Let’s Know the Science (Native) — Terminalia Bellirica / Thanrikkai (Tamil)

In the last 2 posts we have looked at Tripala’s Gooseberry and Terminalia chebula in detail. In this article, we will see about their alliance Bellirica.

Bellirica is a tree species. It is more common in hilly areas and its bark and fruit are used in Siddha medicine. Terminalia Bellirica tree has a gigantic appearance. Can grow up to 120 feet. The circumference of the base of the stem can be up to 10 feet. Its leaves are used as fodder for livestock. It is an excellent fodder especially for milk production of dairy cows. It is widely grown in countries like India, Malaysia and Philippines. Yellow flowers bloom from March to May. Then spherical pods with five pits appear. Then it turns into gray fruits. This fruit cures the piles and control cold, diarrhea etc. Terminalia Bellirica has many medicinal properties. Used as a rare digestive stimulant. Due to its high vitamin F content in Bellirica, it can cure cough and asthma.

Bellirica has a bitter and sweet taste. During digestion it changes to sweet taste. Kapha soothes bile, expels stool, soothes the eyes, and promotes hair growth. The pods in its seeds are hypnotic.

Terminalia Bellirica tree wood is moisture resistant. It is used to make boats and agricultural equipments. The bark of this tree is used to dye textiles and leather goods.

Terminalia Bellirica has many names such as Amutham, Akkathan, Ambalathi, Aramam, Erikadbalam, Kandukhan, Aksham, Akantham, Kalithirumam, Satakam, Thapamari, Venthyam, Vidhyam, Vipeethakam, Kandhakadbalam, Tanikai. Bellirica is also called ‘Vibhitaki’’. It means that if you eat it daily, the disease will go away. All its parts like pod, fruit, leaf, seed have medicinal uses.

Medicinal Benefits of Terminalia Bellirica:

Relieves Throat Problems: It is an excellent remedy for hoarse & sore throat and cough. It is used as a remedy for hoarseness, to increase voice power, as a remedy for asthma, phlegm mixed with blood and common phlegm cough.

Relieves Stomach Problems: It helps to relieve physical ailments caused by diarrhea and indigestion.

Prevents heart attack: Take 2 pinches of its powder and mix it with honey to cure heart attack quickly.

Improves eyesight: As we get older, some people develop vision-related problems. If such people include the fruit in their daily diet, the eyesight will be clear.

Analgesic: The oil extracted from the leaves is used as an ointment to promote hair growth and as an ointment for pain in the hands and feet.

Cures many types of diseases: The fleshy part can cure hemorrhoids, hand and foot swelling, eye diseases and fever. Consuming its powder with honey cures chronic and dry cough and measles.

Heals Sores: Mixing water with the powder of its seeds and applying it on sores and wounds heals the sores. If you include its composition in your diet in some other way, it will give strength to your stomach

It is used topically on wounds and protects the skin from any disease due to its antiseptic properties

- Used to rejuvenate the scalp, promote healthy hair growth, and prevent hair fall.

- The fleshy part of the nut cures pain and inflammation.

- It is also used to remove worms in the stomach.

- Helps to repair bad cholesterol

- Strengthens the body.

- After roasting and powdering it, by mixing it with sugar equal to its weight and eating it daily in the morning with hot water will help us to cure toothache, gum diseases etc.

- It helps to strengthen the brain and reduce eye irritation. It helps to cure piles, leprosy, typhoid and fever and also the half-ripe fruit is used as a purgative.

Note: Remove the inner nut of the Bellirica and use only the outer skin for medicinal purposes.