Babool

(Indian Gum Arabic Tree)
Sanskrit: बब्बूल • Botanical: Acacia arabica Willd.

Babbula (Babool) is a medium-sized thorny tree found throughout the drier parts of India. The bark, gum, leaves, pods and tender twigs are all used medicinally. The bark is highly astringent and is used in diarrhea, dysentery, and bleeding gums. The tender twigs are widely used as tooth sticks (Datuna) for dental hygiene. The gum (Gum Arabic) is demulcent and nutritive, used in weakness and debility. The pods are astringent and used in diarrhea. The bark decoction is used as a gargle and vaginal douche. The bark extract is useful in leucorrhoea. Babool is one of the most commonly used trees in rural India for dental care. Dose: Bark decoction 1-2 tola; Gum 1-2 masha. Verses: 15-16.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya), Sweet (Madhura)
Quality (Guna)
Heavy (Guru), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Cold (Sheeta)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Pungent (Katu)
Key Constituents
Tannins (18-22%), Gum Arabic, Gallic acid
Also Known As
English: Indian Gum Arabic Tree, Babool
Sanskrit: बब्बूल, किङ्किरात, बाहुवल्कल, युग्मकण्टक
Hindi: बबूल, कीकर

What is Babool (Babbula / बब्बूल)?

Babbula (Babool) is a medium-sized thorny tree found throughout the drier parts of India. The bark, gum, leaves, pods and tender twigs are all used medicinally. The bark is highly astringent and is used in diarrhea, dysentery, and bleeding gums. The tender twigs are widely used as tooth sticks (Datuna) for dental hygiene. The gum (Gum Arabic) is demulcent and nutritive, used in weakness and debility. The pods are astringent and used in diarrhea. The bark decoction is used as a gargle and vaginal douche. The bark extract is useful in leucorrhoea. Babool is one of the most commonly used trees in rural India for dental care. Dose: Bark decoction 1-2 tola; Gum 1-2 masha. Verses: 15-16.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Grahi (absorbent)
  • Stambhana (astringent/binding)
  • Vranashodhana (wound healing)
  • Dantaroga hara (cures dental diseases)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 5

Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.