Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Babool known as Babbula in Ayurveda and scientifically as Acacia nilotica is a therapeutic tree valued for its astringent stem bark. Possessing heavy and dry qualities with a cold potency it effectively pacifies Kapha dosha. It is classified as Grahi or absorbent making it a premier remedy for controlling diarrhea known as Atisara. The herb acts as a haemostatic for bleeding disorders and possesses Vishaghna properties to neutralize toxins. Therapeutically it is indicated for skin diseases like Kushtha cough and worm infestations. Key formulations include Babbularishta and Khadiradi Gutika where it serves as a binding agent. Its bark is typically administered as a decoction to utilize its cooling effects for stabilizing loose stools and healing skin eruptions.
Babool, known scientifically as Acacia nilotica, is a moderate-sized, spiny, evergreen tree found throughout India. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued for its astringent properties and its ability to treat skin diseases, diarrhea, and coughs. It is a key ingredient in various classical formulations used to stabilize the body and treat infections.
Babool is a medicinal tree belonging to the Leguminosae family. It is renowned in Ayurveda for its "Grahi" (binding or absorbent) nature, making it an excellent remedy for loose stools and bleeding conditions. It is also recognized as a "Vishaghna" (anti-poison) agent. While the bark is the primary medicinal part, the leaves are also used in processing other medicines.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Babool is clinically indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance for the Stem Bark as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India):
Babool is generally considered safe when used in the recommended dosage forms (decoction or fermented preparations) for the specified indications.
Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Acacia nilotica – Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16081265/
Antimicrobial activity of Acacia nilotica extracts – Phytotherapy Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16807883/
Antidiarrheal activity of Acacia nilotica bark – Indian Journal of Pharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20502553/
Antidiabetic activity of Acacia nilotica – Pharmacognosy Research
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210005/
Anti-inflammatory properties of Acacia nilotica – International Journal of Pharmacology
https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ijp.
Dental plaque inhibition by Acacia nilotica – Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
https://www.jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp
Tannin content and astringent properties of Acacia nilotica – Phytochemistry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Q. Can it be taken daily?
It is usually taken for a specific therapeutic period to treat conditions like diarrhea or cough. Long-term daily use is generally not recommended due to its constipating nature.
Q. When should it be taken?
As a decoction, it is typically taken on an empty stomach or as directed by a physician.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
The bark is most commonly boiled in water to make a decoction (Kvatha). Formulations like Babbularista are liquid preparations taken directly or with water.
Written By
Sathyaprek
BDS
Reviewed By
Dr. Varun Gupta
MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated on
27 Sep 2022 • 06:23 PM (IST)
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Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Babool known as Babbula in Ayurveda and scientifically as Acacia nilotica is a therapeutic tree valued for its astringent stem bark. Possessing heavy and dry qualities with a cold potency it effectively pacifies Kapha dosha. It is classified as Grahi or absorbent making it a premier remedy for controlling diarrhea known as Atisara. The herb acts as a haemostatic for bleeding disorders and possesses Vishaghna properties to neutralize toxins. Therapeutically it is indicated for skin diseases like Kushtha cough and worm infestations. Key formulations include Babbularishta and Khadiradi Gutika where it serves as a binding agent. Its bark is typically administered as a decoction to utilize its cooling effects for stabilizing loose stools and healing skin eruptions.
Babool, known scientifically as Acacia nilotica, is a moderate-sized, spiny, evergreen tree found throughout India. In Ayurveda, it is highly valued for its astringent properties and its ability to treat skin diseases, diarrhea, and coughs. It is a key ingredient in various classical formulations used to stabilize the body and treat infections.
Babool is a medicinal tree belonging to the Leguminosae family. It is renowned in Ayurveda for its "Grahi" (binding or absorbent) nature, making it an excellent remedy for loose stools and bleeding conditions. It is also recognized as a "Vishaghna" (anti-poison) agent. While the bark is the primary medicinal part, the leaves are also used in processing other medicines.
According to the Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Babool is clinically indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance for the Stem Bark as per Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India):
Babool is generally considered safe when used in the recommended dosage forms (decoction or fermented preparations) for the specified indications.
Phytochemical and pharmacological review of Acacia nilotica – Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16081265/
Antimicrobial activity of Acacia nilotica extracts – Phytotherapy Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16807883/
Antidiarrheal activity of Acacia nilotica bark – Indian Journal of Pharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20502553/
Antidiabetic activity of Acacia nilotica – Pharmacognosy Research
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3210005/
Anti-inflammatory properties of Acacia nilotica – International Journal of Pharmacology
https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ijp.
Dental plaque inhibition by Acacia nilotica – Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research
https://www.jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp
Tannin content and astringent properties of Acacia nilotica – Phytochemistry
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Q. Can it be taken daily?
It is usually taken for a specific therapeutic period to treat conditions like diarrhea or cough. Long-term daily use is generally not recommended due to its constipating nature.
Q. When should it be taken?
As a decoction, it is typically taken on an empty stomach or as directed by a physician.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
The bark is most commonly boiled in water to make a decoction (Kvatha). Formulations like Babbularista are liquid preparations taken directly or with water.
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