Ficus religiosa

HABIT: Ficus religiosa is big and old tree is of 30m long. They shatter bark and are of white or brown in color. The leaves are shiny, thin, and bear 5–7 veins. Fruits are small, about ½ inch in diameter, similar to that of eye pupil. It is circular in shape and compressed. When it is raw, it is of green color and turns black when it is ripe. 

CONSERVATION STATUS: Evaluated as 'Least Concern' by IUCN.

MEDICINAL USES: F. religiosa is being used to cure various infections and food poisonings. The bark is used to cure skin diseases, mouth ulcers, diabetes and bone fracture. Leaves are used in conditions like vomiting, gonorrhea etc. these can also be consumed in the form of juice in conditions like asthma, cough, diarrhea, gastric problems. Shoots are used in treating skin problems. Stem can be used in treatment of urinary disorders and problems of digestive system. The dried powder of fruits has been used in treatment of respiratory problems like asthma. Many present day herbal medicines contain parts of Ficus religiosa as an ingredient. F. religiosa is a traditional religious plant in India and is used in treatment of several health ailments as a home based remedy either singly or in combination with other herbs. 

(Kumar, A., Tomer, V., Gat, Y., & Kumar, V. (2018). Ficus religiosa: A wholesome medicinal tree. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(4), 32-37.)

ETHNOBOTANICAL USES: : F. religiosa is consumed as herbal medicine in Ayurvedic medicinal system as a treatment for several ailments. Parts of F. religiosa can be consumed in the form of oil, as ointments, capsules, tablets or in raw form. Each formulation has its own function and can be effective in particular kind of disease. F. religiosa also being consumed in the powder form by drying it and grind in traditional grinders. Powder form is also very effective for some conditions like diabetes mellitus (DM), urinary disorders etc. Powder of stem bark of F. religiosa is considered more effective if taken with honey, before or after meal. F. religiosa has been used as ingredient in food products like arjun tea, neotea arasa and candies. Arjun tea acts as antioxidant, contains micro nutrient Coenzyme Q10 and is effective in lowering cholesterol and curing heart disease. 

(Kumar, A., Tomer, V., Gat, Y., & Kumar, V. (2018). Ficus religiosa: A wholesome medicinal tree. Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry, 7(4), 32-37.)