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Importance and medicinal uses of wood apple

New Delhi: The role of trees and plants in India is not limited to the environment only, but many plants have been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times. Bel, called Bilva in Sanskrit and Wood Apple in English, is one such important plant. The National Medicinal Plants Board and the Ministry of AYUSH have shared information about the medicinal properties of Bael on social media platform X.

The scientific name of the vine in botany is Aegle marmelos, and it is part of the Raceae family. This tree is mainly considered to be native to India and South-East Asia. In India, it can be easily seen in dry forests and plains. Notably, the vine can thrive in a variety of climatic conditions and grows well even in less fertile soils.

Bael tree is a medium-sized deciduous tree, whose height can reach about 15 meters. Its leaves are trifoliate and have a mild fragrance. The flowers of the vine are greenish-white in color and fragrant. Its fruit is used in many traditional uses both raw and after drying.

Bael is recognized as an important medicinal plant in Ayurveda. Its fruits, leaves and roots are used in various traditional medicinal uses. In particular, Bael fruit is considered beneficial in problems to the digestive system. According to the National Medicinal Plants Board, it has anti-diarrheal, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. Furthermore, it has also been shown to have antibiotic and bronchodilator activities.

The religious and cultural significance of the vine is also deep. The tradition of offering Belpatra in the worship of Lord Shiva is centuries old. Thus, the Bael tree holds an important place in Indian tradition both from the medicinal as well as spiritual point of view.