Health Benefits of the Indian Oak Tree

Ayurvedic treatments involve the use of many herbs and plants as medicines. One such plant is the Indian oak tree. It is an evergreen tree, which is found mostly in the Himalayan regions of India. All parts of this tree such as leaves, bark, roots, fruits, etc, can be used for medicinal purposes. Each part of this tree exhibits important medicinal properties that can treat specific diseases. Also known as Barringtonia acutangula, the Indian oak tree is used to treat many diseases such as diarrhoea, eye diseases, liver problems, etc. It is also popularly known as Hijjal and Samudraphal. 

Medicinal Properties of the Indian Oak Tree

• Barringtonia acutangula exhibits potential antibacterial and antifungal properties. 
• It is highly rich in antioxidants and therefore vastly helps in fighting free radical damage in the body.
• Barringtonia acutangula is also an excellent hypoglycemic agent. It helps to lower the levels of blood glucose in the body.  
• It is a hepatoprotective agent and therefore helps to prevent liver damage in the body.
• Barringtonia acutangula has prominent antidiarrhoeal activity.
• It is rich in anti-inflammatory properties and therefore aids in the treatment of many inflammatory diseases.

Therapeutic Uses and Benefits of the Indian Oak Tree

• Indian oak tree or Barringtonia acutangula is widely used in the Nasyam treatment to cure headaches. 
• It is also highly beneficial in the treatment of many eye disorders. 
• The Indian oak tree is known to pacify aggravated Kapha and Pitta in the body, and therefore, is effectively used in the emesis and purgation treatments of Ayurveda.
• According to Ayurveda, Barringtonia acutangula is one of the best remedies to treat diarrhoea, owing to its antidiarrheal properties.
• It is also very effective in alleviating fever in the body.
• One of the most significant uses of the Indian oak tree is in the treatment of spider poisoning and insect bites.
• The antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of the Indian oak tree help to treat various skin disorders.
• The anti-inflammatory properties present in the Indian oak tree can help to treat swelling and pain in the body.
• It possesses antitumor activity and is, therefore, highly effective in the treatment of tumours.
• One of the least known uses of Barringtonia acutangula is in the treatment of intestinal worms in the body.

How is the Indian Oak Tree Used?

All parts of the Indian oak tree, including roots, bark, leaves and seeds, can be used for different medicinal purposes. For example, the seeds of the Indian oak tree are highly beneficial in treating eye diseases, whereas its leaves are very effective in curing diarrhoea. It is usually prescribed in the form of powder, juice, paste or decoctions. The method to use Barringtonia acutangula vastly depends on the medical condition of the person. Barringtonia acutangula or the Indian oak tree is a medicinal plant and therefore should only be used in the prescribed dosage and method for effective results. 

Side Effects of the Indian Oak Tree:

There are no known side effects of the Indian oak tree. However, it is recommended to use it under the guidance of an Ayurvedic doctor. 

Takeaway:

Indian oak tree or Barringtonia acutangula exhibits many beneficial medicinal properties. The therapeutic uses of Barringtonia acutangula range from diarrhoea to tumours. Therefore, it is an extremely important medicinal plant of Ayurveda. Since it does not have any severe side effects, it is one of the best herbs to consume. However, it must be consumed in the prescribed dosage and method to gain maximum health benefits.