The Sacred Bael: Medicinal Benefits and Spiritual Significance

Overview

Bael/Bel/Bilva, scientifically called Aegle marmelos is the most sacred plant species indigenous to the Indian subcontinent and is of great importance in the Hindu culture. Bael is also known as the ‘Golden apple’ in the Indian subcontinent and has been used for millions of years since the Vedic era for various purposes including health benefits. [1]

Ayurvedic medicine is said to be one of the oldest and most comprehensive systems that promotes holistic approaches to healing and ultimate well-being. India probably possesses one of the most extensive plant-based medicinal traditions globally.

Bael In Historical Context

Of the 250,000 terrestrial species of plants on earth, Bael is the most treasured tree in the medicinal aspect. These are typically planted near the temple premises that are particularly dedicated to Lord Shiva. Bael is of immense importance in the ayurvedic medicine. The historical records mention that Bael has been used by people since over 500 B.C. and was known to humans during the time the great epic ‘Ramayana’ was written. [2]

According to the Charak Samhita, an important Ayurvedic literature Bael is a necessary component in Ayurvedic medicine and its all parts are of medicinal significance. Its leaves, fruits – ripe as well as unripe, bark, seeds, and roots are used in ayurvedic and traditional folk medicine for managing various issues. [2]

Health Benefits of Bael

Bael has an important place in traditional Ayurvedic medicine because of its several health benefits and vital role in balancing the doshas. Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa is a component of Dashamoola which means 10 root drugs used in various ayurvedic formulations. [3] [4]

1. Antioxidant Activity of Bael

Flavonoids and phenolic compounds present in Bael are potent antioxidants that neutralize free radicals preventing cellular damage and decreasing oxidative stress.
Ethanolic and Methanolic extracts of the fruit pulp of the plant specifically showed remarkable antioxidant activity.
Studies showed that the inhibitory activity of unripe fruit is particularly high. [3]

2. Antidiabetic activity of Bael

Bael extracts have been traditionally used for managing diabetes.
Compounds present in the leaves of the plant delay the absorption of glucose controlling glucose spikes
Leaf extracts have shown improvement in insulin sensitivity, and are beneficial for the management of hyperglycemia
The juice from ripe bael fruit helps reduce blood sugar levels because of its bitter flavor [5]

3. Digestive Health

Bael is exceptionally good for several disorders related to digestive issues including acidity, constipation, indigestion, and gas
The high fiber content in bael promotes regular bowel movements and improves digestive function
Bael is useful in curing intestinal ulcers and has been proven to be effective in the treatment of rectum inflammation, piles, and gastrointestinal disorders. [5]

4. Heart Health

Consumption of Bael leaves has been associated with improved heart health
It helps lower cholesterol levels which is important for maintaining the health of arteries
The leaves of bael are believed to reduce blood pressure and improve blood circulation in the body [5]
Further the presence of optimal antioxidants also boosts heart function reducing the risks of strokes

5. Nutritional components and Immune function of Bael

Bael is highly nutritious with a variety of benefits including immunity-boosting properties
It is rich in essential vitamins and minerals such as vitamins B1, B2, B3, and C, calcium, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, and iron
Macronutrients including dietary fiber, proteins, amino acids, fats, and carbohydrates are also present in parts of plants
Antioxidants such as phenolic compounds, flavonoids, and other bioactive compounds make it a remarkable source of health benefits. [6]

Each part of bilwa plant is useful in its unique way Acharya Kaidev explains in his nighantu stating

• Leaves पत्रम संग्रहि वातजित - Its leaves are absorbent and are useful in the treatment of diarrhea.
• Unripe fruit अग्नि पित्तकृत - Its unripe fruit improves digestion and balances pitta dosha.
• Root वमी शूलघ्नी - Its root powder is used in curing vomiting and abdominal colicky pain.
• Stem अमावतघ्न - Its stem is used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
• Flower अतिसार तृषा वमि जी - Its flower is useful in the treatment of diarrhea, excessive thirst, and vomiting.

Dr. Sakshi Kaushik BAMS, MD, Delhi

Spiritual Significance Of Bael

Bael is called Shiva Druma.

The bilva leaves are offered to Lord Shiva, where the three leaves symbolize – offering ‘I,’ ‘mine,’ and ‘because of me’ an ego-fueled attitude at the feet of Lord Shiva.
While some sources say that the trifoliate leaves of Bael represent Shiva’s three eyes, some sources mention it as a holy trinity – Bramha, Vishnu, and Mahesh. Hence it is the most important offering for Shiva worship particularly in the months of Shravan. It is usually offered to Shiva Lingam with water.

According to Skanda Purana, the bael tree arose from the sweat drops of goddess Parvati on Mandrachal Parvat (mountain) during the episode of churning of the ocean.

This association gives the tree a sacred significance, symbolising the divine femininity in the Shiva worship.

Offering bilva patra is believed to cleanse the devotee and gain Shiva’s blessings. The ‘Bilvashtakam’ a composition by Adi Shankaracharya, underscores the importance of presenting bilva patra to Shiva.

Conclusion

All in all, Bilva holds immense importance in spiritual as well as medicinal Indian traditions. The sacred plant offers myriad health benefits from antidiabetic to digestive to heart health and almost everything in between. This ancient wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine and spiritual importance has been passed down to us through ancient scriptures, stories, and other literature. These materials are highly crucial as they equip us with time-tested wisdom necessary for our growth. This highlights the importance of preserving our ancestral legacy, and ancient traditions which provide valuable knowledge for our betterment of health and spiritual growth.

ॐ नमः शिवाय