Baheda

(Beleric Myrobalans)
Sanskrit: विभीतकी Botanical: Terminalia belerica Roxb.

Vibhitaka (Baheda) is the second ingredient of Triphala. The fruit pulp is used medicinally. The seed oil is useful in skin diseases and hair growth. The seed itself is avoided internally as it may cause nausea.

Ayurvedic Properties

Taste (Rasa)
Astringent (Kashaya)
Quality (Guna)
Light (Laghu), Dry (Ruksha)
Potency (Virya)
Hot (Ushna)
Post-digestive (Vipaka)
Sweet (Madhura)
Also Known As
English: Beleric Myrobalans
Sanskrit: विभीतक, अक्ष, कर्षफल
Hindi: बहेड़ा, बहेरा

What is Vibhitaka / Baheda?

Vibhitaka (Baheda) is the second ingredient of Triphala. The fruit pulp is used medicinally. The seed oil is useful in skin diseases and hair growth. The seed itself is avoided internally as it may cause nausea.

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Therapeutic Actions (Karma)

  • Keshya (promotes hair growth)
  • Chakshushya (beneficial for eyes)
  • Krimighna (anthelmintic)
  • Kasa-Shwasa hara (relieves cough and dyspnea)

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

Classical Therapeutic Uses

  • Krimi (worms)
  • Kapha disorders
  • Hair diseases

Source: Bhavaprakash Nighantu, Varga 1

References in Astanga Hridaya

Aksha Taila – (oil of Vibhitaka) :आ ं वाद ु हमं के यं गु प ता नलापहम ् । Aksa Taila – oil obtained from seeds of Vibhitaka is sweet, cold in potency good for the hair, hard to digest, mitigates Pitta and Vata.

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 5: Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables

Vibhitaka Sura – त गुणा वा णी या लघु ती णा नहि त च शल ू कासव म वास वब धा मानपीनसान ् ६८ ना तती मदा ल वी प या वैभीतक सुरा णे पा वामये कु ठे न चा यथ व यते ६९ Sura prepared from Vibhitaka is not very intoxicating, is easy to digest, good for health; not so harmful, (as other wines) in wounds, anaemia, and leprosy and other skin diseases.

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 5: Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables

Aksha Taila – (oil of Vibhitaka) :आ ं वाद ु हमं के यं गु प ता नलापहम ् । Aksa Taila – oil obtained from seeds of Vibhitaka is sweet, cold in potency good for the hair, hard to digest, mitigates Pitta and Vata.

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 5: Drava Vigyaniya Drinkables

158 Triphala benefits: इयं रसायनवरा फला अ यामयापहा । रोपणी व गद लेदमेदोमे हकफा िजत ् ॥१५९॥ Thus, the Triphala (haritaki, amalaki and vibhitaki), together is a best rejuvenator of the body, cures diseases of the eyes, heals wounds and cures skin diseases, excess moisture of the tissues, obesity, diabetes, aggravation of kapha and Asra (blood) 159.

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food

कटु पाके हमं के यम मीष च त गुणम ् Aksha (vibhitaka) is pungent at the end of digestion, cold in potency, good for hairs and possesses properties similar (to haritaki and amalaka) but slightly less (in degree).

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food

कटु पाके हमं के यम मीष च त गुणम ् Aksha (vibhitaka) is pungent at the end of digestion, cold in potency, good for hairs and possesses properties similar (to haritaki and amalaka) but slightly less (in degree).

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 6: Annaswaroopa Food

Kashaya Varga (Gana) – group of astringents: वगःकषायः प या ं शर षः ख दरो मधु कद बोद ु बरं मु ता वाला जनगै रकम ् बालं क प थं खजूरं वसप ो पला द च Group of astringents consists of Pathya – Chebuic Myrobalan (fruit rind) – Terminalia chebula, Aksha – Terminalia bellirica, Shireesa, Khadira – Black catechu (heart wood extract) – Acacia catechu, Madhu (honey), Kadamba, Udumbara, Mukta (Pearls), Pravala (Coral), Anjana – Aqueous extract of Berberis aristata (antimony), Gairika – Purified Red Ochre, B

— Astanga Hridaya, Chapter 10: Rasabhediyam Tastes, Their

Source: Astanga Hridaya, Ch. 5, Ch. 5, Ch. 5, Ch. 6, Ch. 6, Ch. 6, Ch. 10

Baheda by Condition

Explore how Baheda is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.

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.