Aśvattha (Ficus religiosa)

Common Names: Sacred Fig, Peepal Tree, Bodhi Tree
Sanskrit Synonyms: Aśvattha, Pippala, Bodhivṛkṣa, Chaitravṛkṣa, Raktaphala, Vata
Family: Moraceae
Part Used: Tvak (Bark), Patra (Leaves), Kṣīra (Latex), Mūla (Root)

Ayurvedic Pharmacology (Dravya Guṇa)

• Rasa (Taste): Kaṣāya (Astringent), Madhura (Sweet)

• Guna (Qualities): Guru (Heavy), Rukṣa (Dry)

• Virya (Potency): Śīta (Cooling)

• Vipāka (Post-digestive effect): Madhura (Sweet)

• Karma (Actions):
  Stambhana (Astringent, stops discharges), Vrana-ropaka (Wound-healing), Raktaprasādana (Blood purifier), Pittahara (Pacifies Pitta), Śothahara (Anti-inflammatory), Prameha-hara (Anti-diabetic), Raktasthambhaka (Hemostatic), Dāha-praśamana (Relieves burning), Krimighna (Antimicrobial), Pittasāmaka (Cooling & balancing Pitta)

Doshic Action

Pacifies Pitta and Kapha doṣas; mildly balances Vāta.
Acts on Raktavaha, Mutravaha, and Māṃsavaha srotas — supporting blood purification, urinary health, and tissue repair.

Therapeutic Indications

Aśvattha is one of the five sacred trees (Pañcavalkala) revered for its healing, cleansing, and balancing properties.
Its bark and latex are used in Vrana, Raktapitta, and Prameha conditions for stabilizing and purifying the system.

It is beneficial in:

• Raktapitta (Bleeding disorders, nasal bleeding)

• Prameha (Diabetes, urinary disorders)

• Vrana (Wounds, ulcers, fistula)

• Atisāra (Diarrhea, dysentery)

• Kuṣṭha (Skin diseases, eczema)

• Śotha (Inflammation, swelling)

• Mukhapāka (Mouth ulcers, stomatitis)

• Raktadushti (Impure blood, inflammation)

• Arśas (Hemorrhoids, fissures)

• Dāha (Burning sensation, Pitta aggravation)

Latex (Kṣīra) is especially used in wound healing, skin lesions, and bleeding conditions.

Pharmacological Insights

Ficus religiosa contains flavonoids, tannins, sterols, and glycosides, which confer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, and astringent properties.
Modern research validates its wound-healing, anti-ulcer, hepatoprotective, and hypoglycemic effects — echoing its Ayurvedic profile as a Stambhana–Vrana-ropaka–Pittahara dravya.

Formulations & Classical Preparations

• Pañcavalkala Kaṣāya / Kvātha – Decoction containing Aśvattha and other barks for wound and skin cleansing

• Aśvattha Kaṣāya / Cūrṇa – For bleeding, inflammation, and urinary balance

• Aśvattha Kṣīra / Taila – For topical use in ulcers and burns

• Jatyādi Taila / Ghṛta – Contains Aśvattha for wound healing and tissue regeneration

• Khadirārishta / Raktashodhaka Yogas – For blood purification and Pitta balance

Anupāna & Dose

• Kaṣāya (Decoction): 30–50 ml twice daily before food

• Cūrṇa (Powder): 3–6 g with cold water or honey

• Kṣīra (Latex): 2–5 drops for local application (under supervision)

• External Use: Decoction or paste for ulcers, skin lesions, and burns
  (Use under the guidance of an Ayurvedic physician.)

Special Notes

• Aśvattha is one of the Pañcavalkala (five sacred barks) alongside Nyagrodha, Udumbara, Plakṣa, and Pariśa, forming the foundation of Ayurvedic wound-healing therapy.

• Traditionally worshipped as a symbol of Brahma-vṛkṣa (tree of consciousness) — signifying purification and grounding.

• Ideal for Pitta–Kapha disorders and diseases involving bleeding, inflammation, and heat.

• Its bark decoction (Kaṣāya) is commonly used as a wash in Vrana, Kuṣṭha, and Śotha conditions.

• Often included in formulations for diabetes, oral ulcers, and wound management.

Classical References

• Charaka Samhita – Sutra Sthana (Raktasthambhaka & Vrana-ropaka Mahākāśaya)

• Sushruta Samhita – Sutra Sthana 38 (Vanaushadhi Adhyaya; Pañcavalkala group)

• Bhavaprakasha Nighantu – Haritakyādi Varga

• Astanga Hridaya – Chikitsa Sthana (Vrana & Raktapitta Chikitsa)

• Kaiyadeva Nighantu – Oshadhi Varga