funpics

Banyan (Bat), Its Uses and Benefits
Characteristics
How it looks - It is a very large tree with widely spreading branches having typical aerial roots-prop roots. The bark is greenish 'white and the fruit, contained in red, fleshy receptacles.

What we use - Aerial root, bark, leaves, buds, fruit, latex.

What it does - Astringent, refrigerant, anodyne, depurative, anti-inflammatory, styptic, antiarthritic, antidiarrhoeal, anti-emetic, tonic.

Herbal Medicines for the Cure of Common Disorders
In sterility in women - Powder the dry roots finely and store. Take a tsp of this powder with half a glass of cow's milk at bedtime, for at least 3 menstrual cycles.

In white discharge and vomiting - Make a decoction of the aerial roots and consume half a glass twice a day.

In skin disorders - Whether it is burning sensation, scars, abscesses or ulcers, the banyan has an answer. Paste banyan and peepal bark in coconut milk and apply on the affected areas to prevent scars and heal ulcers.

In diarrhoea and dysentery - Soak the buds of the banyan tree in water overnight and take the infusion every morning until diarrhoea is controlled.

In bleeding piles - Mix a few drops of the milky latex of the banyan tree in milk and take daily to cure bleeding piles.

In painful joints - The milky juice from the banyan tree is good to massage aching joints with, as it relieves swelhng and rheumatic pain.

Tooth care - The aerial roots of the banyan make for effective toothbrushes, owing to the astringent secretions from the stick which is to be chewed while brushing.

Hair growth - Powder equal quantities of the aerial roots of banyan and lime skin. Boil the powder in coconut oil and store. This oil promotes hair growth and leaves hair with a fine sheen.

In baldness - Powder the aerial roots of banyan and lotus roots and use the same way as above. This preparation irritates the bald scalp and stimulates hair growth.





Betel (Pan), How it Looks and What it Does
Characteristics
How it looks - It is a perennial climber, with semi-woody stem. The leaves are heart ­ shaped resembling pepper leaves and Clre bright green ill colour. Fruits are rarely produced, imnlersed in fleshy spikes forming nodule- like structures.

What we use - Whole plant

What it does - It is astringent, carminative, stomachic, sialogogue, anthelmentic, aromatic, aphrodisiac, expectorant, febrifuge, laxative and tonic.

Cure of Common Disorders
In filariasis - Take 7 betel leaves and paste them with a little sendha or rock salt. Take it with warm water everyday for a few weeks in filariasis.

In worm infestation - In such a common Clilment, chewing pan leaves and spitting the juice out serves to remove immature larvae from the mouth reducing intensity of infection.

In phlegmatic cough and cold - Chewing betel leaves is highly beneficial as it is an expectorant and helps break down solidified phlegm and expel it. You could also combine the juices of the leav'es of tulsi, betel and karpuravalli or panjiri­ka-pat. A few drops of the mixture with a tsp of honey is the safest and best remedy for cough in small children.

In ulcerated burns - Bathe the burns in betel leaf juice. The astringent action of betel helps regenerate cells and quickens healing.

In fungal infections - Especially over the face, back and chest applying a mixture of onion and betel juice twice a day ensures getting rid of patches immediately.

In headache - A simple home remedy is to cut a betel leaf into 2 halves lengthwise, gently warm the halves over fire and apply over each temple. Its aromatic and tonic properties help soothe the headache.

In difficult urination - Mix betel leaf juice with milk, add some sugar and drink it to promote urination and ensure free flow.

In whitlow - To heal this finger infection, make a paste of quicklime and betel, pack the finger with this and tie a cloth around it. Change the pack everyday and keep the finger free of moisture. Cure is usually complete in 4-5 days.

In fresh eye inflammation - Instill a few drops of a mixture of betel leaf juice and honey to combat infection and effect quick healing.