Bel Patta - Bel Patra - Bilva Bel Leaf - Aegle Marmelos

Bel patra is a plant also known as bilva patra in Sanskrit. The word ‘bilva’ means the bel tree and ‘patra’ means leaf. The plant, bel patra, also includes the bel fruit, which comes with a hard shell and tastes a little tangy. There are various names and pronunciations of bel patra depending on the region you belong to in India. The plant has a cultural, social, and therapeutic value.

It might also interest you to know about the diverse uses of bel patra - as a medicine, a face pack for curing skin problems, or as a refreshment consumed during summers.

1) Medicinal importance of bel patra:

a) Bel patra has very unique medicinal benefits. Its fruit is a rich source of vitamins and minerals that includes Vitamin C, Vitamin A, riboflavin, calcium, potassium, fiber, Vitamin B1, B6, and B12 - that is required for the overall growth and development of the body.

b) According to Ayurveda, there are three doshas - Vatta, Pitta and Kapha, and the consumption of bel patra helps in balancing all the three doshas.

c) Bel fruit contains antioxidants and has laxative properties that help cure stomach-related diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting; it also strengthens the digestive system.

d) Consumption of bel patra helps control lifestyle diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, heart problems, and cholesterol.

2) Bel patra benefits for skin:

a) If you suffer from odor troubles due to excess perspiration or rashes on the skin, then applying the mixture of bel patra for a few days will help reduce body odor.

b) Eating or drinking the juice of bel patra can help solve the problem of hair fall and smoothen rough and dry hair.

c) The mixture of bel patra helps remove white spots on the skin that may develop as a side effect of medicine.