Bahera Chilka - Terminalia Bellirica

Baheda, or Bibhitaki, is a classical ayurvedic ingredient that is extremely beneficial in relieving respiratory anomalies while balancing all three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and nourishing the dhatus within the body. It is famous as one of the three rejuvenating dry fruits that comprise the miraculous Triphala formulation.

The name Bibhitaki or Vibheetaki is made up of two words: 'Vibheeta' means 'absence of dread,' and 'ki' means 'fruit.'
So, the name of this herbal element indicates ‘the fruit which takes away fear of diseases’ since it is recognised as the ultimate therapy for most health problems.
It is an essential component of the mystical Triphala churna, which is made up of dried fruits of Amalaki (Emblica Officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia Chebula), and Bibhitaki (Terminalia Bellirica) in perfect proportions, giving extraordinary medicinal capabilities.

Baheda is a deciduous tree with a roundish-oval crown that can reach a height of 12-50 metres and a diameter of 3 metres.
It has a buttressed trunk at the base and branches up to 20 metres long.
The bark is normally 10-20 mm thick, bluish or ashey-grey in colour, and covered in fine longitudinal fractures and yellowish inner markings.
This tree's leaves are huge, globous, and elliptic, and they are alternately arranged on the twigs and grouped near the ends of the branches.
Flowers are simple and solitary, white or yellow in colour, and have a rich honey-like odour.

The upper half of the blooms on the baheda tree are male, while the lower section blossoms are either bisexual or female.
Fruits are often drupes, grey in colour and ovoid in shape, with minute pale pubescence surrounding one rocky hard seed within.
The fruits resemble those of haritaki but lack longitudinal ridges.

Baheda Powder/Baheda Churna

It is a traditional herbal blend made from dried deseeded Terminalia belerica fruits.
It is particularly effective in treating respiratory infections, recurring fever, constipation, ulcers, haemorrhoids, and other conditions.

Method for Baheda Fruits:

Remove the seeds from the fruits and dry them in direct sunshine for 1-2 weeks, or until they are hard and dry.

To powder the dried fruits, use a grinder.

Allow the powder to air dry for 2-3 days, or until no moisture particles remain.

To eliminate any impurities or solid particles, pass the churna or powder through sieve no. 100.

For future usage, store them in airtight containers.

Dosage:

1/2 - 1 gram steeped in warm water with a tsp of honey for adults, or as instructed by a healthcare provider or ayurvedic practitioner.

Baheda's Therapeutic Benefits Improve Digestion

Because of the dried fruit of Baheda's powerful digestive characteristics, it actively aids in the breakdown of food particles in the stomach and intestine, triggers the release of digestive juices, and so increases the absorption of critical nutrients through the intestines.
It not only aids in the elimination of abdominal gas while lowering abdominal distension, bloating, and gaseous cramps, but it also plays an important role in the treatment of a variety of gastrointestinal irregularities.

Constipation relief

Ayurveda, a centuries-old discipline, highly encourages the use of Baheda in the treatment of constipation, whether in its entire fruit or dry powder form.
It increases bile secretion by the liver, which affects on the peristalsis movement of the intestines and liver, enabling for the easy passage of faecal matter from the large intestine.
Baheda's laxative property is critical in reducing mucus and excess fat content in the faeces and preventing them from sticking to the intestinal walls, allowing for easier passage.

Improves Immunity

Baheda provides multiple folk treatments for enhancing the immune system, fighting microorganisms, and protecting the body from various infections due to the abundance of antioxidants and bioactive components.
It also has significant anti-bacterial, anti-viral, and antifungal qualities, making it incredibly useful in avoiding infections and improving general health and wellness.

Improves Cardiac Function

Baheda's potent cardiotonic qualities are crucial in the treatment of a variety of heart abnormalities.
Dried fruit powder has high expectorant, aphrodisiac, and purgative qualities.
This powder has a high impact on heart muscle strength, lowering cholesterol levels in the blood, and preventing lipid build-up, which minimises the risk of atherosclerosis, heart blocks, heart attacks, blood clots, and other conditions.

Wounds and Ulcers are treated.

Baheda's anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer characteristics are extremely important in the treatment of various ulcers such as ulcerative colitis, peptic ulcers, canker sores, and mouth ulcers, among others.
The bioactive chemicals in the fruit powder actively promote tissue regeneration and wound healing, and the oil collected from the seeds is also utilised for wound dressing.

Pain And Inflammation Treatments

Baheda provides relief from pain and inflammation produced by many forms of arthritis due to its richness of anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic qualities.
Rheumatoid arthritis, also known as Amavata in Ayurveda, is caused by Vata dosha vitiation and Ama aggregation in the joints.
The powder made from Baheda fruits not only relieves Amavata but also reduces burning sensations in many sections of the body.

Controls Diabetes

Sedentary lifestyles, bad diets, a lack of play time, and inherited factors are some of the recent causes of diabetes.
This wonderful fruit has powerful anti-diabetic properties that help to regulate blood sugar levels in the body.
When the fruit powder or juice is consumed, the -pancreatic cells, which aid in the synthesis of insulin, become exceedingly active.
It also aids in the reduction of starch breakdown into glucose, resulting in low blood glucose levels in the body and maintaining a balanced diabetic reading.

Enhances Cognitive Function

Baheda's powerful adaptogenic and brain-boosting characteristics make it a traditional cure for improving brain function.
The presence of bioactive components slows the breakdown of brain chemicals required for memory, hence improving an individual's concentration, memory capacity, focus, tranquillity, and alertness.
Baheda formulations have been shown to increase memory, thinking, problem-solving, and other cognitive capacities as a brain tonic and stimulant.

Treats Respiratory Issues

Baheda, which is rich in expectorant, anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic characteristics, is useful in treating a variety of respiratory ailments such as common cold, sore throat, cough, and flu symptoms.
When Baheda powder is consumed, the accumulation of phlegm particles in the nasal tube and chest is easily cleared.
It is also useful in the treatment of bronchitis and asthmatic disorders.

Fever Treatment with Baheda

Baheda, which has powerful anti-parasitic and anti-pyretic properties, is used to treat several types of fever.
Traditionally used to treat a variety of infectious illnesses, the seed oil and powder lower body temperature and inhibit microbe proliferation, preventing infection within the body from worsening.

Anorexia Nervosa Baheda

Anorexia nervosa is an eating disorder in which a person starves themselves.