All you need to know about the significance and benefits of Peepal or Bodhi tree

Did you know Peepal or the Bodhi tree gives out oxygen 24 hours a day?

Tania Tarafdar | Updated: June 9, 2017 6:07 pm

Every religion has a number of beliefs.One such belief in Hinduism is that Hindus worship the Peepal or the Bodhi tree because Goddess Laxmi resides under the tree. Some believe that the Peepal is a demon who possesses magical powers. Lord Krishna is also said to have taken his last breath under the Peepal tree. For centuries, devotees granted the peepal tree a special place and a lot of rituals revolve around the tree. But if you keep the mythological stories aside, here are some of the things you should know about Peepal tree.

Scientific significance
Did you know that the Bodhi tree gives out oxygen 24 hours in a day? The tree can take carbon dioxide during the night as well because of its ability to perform a type of photosynthesis called Crassulacean Acid Metabolism (CAM). Thus, it is not uncommon to find that these trees often take a central place in Indian villages where often the village councils are held under the peepal tree. Here are ten ways tulsi or holy basil plant keeps you healthy.

Medicinal properties
The tree carried some significant medicinal properties and formed the core of ancient Indian medicine. The leaves of the Peepal tree when heated can be used to heal wounds while the bark of the tree can be used to yield tannin. Fruits are used as laxatives, latex is used as a tonic, and fruit powder is used to treat asthma. According to the Ayurveda, the tree can cure over fifty health issues including diarrhoea and gastric disorders. It is also used traditionally as antiulcer, antibacterial, antidiabetic, in the treatment of gonorrhoea and skin diseases.

Other benefits
Some researchers have also shown that the flow of the wind along with the sound leaves of the leaves could kill the infectious bacteria living in the surrounding. Did you know Banyan tree bark is an effective remedy for treating urinary tract infections?

Reference:
Chandrasekar, S. B., Bhanumathy, M., Pawar, A. T., & Somasundaram, T. (2010). Phytopharmacology of Ficus religiosa. Pharmacognosy Reviews, 4(8), 195–199. http://doi.org/10.4103/0973-7847.70918

Image source: Shutterstock Images

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Published: June 6, 2017 5:04 pm | Updated:June 9, 2017 6:07 pm

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