Bibhitaki

Beleric myrobalan (E), Baheda (H):

Bibhitaki is the 'one who keeps you away from disease' as it is literally 'fearless' of all diseases. This small, dry fruit has a specific drying, astringing and strengthening action on the mucous membranes throughout the body, especially in the lungs, intestines and urinary system.

Lungs Asthma, bronchitis, cough, laryngitis with high avalambaka kapha, obstructing the flow of prana in the lungs. Where there is copious, white or clear phlegm, bibhitaki can help to clear and dry this congestion . Also used to soothe a sore throat when mixed with honey and also used as a gargle. Head It has a particular affinity for the upper body and head. It clears congestion from the eyes, ears, nose and throat. Also indicated for helping to maintain hair growth. Digestion Diarrhoea, colitis, Crohn's disease, intestinal inflammation and parasites with pitta–kapha problems. It has a dual action of being both astringent and laxative that helps to increase peristalsis as well as strengthen the mucous membranes of the colon. The unripe fruits have a stronger laxative action and the ripe fruits are more astringent . Urine Bladder stones, cloudy urine due to kapha urinary aggravation with obstructions in the medas-dhatu . It has the ability to clear all kapha accumulations. Nerves Insomnia; its astringent nature can hold rising vata down in the lower abdomen and prevent it from irritating the sensitive nerves of the head. It also nourishes majja dhatu, which helps to prevent frazzled nerves. Heart Its cardiac glycoside content and ability to reduce stagnant kapha indicates its use for cardiac congestion and insufficiency (Williamson 2002).