Behind me is a Bael tree that grows outside my house. You have seen many of my pictures shot in this spot. You can see many fruits of bael hanging on this tree.
Bael fruit, also known as stone apple grows on barren lands in arid regions of India. People are not much aware about its uses and properties. Hence, it is not utilized well.Bael fruit has yellow orange pulp, which has lot of medicinal and healing properties. It has high fiber, calcium, Vitamin A and B. This fruit is ideal to beat the summer heat. It is refreshing and cooling. Vitamin B and C are water-soluble. They can neither be synthesized by the body nor stored in the body. We get them from the foods that we eat.
Bael fruit and its pulp are useful in treating diarrhea. The fruit is to be dried and mixed with jiggery or brown sugar.
Bael has lot of fiber. It helps to ease constipation. The flesh has laxative property. It cleans and tones the intestines. Acute and sub chronic constipation can be cured by taking ripe fruit everyday.
Its leaf is useful for diabetic patients. It reduces blood glucose levels up to 54%. The pulp also reduces blood urea and cholesterol. It is helpful in decreasing blood cholesterol. It also controls triglycerides, serum and lipid profiles.
Bael is very helpful for people with heart ailments.
It is known to be beneficial even for cancer patients or people who have tumor. It is a good source of antioxidants and flavonoids. It is also used to cure peptic ulcer. Gastro duodenal ulcers or gastric ulcers are caused due to imbalance in acidic levels or due to oxidative stress. The phenolic compounds of bael help to reduce gastric ulcers. It also protects the liver and kidneys.
Bael is also used to treat Leucoderma because it increases the tolerance for sunlight.
It reduces phlegm in cold. Hence, is also beneficial for asthma patients.
Its leaves are used to cure conjunctivitis.
Ayurveda believes that it cures vata, kapha and pita. In Ayurveda, its roots and bark is used in case of fever.
Bael leaves extract are known for their anti- inflammatory property.
Its astringent property is used to cure ear infections and inflammation.
It is also used to treat epilepsy.
Its oil extract are antibacterial and antifungal. It has antimicrobial properties. Its extract controls bacterial, fungal and viral infections. Its antibacterial properties are due to biochemical present in it.
When its pulp is mixed with hot mustard oil, and applied on swollen joints, it relieves arthritis pains.
Its roots and leaves are used for treating skin infections and cuts.
Bael is a known coolant and relaxant for mind and body.
The best way to have Bael is to have its homemade pulp, mixed with water, like a refreshing beverage. Sugar, lemon or salt can be added to it. It is alkaline and hence, helps to clear the digestive tract and get rid of acidity. Its pulp resembles and tastes like marmalade or smell of roses.
The only precaution that must be taken is not to eat it continuously everyday as it can reduce the elasticity of intestine. It is a heavy fruit. It must be diluted and made thin with water and then consumed. It should not be chewed directly.