Forgotten Trees of Ayurveda: Bakula

by

Forgotten Trees of Ayurveda Bakula introduces us to Bakula (Mimusops elengi), a beautiful evergreen tree that has held a respected place in traditional Ayurvedic practice. Known for its fragrant flowers, dense foliage, and small fruits, Bakula has been valued not only as an ornamental tree but also for its medicinal properties.

In Ayurveda, different parts of Bakula, particularly the bark, flowers, fruits, and seeds, have traditionally found applications in various formulations. Most importantly, Ayurveda has long associated Bakula with oral health and the strengthening of teeth and gums.

Today, however, many people know the tree mainly for its attractive flowers and fragrance. Therefore, exploring Bakula helps us rediscover another remarkable plant from India’s traditional healing heritage.

Read more

Forgotten Trees of Ayurveda: Vijaysar

by

Forgotten Trees of Ayurveda Vijaysar introduces us to a remarkable medicinal tree that has held an important place in traditional Ayurvedic practice for centuries. Known botanically as Pterocarpus marsupium, Vijaysar is also called Indian Kino or Malabar Kino.

Ayurvedic practitioners have traditionally valued the tree’s heartwood, bark, resin, and other parts for different therapeutic purposes. In particular, traditional Ayurvedic knowledge associates Vijaysar with Kapha and Pitta balance, healthy metabolism, digestion, and urinary wellness.

Although Vijaysar does not receive the same attention as popular Ayurvedic herbs today, it remains an important part of India’s traditional botanical heritage.

Read more

Pippali as a Rasayana for Immunity & Metabolism in Ayurveda

by

Pippali Rasayana benefits are highly valued in Ayurveda for their role in improving immunity, metabolism, and long-term vitality. In Ayurvedic medicine, Rasayana therapy focuses on rejuvenation and strengthening the body at a deeper tissue level. Therefore, herbs known for Pippali Rasayana benefits are not just symptom-relievers but long-term tissue nourishers. Pippali (Piper longum) holds a special …

Read more

Forgotten Trees of Ayurveda: Devadaru

by

Forgotten Trees of Ayurveda Devadaru brings attention to one of the most respected aromatic trees in traditional Ayurvedic medicine. Known botanically as Cedrus deodara, Devadaru has long been valued for its fragrant wood, warming qualities, and traditional applications.

In Sanskrit, Devadaru means “wood of the gods.” This name reflects the tree’s long-standing cultural and medicinal importance. Moreover, Ayurveda traditionally associates Devadaru with qualities that help manage Vata and Kapha imbalances.

Although modern herbal discussions often focus on more familiar plants, Devadaru deserves renewed attention. Its aromatic nature, warming energy, and traditional uses make it an interesting tree to rediscover.

Read more

Forgotten Trees of Ayurveda: Saptaparni

by

Forgotten Trees of Ayurveda Saptaparni introduces us to a remarkable tree that has held an important place in traditional Indian medicine. Known botanically as Alstonia scholaris, Saptaparni belongs to the Apocynaceae family. It is a tall evergreen tree that grows across several parts of India and other tropical regions of Asia.

Although modern wellness conversations often focus on popular herbs such as Ashwagandha, Turmeric, and Guduchi, Ayurveda also values many trees that receive far less attention today. Saptaparni is one such tree. Traditionally, Ayurvedic practitioners used different parts of the plant, particularly the bark and leaves, in carefully prepared formulations.

Moreover, its bitter nature gives Saptaparni an interesting place within Ayurvedic herbal knowledge.

Read more

Forgotten Trees of Ayurveda: Ashoka

by

Forgotten Trees of Ayurveda Ashoka brings attention to one of India’s most respected traditional medicinal trees. Known botanically as Saraca asoca, Ashoka has a long history in Ayurveda and Indian culture. Its beautiful orange-red flowers make it visually striking, while its bark has earned an important place in traditional Ayurvedic formulations.

For centuries, Ayurvedic practitioners have associated Ashoka particularly with women’s health. Traditional preparations containing Ashoka have been used to support healthy menstrual cycles, reproductive wellness, and normal uterine function. However, Ashoka represents much more than a women’s wellness herb. Its traditional properties also connect it with digestion, skin health, and the body’s natural balance.

Today, many people recognize Ashoka mainly because of Ashoka-based Ayurvedic formulations. Nevertheless, the tree itself deserves attention as an important part of India’s traditional botanical heritage.

Read more