Ficus religiosa L.
subg. Urostigma sect. Urostigma subsect. Urostigma
- Common Name: Bo-Tree
- Family: Moraceae Link
- Country of Origin: India to se Asia
- Description: This large deciduous tree is sacred to the Hindus and Buddhists, under which Budda received enlightment. This fast growing tree usually begins as an epiphyte( air plant, grows on trees) but developes roots to support its height of ninty plus feet. The Bo-Tree has purple figs and is different from other species, because of its slender, long leaf tip.
- Uses: In Ayurveda, this plant is known as Ashwattha or Pippala in Sanskrit. Traditionally, the bark is used as an antibacterial, antiprotozoan, antiviral and stringent. Ficus Religiosa helps in the treatment of gonorrhea and ulcers. The leaves suggest anti-venom activity6. It has a sweet taste and is heavy for digestion.
The leaves can be used in a paste for skin diseases and improving complexion. Because Ayurveda associates skin diseases to an impurity in the blood, an oral infusion of this plant also purifies the blood.
According to some traditions, the extract from the bark can be combined with honey and taken internally to be used for sexual impotency and fertilization.
This plant will reduce Kapha and Pitta agitation. This plant, like any, can be toxic at the wrong dosages.
- IMPORTANT NOTE: Plant Uses are for informational purposes only. EEB Greenhouses assume no responsibility for adverse effects from the use of any plants referred to on this site. Always seek advice from a professional before using any plant medicinally.
Accession Data:
- Accession # 198500455
- Source: Unknown
- Accession Date: 12-31-1985
- Bench: 1212 - AUS:Ground Bed 2 NW
- Currently: active - healthy
- Qty: 2 confirmed on 10-29-2024
Classification:
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopsida
- SubClass: eurosid I
- Order: Rosales
- SubOrder:
- Family: Moraceae
- SubFamily:
- Tribe: Ficeae
- SubTribe:
References (internal):
References (external):
- Hortus Third, LH Bailey Hortorium, 1976
- Exotica International ser.4, vol2, Graf.
- Enchanting Kerala
- The Plant List (2013). Version 1.1. Last accessed 15 October 2015.
- Dr. B.K. Prashanth M.D (Ayu), Ph.D Bodhi Tree: Ficus Religiosa, Usesm Research, Remedies, Side Effects . Last accessed on Thursday, February 08, 2018.
- S.B Chandrasekar, M. Bhanumathy, A.T. Pawar, T. Somasundaram Phytopharmacology of Ficus Religiosa Pharmacogn Rev. 2010 Jul-Dec; 4(8): 195-199. Last accessed on Thursday, February 08, 2018.
- Images #00 (cropped) and #01 (original) by Marshman at the English Wikipedia [GFDL or CC-BY-SA-3.0]. Last accessed Wednesday, 14 November, 2018.
data regenerated on Tue, 29 Oct 2024 14:51:05 -0400 [bcm v4.0]
= indicates flowering in past 14 days
= accession added within past 90 days