Bilwa Leaf ~ Aegle marmelos

Bilwa

Latin name: Aegle marmelos

Family: Rutaceae

Part used: Fruit, root-bark, leaves, rind, flowers

Habitat: found throughout India to the sub-Himalayan forests and Burma

Main constituents: bitter principle, volatile oils, pectin and tannin

Energetics: – ripeness & unripe fruit

Main herbal actions: hypoglycemic for diabetes (leaf), antiparasitic, astringent; digestive stimulant, laxative, nutritive, stomachic, stimulant, tonic;

• ripe fruit:
  • sweet, aromatic, cooling, alterative and nutritive;
• fresh fruit: laxative
• unripe fruit:
  • astringent, digestive, stomachic, constipative;
• pulp: stimulant, antipyretic antiscorbutic;
• fresh juice: bitter, pungent.

Minor herbal actions: febrifuge, hemostatic, antipyretic

Main medicinal uses:

• habitual constipation, dyspepsia, chronic diarrhea, heart disease

Minor medicinal uses: dysentery, diabetes

Preparations: tincture: ½ -2 drachms qd; decoction: 1 tsp/cup water qd-tid

Contraindications: unknown

Toxicity: unknown

Sources: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/b/bael–01.html; http://www.holistic-online.com/Herbal-Med/_Herbs/h134.htm