Botanical Overview
Terminalia bellirica is a tree in the Combretaceae family native to South and Southeast Asia, commonly known as Baheda, Beleric, Bibhitaki, or Belliric Myrobalan. The primary parts used medicinally include the fruit, seed, and bark. It is an integral herb in traditional Ayurvedic formulations and other Asian traditional medicine systems.
Energetics
The herb is considered cooling in temperature and drying in moisture. Its taste profile includes bitter and astringent notes. It is tonifying in nature and primarily influences the qi according to traditional energetic classifications.
Primary Actions
- Astringent
- Antioxidant
- Anti-inflammatory
- Laxative
- Antimicrobial
- Hepatoprotective
- Expectorant
Indications
Western
- Constipation
- Cough
- Fever
- Inflammation
- Digestive disorders
- Skin diseases
Syndromes
- Hepatotoxicity
- Respiratory infections
- Gastrointestinal inflammation
TCM
- Cough
- Phlegm
- Fever
Syndromes
- Heat toxin
- Lung heat
- Intestinal heat
Ayurveda
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Cough
- Eye disorders
- Skin conditions
Syndromes
- Tridoshic imbalance
- Pitta disorders
- Kapha disorders
- Detoxification and rejuvenation
Unani
- Cough
- Asthma
- Fever
- Digestive complaints
Syndromes
- Phlegmatic conditions
- Hepatomegaly
- Inflammation
Constituents & Mechanisms
The fruit and seeds contain key phytochemicals such as gallic acid, ellagic acid, tannins, flavonoids, glycosides, and lignans. These contribute to the plant’s antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective effects.
Dosage & Preparations
- Powdered fruit: 1-3 grams, 1-2 times daily
- Decoction: 10-15 grams of dried fruit boiled in water, once daily
- Tincture (1:5, 50% alcohol): 2-5 mL, 1-3 times daily
Safety & Contraindications
Terminalia bellirica is generally safe in traditional doses. It may cause gastrointestinal discomfort if overdosed. Use cautiously during pregnancy and lactation as data are insufficient. Contraindicated in cases of intestinal obstruction and severe dehydration. Potential interactions include potentiation of antidiabetic drugs and possible effects on anticoagulants, requiring monitoring.
Astrological Correspondences
Astrological or elemental rulerships for Terminalia bellirica are not well-established in credible sources and remain unspecified.
Selected References
- Medicinal Plants of the World by Ben-Erik van Wyk, Michael Wink (2018)
- Phytochemistry and therapeutic potential of Terminalia bellirica: A review (Kumar et al., 2015)
- Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India, Part I, Vol II (2001)
- Terminalia bellirica – Herbal Medicine (Plants For A Future)
- Pharmacological activities and health benefits of Terminalia bellirica (Singh et al., 2016)