Ficus benghalensis

Botanical name : Ficus benghalensis Linn.
Family : Moraceae

SANSKRIT SYNONYMS
Nyagrodha, Vata, Bahupada, Mahavriksha

AYURVEDIC PROPERTIES
Rasa : Kashaya, Madhura
Guna : Guru, Rooksha
Virya : Seeta
Vipaka : Katu

PLANT NAME IN DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
English : Banyan
Hindi : Bat, Bargad
Malayalam : Peral

Distribution – Throughout India growing in planes, in roadsides

PLANT DESCRIPTION
A very large and spreading tree grows up to 50 meters in height, with numerous aerial roots arising from the spreading branches; function as prop roots for support. Leaves simple alternate, stipulate, elliptic-ovate, acute and entire. Fruit receptacles arise from leaf axils, in pairs, enclosing male female and gall flowers. Fruits small achenes, enclosed in the receptacles.

MEDICINAL PROPERTIES
Plant pacifies vitiated pitta, kapha, skin diseases, leucorrhoea, burning sensation, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, diarrhea, diabetes, ulcers and allergy.
Useful part : Aerial root, Bark, Leaves, Buds, Fruits, Latex.