Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Based on the provided Ayurvedic sources, Anjeer, known in Sanskrit as Phalgu or Anjira, is identified as Ficus carica Linn. It is classified under Phala Varga (Group of Fruits) in texts like Yogaratnakara. The fruit is described as a vitalizer that is unctuous (fatty) and relishing. Due to these nourishing qualities, it is included in aphrodisiac formulations, such as Aphrodisiac Pupalika, where it is combined with other nutritive ingredients like dates, black gram, and wheat flour to promote strength and vigor. In the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Phalgu is officially recognized as Ficus carica, distinguishing it from the related Udumbara (Ficus racemosa).
Anjeer, known as Phalgu in Sanskrit, is a nutritious fruit valued in Ayurveda for its ability to provide instant energy and relieve fatigue. While the common edible fig is scientifically known as Ficus carica, Ayurvedic texts also describe a related wild variety called Kakodumbara (Ficus hispida) under the name Phalgu. Both are revered for their cooling and nourishing properties, making them excellent tonics for weakness and depletion.
Anjeer is a sweet, fleshy fruit that acts as a natural restorative tonic. In Ayurveda, it is categorized under Phala Varga (Group of Fruits) and is specifically noted for its Śramahara properties, meaning it effectively removes fatigue and exhaustion. It is considered a Brimhana (bulk-promoting) food that nourishes the body tissues and restores strength.
According to Charaka Samhita and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Anjeer (Phalgu) is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on Ayurvedic texts):
Anjeer is generally safe for consumption as a fruit. It is widely used in dietetics and is considered wholesome for most people when ripe.
Ficus carica L.: A review of its phytochemistry and pharmacological activities – Phytotherapy Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24812239/
Nutritional and health benefits of figs (Ficus carica) – Food Chemistry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16076137/
Antioxidant activity of Ficus carica fruits – Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18211027/
Antimicrobial activity of Ficus carica latex and extracts – African Journal of Biotechnology
https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJB/article-full-text/AE2B7E640178
Anti-inflammatory effects of Ficus carica extracts – BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-11-53
Laxative effect of figs in functional constipation – Nutrition Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27440661/
Polyphenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of figs – Molecules
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/23/5/1126
Traditional and medicinal uses of Ficus species – Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
https://ethnobiomed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1746-4269-9-13
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, in moderate quantities (2-3 fruits), it can be taken daily as a tonic to relieve fatigue and maintain bowel regularity.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is best taken in the morning or as a snack. Dried figs are often soaked in water overnight and taken in the morning for better digestibility.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, it is often taken with water (soaked). It can also be boiled with milk to enhance its cooling and strengthening properties for pitta-related issues.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Based on the provided Ayurvedic sources, Anjeer, known in Sanskrit as Phalgu or Anjira, is identified as Ficus carica Linn. It is classified under Phala Varga (Group of Fruits) in texts like Yogaratnakara. The fruit is described as a vitalizer that is unctuous (fatty) and relishing. Due to these nourishing qualities, it is included in aphrodisiac formulations, such as Aphrodisiac Pupalika, where it is combined with other nutritive ingredients like dates, black gram, and wheat flour to promote strength and vigor. In the Ayurvedic Formulary of India, Phalgu is officially recognized as Ficus carica, distinguishing it from the related Udumbara (Ficus racemosa).
Anjeer, known as Phalgu in Sanskrit, is a nutritious fruit valued in Ayurveda for its ability to provide instant energy and relieve fatigue. While the common edible fig is scientifically known as Ficus carica, Ayurvedic texts also describe a related wild variety called Kakodumbara (Ficus hispida) under the name Phalgu. Both are revered for their cooling and nourishing properties, making them excellent tonics for weakness and depletion.
Anjeer is a sweet, fleshy fruit that acts as a natural restorative tonic. In Ayurveda, it is categorized under Phala Varga (Group of Fruits) and is specifically noted for its Śramahara properties, meaning it effectively removes fatigue and exhaustion. It is considered a Brimhana (bulk-promoting) food that nourishes the body tissues and restores strength.
According to Charaka Samhita and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Anjeer (Phalgu) is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on Ayurvedic texts):
Anjeer is generally safe for consumption as a fruit. It is widely used in dietetics and is considered wholesome for most people when ripe.
Ficus carica L.: A review of its phytochemistry and pharmacological activities – Phytotherapy Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24812239/
Nutritional and health benefits of figs (Ficus carica) – Food Chemistry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16076137/
Antioxidant activity of Ficus carica fruits – Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18211027/
Antimicrobial activity of Ficus carica latex and extracts – African Journal of Biotechnology
https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJB/article-full-text/AE2B7E640178
Anti-inflammatory effects of Ficus carica extracts – BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies
https://bmccomplementmedtherapies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1472-6882-11-53
Laxative effect of figs in functional constipation – Nutrition Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27440661/
Polyphenolic profile and antioxidant capacity of figs – Molecules
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/23/5/1126
Traditional and medicinal uses of Ficus species – Journal of Ethnobiology and Ethnomedicine
https://ethnobiomed.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1746-4269-9-13
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, in moderate quantities (2-3 fruits), it can be taken daily as a tonic to relieve fatigue and maintain bowel regularity.
Q. When should it be taken?
It is best taken in the morning or as a snack. Dried figs are often soaked in water overnight and taken in the morning for better digestibility.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Yes, it is often taken with water (soaked). It can also be boiled with milk to enhance its cooling and strengthening properties for pitta-related issues.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
Read Our Editorial Policy
Want to know more?
Have issue with the content?
Report Problem