Banyan Tree / Indian Fig Tree

HERBAL GARDEN

Vivek college of Ayurvedic Sciences & Hospital Bijnor UP

वटवृक्ष

Classification

Synoyms

Nyagrodha
Bahupada
Vata

Habit

Large, evergreen tree with aerial roots. Can spread over a large area, forming a canopy.

Habitat

Native to India and tropical Asia, Found throughout India in forests, roadsides, temples, and villages. Thrives in warm, humid climates.

Morphology

Leaves: Large, leathery, ovate with entire margins, dark green
Stem/Bark: Greyish brown, rough; trunk with many aerial roots descending from branches
Fruits: Small, rounded figs in pairs, turning red when ripe
Roots: Adventitious aerial roots, providing mechanical support

Chemical Composition

Flavonoids
Tannins
Saponins
Glucose
β-sitosterol
Leucocyanidin
Enzymes like ficin (in latex)

Guna-Karma

Rasa-Kashaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet)
Guna- Guru (heavy), Snigdha (unctuous)
Virya-Sheeta (cooling)
Vipaka- Madhura (sweet)
Karma- Stambhana, Vranaropana, Balya, Raktastambhaka, Shothahara
Doshakarma- Balances Pitta and Kapha

Medicinal uses

Latex used in bleeding gums, cracked heels, and wounds
Bark decoction used in diabetes, leucorrhea, and diarrhea
Leaf poultice applied to boils and skin inflammation
Aerial root extract used in male infertility and urinary disorders
Used in vaginal disorders and as a general tonic

Useful Part

Bark
Leaves
Aerial roots
Latex (Ksheera)
Fruits

Doses

Bark decoction: 40–60 ml
Latex: 1–2 drops (external use)
Leaf juice: 10–15 ml
Powder: 3–5 g

Important Formulation

Nyagrodhadi Kwatha
Vata Churna
Vata Ksheera

Shloka

न्यग्रोधो मधुरः शीतः स्थैर्ययोः शुक्रवर्धनः।
व्रणशोधनसन्धानस्तथोच्छ्लेष्मविबन्धनः॥

Hindi Name

वटवृक्ष / बरगद

English Name