Overview
Bael is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for inflammation. Bilva (Aegle marmelos), commonly called Bael, is one of the most important trees in Ayurveda and is sacred to Lord Shiva. It is one of the Dashamula (ten roots) group herbs. The unripe fruit is the most valued part medicinally, being one of the best drugs for Grahani (chronic diarrhea/IBS) and Atisara (acute diarrhea). The plant grows in forests and is also widely cultivated near temples. The fruit is round and hard with a woody shell. The text specifically warns that ripe (Pakva) Bilva fruit is heavy to digest and Tridoshakara (aggravates all three doshas), while unripe fruit is Grahi (absorbent) and the treatment of choice for diarrheal diseases. The leaves, root bark, and fruit are all used. The fruit pulp mixed with jaggery makes an excellent remedy for chronic diarrhea.
How Bael Helps with Inflammation
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Bael has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing inflammation:
- Potency (Virya): Ushna (hot)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Kashaya (astringent), Tikta (bitter)
- Qualities (Guna): Laghu (light), Ruksha (dry)
Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Astringent (Kashaya), Bitter (Tikta)
- Quality (Guna)
- Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Hot (Ushna)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Marmelosin, Pectin, Essential oils. Bark contains tannins.
- Also Known As
- English: Bael Fruit, Bengal Quince, Wood Apple
Sanskrit: बिल्व, शाण्डिल्य, श्रीफल, मालूर, शैलूष, गोहरतिक
Hindi: बेल, बिल्व
What the Classical Texts Say
- Atisara (diarrhea)
- Pravahika (dysentery)
- Grahani (malabsorption/IBS)
- Shotha (edema/swelling)
- Hridroga (heart disease)
- Vataroga (Vata disorders)
- Kapharoga (Kapha disorders)
Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 3
Other Herbs for Inflammation
See all herbs for inflammation on the Inflammation page.
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.