Bael

Aegle marmelos (L.) Correa (Bael) fruit, a member of the Rutaceae family, is a central cultivated fruit plant in tropical and subtropical regions in Southeast Asian countries. The medicinal uses of bael leaves have been a significant topic for studies in recent years mainly due to its high nutritional (carbohydrates, proteins, minerals, and vitamins) value and various phytochemicals attributed to its high medicinal value. These phytochemicals include multiple compounds, e.g., alkaloids, flavonoids, and phenolic acids (protocatechuic acid, gallic, and ellagic acid). The fruit extract of bael has also been an important study area for its pharmacological activities, including antidiarrheal, antioxidant, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, radioprotective, anticancer, and anti-ulcer properties. However, due to its astringent properties, it is advised to use bael under guidance if you have chronic digestive issues.

Source of Bael

The "stone apple," or bael (Aegle marmelos), is indigenous to Southeast Asia and India. Another name for bael is the "bel tree." This tree is most prevalent in India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Myanmar. There, it grows widely in both cultivated and wild forms. Tropical and subtropical conditions are ideal for its growth. So, it is vital to traditional medicine and cuisine in these regions.

There are numerous names of the bael plant. Bael has considerable medicinal and cultural value. It is referred to as Bel or Bael in Hindi. It is Bilva, sriphal, shivadruma,
Shivapala in Sanskrit. These names attest to its religious and therapeutic value. It is referred to as Bel in Bengali and Maredu in Telugu. In Ayurveda, it is often called Bilva, with a unique cultural and medicinal significance.

The bael fruit is known as Phneou or Pnoi in Cambodia. It is referred to as Baunau in Vietnamese. The fruit is known as Bil in Gujarati and Modjo in Malayalam. The bael is called Malura, Kumbala, or Bel Patra in Kannada and Kuvalum in Tamil. The bael tree and fruit are called Matum or Mapin in Thai.

The bael fruit (Aegle marmelos), or bel tree, has long been valued in traditional medicine for its health benefits. Both the fruit and its leaves have medicinal properties. They are a staple in Ayurvedic treatments. The bael fruit improves digestion. It treats skin conditions and chronic health issues. Both the bael fruit and its leaves have therapeutic uses. They are in various forms, like bael juice and dried powders. This explores the health benefits of bael fruit. It treats diarrhoea, constipation, urticaria, and dandruff.

1. Bael for Diarrhoea

A well-known benefit of bael fruit is its efficacy in treating diarrhoea. Infections, food intolerances, or digestive issues can cause diarrhoea. Bael fruit is a natural remedy. The pulp of the bael fruit is rich in tannins, which have astringent properties. These tannins firm up the stool and reduce bowel movements. So, bael fruit is an excellent natural remedy for both acute and chronic diarrhoea.

Bael juice, made from the fruit pulp, is a popular preparation for this condition. A glass of bael juice can soothe the digestive system. It reduces inflammation in the gut and regulates bowel movements. Ayurvedic medicine holds bael leaves in high regard. They are used to treat diarrhoea. Bael leaves kill harmful gut bacteria. This helps recover from diarrhoea.

2. Bael for Constipation

Bael juice treats both diarrhoea and constipation. Constipation is often due to a poor diet, dehydration, or a sedentary lifestyle. The bael fruit is a rich source of fibre, making it an excellent natural laxative. Regularly eating bael fruit can help with bowel movements. It softens the stool and promotes regularity. It is also rich in dietary fibre, which contributes to improved digestive health overall.

Drink bael juice or fresh bael pulp daily, preferably on an empty stomach to relieve constipation. The fruit helps cleanse the intestines, removing toxins and aiding in digestion. Unlike many over-the-counter laxatives, bael juice is safe. It does not cause dependency. So, it's an excellent long-term solution for chronic constipation.

3. Urticaria

Urticaria, or hives, is a skin condition. It causes red, itchy welts due to an allergic reaction. Many over-the-counter drugs treat urticaria. Bael leaves are a natural alternative. Bael leaves can soothe skin and reduce allergic reactions. They have anti-inflammatory properties.

A paste made from bael leaves can be applied directly to the skin to calm itching and irritation caused by urticaria. Also, drinking bael juice can boost the immune system. This may reduce the frequency and intensity of allergies over time. This dual action makes bael a good remedy for urticaria and other allergies.

4. Dandruff

Bael leaves help with more than digestion and skin issues. They are also very effective against dandruff. Dandruff is a common scalp issue. Fungi, dry skin, or sensitivity to hair products often cause it. Bael leaves can fight bacteria and fungi. 

All you have to do is apply a fresh paste of bael leaves on your hair and let it be there for 20 to 30 minutes, then wash it. Applying this paste daily will assist in the removal of dandruff in the head. It is also essential for your hair, as it is also known to have Bael juice. The nutrients in bael leaves may improve blood circulation and help with dry scalp conditions.

