairs, round, scarlet red when ripe, about 1–1.5 cm in diameter.
• Latex: White, milky, sticky, present in all parts.

Habitat:
Common throughout India; grows epiphytically in young stage on other trees, old buildings, and walls. Thrives in warm tropical regions.

Varieties:

• Ficus krishnae (with cup-shaped leaf bases, known as Krishna Vata).
• Ficus benghalensis var. thonningii – sometimes used synonymously in tropical zones.

Cultural Note:
Revered as sacred in India and considered the abode of Lord Vishnu and Kubera (Vaiśravaṇa). Cutting or harming the tree is traditionally considered sinful.

4. Chemical Constituents

Identified Phytochemicals:

• Leaves: Quercetin-3-galactoside, Rutin, Friedelin, β-Sitosterol.
• Bark: Leucoanthocyanin, Flavonoids (Bengalenoside, Leucocyanidin derivatives).
• Heartwood: Tiglic acid ester of γ-Taraxasterol.
• Fruit: Dietary fibres, lignin, phytosterols, flavonoids.
• Roots: Phytosterolin (hypoglycemic compound).

Pharmacological Activities:

• Antidiabetic
• Antitumor
• Antibacterial
• Hypocholesterolemic
• Anti-inflammatory
• Antioxidant

Research Highlights:

• Fruit fibre lowers serum cholesterol in rats.
• Aerial root extract reduces blood sugar significantly (81% equivalent to Tolbutamide).
• Bark extract reduces serum cholesterol and blood urea levels.
• Bengalenoside (isolated flavonoid) shows strong hypoglycemic action with low toxicity.

5. Properties and Therapeutic Uses

Ayurvedic Properties

Classical References

• Charaka Samhita: Mentioned in Mutrasangrahaniya Mahakashaya (urine-retaining herbs) and Kashayaskandha.
• Sushruta Samhita: Included in Nyagrodhadi Gana (group of astringent herbs).

Therapeutic Actions

• Vrana ropaka – Heals wounds and ulcers
• Prameha hara – Controls diabetes mellitus
• Shothahara – Reduces swelling and inflammation
• Raktapitta nashaka – Checks bleeding disorders
• Varnya – Improves complexion
• Stambhaka – Astringent, arrests excessive secretions
• Vrishya – Aphrodisiac, promotes semen health
• Yoni roga hara – Relieves gynecological disorders

Medicinal Uses

• Latex:
• Applied externally for pain, bruises, rheumatism, cracked heels, and toothache.
• Acts as an anodyne and healing agent.
• Bark Decoction:
• Used in diarrhoea, dysentery, and excessive urination (polyuria).
• Helpful in diabetes mellitus and urinary disorders.
• Root Bark:
• Reduces blood sugar; used in diabetic conditions.
• Aerial Roots:
• Used as antiemetic, in vomiting and skin diseases.
• Fruits:
• Nutritive, rich in fibre; used in cholesterol control.
• Bark Juice with Fruit Paste:
• Acts as aphrodisiac and in spermatorrhoea.
• Modern Pharmacology
• Antidiabetic activity: Attributed to bengalenoside and leucopelargonidin.
• Antioxidant & cardioprotective: Due to flavonoid glycosides.
• Anti-inflammatory: Supports joint pain and arthritis relief.
• 6. Dose
  Powder (Churna)    3–6 g    With honey or milk

⚠️ Caution: Excessive intake may cause constipation due to strong astringency.
Safe for long-term use under Ayurvedic guidance.

Summary

Vat Vriksha (Ficus benghalensis) is a sacred and medicinal giant of Ayurveda — symbolizing stability and longevity. Its bark, roots, and latex are revered for astringent, cooling, and healing properties. Renowned as a natural antidiabetic, wound healer, and rejuvenator, it supports urinary health, skin vitality, and blood sugar balance.

🌿 A divine tree that sustains life, health, and spiritual purity — truly a “Vanaspati Raja” (King of Forest Trees).