| BABHUL-ACACIA NILOTICA |
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| Since centuries, babbula is used traditionally in Ayurveda for a number of afflictions. Babbula has several synonyms portraying its peculiarities like kaphantaka – destroys kapha disorders, kasaya astringent, suksmapatra – has tiny leaves, yugmakanta – with pair of spines, pitapuspaka – have yellow flowers etc. The bark, which is markedly astringent, its decoction was considered as a panacea for diarrhea, dysentery, and as a mouthwash and gargle in aphthous stomatitis. The twig is commonly used for brushing the teeth. Various uses of babbula have been mentioned in Ayurvedic texts. In taste, sweet in the post digestive effect and has cold potency. It alleviates vata. |
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| Uses : |
| The bark skin, leaves, seeds, pods and the gum of babbula are used for medicinal purpose. The plant is used internally as well as externally. The powder of its leaves is sprinkled on burns and scalds, externally, to arrest bleeding and promote the healing. The bark decoction is beneficial as a gargle and mouthwash in throat and laryngeal inflammation and aphthous stomatitis. The juice of tender leaves is used as a lotion in conjunctivitis. The decoction of the leaves is salutary, as uttara basti medicated enema, in menorrhagia. It is also used for treating the rectal prolapse. |
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| Internally, babbula is a valuable drug for various ailments. Diarrhoea is controlled well, with the juice of its leaves given along with curds. In menorrhagia, the combination of the pods of babbula and the skin of salmali (Bombax malabaricum), given with milk, is very effective. The pods are used with great benefit in diarrhea, dysentery, piles, raktapitta and worm infestation. The skin of the bark is benevolent, as an adjunct, in diabetes and various dermatoses. The gum alleviates sexual debility and the pods prevent the premature ejaculation. The gum and wheat flour, fried in ghee and jam is prepared by adding sugar. To this mixture, almonds, raisins, pistachio and munjatake (Eulophia compestris) rhizome powder are added. This preparation is popular as an anabokic agent, in general debility. The bark powder of babbula is used widely as a demulcent, in conjunctivitis, and the gum as an antipyretic and antidiarrhoeal medicine. The root powder is used in leucorrhea. The decoction of bark skin is valuable as an anti-toxin. A household tonic is prepared, by mixing the gum fried in ghee, with double quantity of sugar. Ti is rewarding in general debility. |
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