The leaves and flowers of the bael plant are good for you. But be careful when you use them to avoid bad results. When using bael, here are some essential safety tips to keep in mind:

1. Moderation in Consumption

Bael fruit and drinks are very good for you. Large amounts, on the other hand, can make digestion problems like constipation worse. They make you feel dry. Follow the daily suggested amount of one to two servings, about 100 to 200 grams of fruit or one glass of juice.

2. Avoid During Pregnancy

Pregnant women should consult their doctor before eating bael goods. Some traditional sources say that too much bael can cause problems. However, there are few scientific facts on this. Pregnant individuals are generally advised to avoid bael juice and related products unless recommended by a healthcare provider.

3. Allergic Reactions

If you are allergic to certain fruits, especially citrus, be careful the first time you eat bael. Also, never apply bael products to your skin without testing for a reaction first. If you take bael and have any itching, swelling, or breathing problems, stop using it immediately and see a doctor.

4. Potential Drug Interactions

Health issues such as diabetes can be solved using Bael leaves. People with diabetes should monitor their glucose when using bael. It can lower glucose levels to hypoglycemic levels. Always consult a doctor before eating bael fruit if you take meds for chronic diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure.

5. Avoid Overcooking

However, when preparing bael juice or leaf solutions, avoid boiling them too long. High heat can ruin their vitamins and antioxidants. Use a gentle simmer when making teas or decoctions to maintain their medicinal qualities.

Bael, also known as Kanchanar Bael, is good for your health. It comes in several different forms, such as drinks and creams that you put on your skin. Here are detailed instructions on how to use bael fruit, juice, and leaves.

1. Utilising this fresh bael fruit

• Choose a fresh bael fruit that can be eaten. It should feel neither firm nor soft and must have a yellowish-green tint when pinched.
• Make a cross-incision on the outer hard shell of the bael fruit using the help of a knife.
• Use a knife to remove the pulp of the fruit. It can, therefore, be consumed through chewing or included in other foods you prepare in your kitchen.
• Remove the seeds and fibre and add sugar or water to the pulp to make it palatable.

2. Making Bael Juice

• Take a fresh bael fruit pulp, about 2 to 3 tablespoons for each serving.
• Pour one cup of water into the pulp. Stir it with a mixer to ensure uniform consistency.
• Then, filter this mixture to remove the remaining fibre and seeds.
• Add a little sugar, salt, or honey to make it better tasting.

3. Bael leaves can be used for medical purposes

• First, remove some fresh bael leaves growing on the bel tree. After washing, they should be clean from bugs.
• People who have diabetes can chew 2-3 bael leaves daily.
• To solve skin problems or hives, make a fine paste out of the bael leaves. It should be applied on the part of the body that is painful. The paste should take 20 to 30 minutes to sit on the face before it is washed off.

4. Making use of dried bael fruit

• Go to a medical shop and buy dried bael fruit slices. You could also let the pulp dry out in the sun.
• Put some dried bael slices in water and leave them overnight.
• Mash the wet bael slices in the morning. Pour out the solids and drink the juice. It helps people who are constipated because it is a natural cleanser.

5. Powdered beel

• Get bael powder.. An alternative way to make it is to dry and grind bael fruit juice.
• Mix one teaspoon of bael powder with a glass of water to help with stomach problems. It should be eaten every day.
• The granules may also be applied topically. Combine it with water to create a paste
• To promote healing and soothing, use it to the epidermis.

6. Bael Tea

• Boil fresh bael leaves in water for 5-10 minutes.
• One can add honey or lemon to the tea after straining it.
• Drink the tea regularly in the morning. It will help in digestion and inflammation.

7. The Use of Bael to Treat Constipation

• Take 2-3 tablespoons of pure bael pulp.
• Combine it with a glass of tepid water or milk.
• Drink this mixture daily before bed. It will relieve constipation and improve bowel movements.

The following methods will assist you in incorporating bael fruit, juice, and leaves into your daily routine. This will provide you with a multitude of health benefits.

• Bael fruit is very nutritious. It helps digestion and cools the body.
• Bael juice helps with constipation, diarrhoea, and hydration.
• Bael leaves can treat diabetes, skin issues, and respiratory problems.
• Limit bael fruit and juice. They can cause constipation.
• Bael leaf is used every day in Ayurvedic medicine. It regulates blood sugar.
• Pregnant women and those with legume allergies should avoid bael, unless a doctor advises otherwise.
• Bael fruit boosts the immune system and aids digestion.

Conclusion

Bael is a versatile and valuable plant in traditional medicine, offering a range of health benefits through its fruit, leaves, and juice. Rich in nutrients, it supports digestion, boosts immunity, and helps manage conditions like diabetes, infections, and respiratory issues. With deep roots in Ayurveda, bael continues to be a natural remedy for various ailments. Whether consumed as a juice or used in herbal preparations, bael plays a key role in promoting overall wellness. Its healing potential makes it a noteworthy addition to holistic and traditional health practices.