The botanical name of Babool is Acacia nilotica and it belongs to Mimosaceae family. The other common names for Babool are Babul, Black babool and Indian gum Arabic tree. It is called Shimbi kul in Ayurveda. The herb is highly beneficial in Ayurveda.
Babool has various Ayurvedic properties as it is a kaph and pitta suppressant. It aids in blood clotting in hemorrhages and excessive bleeding. It is also used to cure fevers. Various other important uses of babool tree are discussed in this article.
Ayurvedic Properties of Babool
- Guna (Properties) — Dry and light
- Rasa (Taste) — Bitter and astringent
- Virya (Potency) — Cold
Babul Tree Uses
Pods, flower, bark, gum, roots and leaves are used to prepare various medicines. Uses of various parts are described below:
- Bark — It is used to treat bronchitis, asthma, meningitis, hypoglycemia and pneumonia. Bark decoction is used to cure leucorrhea. Bark of babul is also used as a substitute for soap.
- Gum — Gum of babool is used to cure sore throat, stop bleeding and also to cure vaginal and urinary discharge. Gum of babool is also used as a substitute for true gum Arabic.
- Pods — Babool pods are used to cure impotence and other urinogenital disorders.
- Flowers — Babool flowers, pods and gum resin are used to cure dysentery and diarrhea.
- Leaves — Leaves of Babool are eaten in infections of throat, its poultice is applied on sore eyes.
Various parts of Babool plant are used for hair fall. Paste of dried leaves are applied over sore eyes. Trunk paste is used to heal wounds. Burnt leaves are made into paste form and applied over itching area.
Babool Health Benefits
Babool is used to treat following ailments:
- Teeth problems
- Cough, cold and asthma
- Throat problems
- Diabetes
- Vaginal discharge
- Menstrual problems
- Diarrhea
- Dysentery
- Skin ailments
- Impotency
- Sore eyes
The above are some of the health benefits of Babool tree.