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 traditional efficacy in supportive care for diarrhoea. Unripe bael fruit is a natural remedy. The pulp of the unripe bael fruit is rich in tannins, which have strong astringent properties. These tannins help firm up the stool and reduce bowel movements. So, unripe bael fruit is traditionally used as a natural remedy for both acute and chronic diarrhoea.

Bael juice (typically made from ripe fruit, which is less astringent) can soothe the digestive system and may help reduce inflammation in the gut and regulate bowel movements. Ayurvedic medicine also utilizes bael leaves in decoctions, traditionally believed to help address harmful gut bacteria. 

2. Bael for Constipation 

Conversely, ripe Bael fruit is often used as a mild laxative to address constipation. Constipation is often related to poor diet, dehydration, or a sedentary lifestyle. The ripe Bael fruit is a rich source of dietary fibre, making it an excellent natural support for bowel movements. Regularly eating ripe Bael fruit can promote regularity and help soften the stool. The efficacy is dependent on the fruit’s ripeness, as unripe fruit can worsen constipation due to its astringent nature. Drink ripe Bael juice or eat fresh Bael pulp daily, preferably on an empty stomach, as advised by an Ayurvedic practitioner, to gently aid digestion and relieve mild, chronic constipation.

3. Urticaria (Hives) and Skin Support 

Urticaria, or hives, is a skin condition. Bael leaves are a natural alternative used traditionally to soothe skin and reduce allergic reactions due to their potential anti-inflammatory properties.
A paste made from bael leaves is traditionally applied directly to the skin to calm itching and irritation caused by urticaria or other minor skin conditions. 

4. Dandruff and Scalp Health 

Bael leaves are traditionally used as an external remedy against dandruff. Dandruff is a common scalp issue. Bael leaves are believed to fight bacteria and fungi.

Applying a fresh paste of bael leaves on your hair and leaving it for 20 to 30 minutes, then washing it, may assist in the removal of dandruff when used regularly. The nutrients in bael leaves may also support 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 (Aegle marmelos) can cause certain side effects in some individuals, especially when taken in large amounts or over a prolonged period. 

• It may cause stomach upset, such as bloating or discomfort.
• Constipation can occur if consumed in excess.
• Overconsumption might lead to significant drops in blood glucose levels, especially in people who are already on diabetes medication.
• High tannin content in bael may pose long-term risks if taken excessively.
• Rarely, bael might interfere with blood sugar control in those undergoing surgery.

Always consult with a healthcare professional if you notice any unusual symptoms after using bael.

• 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.