Reviewed by medical experts • For informational purposes only
Ziziphus known as Kola or Badara in Ayurveda is derived from Ziziphus jujuba and acts as a nutritive tonic and digestive aid. The ripe fruit is Sweet and Unctuous soothing Vata and Pitta doshas while the dried fruit pacifies Kapha and Vata. It is renowned for alleviating excessive thirst fatigue and burning sensations making it a valuable cardiac tonic. Therapeutically it is a key ingredient in formulations like Eladi Churna and Drakshadi Churna used to treat vomiting nausea and complications of alcoholism known as Madatyaya. The stem bark and dried fruit possess astringent properties useful in managing diarrhea. However the sour unripe fruit is heating and heavy potentially aggravating Kapha and Pitta if consumed in excess.
Ziziphus, commonly known as the Jujube or Ber fruit, is a medicinal plant deeply rooted in Ayurvedic tradition. In Sanskrit, it is known as Kola, Badara, or Karkandhu depending on the variety and size of the fruit. While widely enjoyed as a nutritious fruit, Ayurveda classifies it as a therapeutic agent valuable for balancing body humors (Doshas), particularly Vata and Pitta. It is renowned for its ability to soothe the stomach, alleviate vomiting, and provide nourishment to the body.
Ziziphus is a branched, spiny tree that grows in dry regions. It produces small, round or oval fruits that turn from green to reddish-brown upon ripening. In Ayurveda, the fruit is highly valued as a Hrdya (cordial/pleasing to the heart) and Rucya (appetizer). While the fresh fruit is sweet and cooling, the dried fruit is specifically used in medicine to treat digestive disorders like vomiting and diarrhea, and respiratory issues like cough.
According to Charaka Samhita and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Ziziphus is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on Ayurvedic texts):
Ziziphus is generally considered safe for consumption as a fruit and in traditional medicinal dosages. It is a common ingredient in safe, commonly used formulations like Drakshadi Churna.
Ziziphus mauritiana: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology – Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23376243/
Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Ziziphus jujuba – Phytotherapy Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21312272/
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Ziziphus mauritiana – Food and Chemical Toxicology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20655921/
Immunomodulatory effects of Ziziphus jujuba fruit extract – International Immunopharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17335942/
Hepatoprotective activity of Ziziphus mauritiana leaves – Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15652285/
Antimicrobial activity of Ziziphus mauritiana extracts – African Journal of Biotechnology
https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJB/article-full-text/6F8F30E30956
Nutritional composition and health benefits of Ziziphus jujuba fruit – Molecules
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/22/12/2140
Pharmacological properties of Ziziphus species – A Review – Frontiers in Pharmacology
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00445/full
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, the ripe, sweet fruit can be eaten daily in season. However, medicinal powders should be taken as per a physician's advice.
Q. When should it be taken?
As a medicine for digestive issues, it is often taken with honey or sugar. As a fruit, it is best eaten during the day.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Medicinal powders (Churnas) containing Ziziphus are often taken with honey or sugar. Ayurveda generally advises caution when combining sour fruits with milk, so sweet varieties are preferred if milk is involved.
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
Ziziphus known as Kola or Badara in Ayurveda is derived from Ziziphus jujuba and acts as a nutritive tonic and digestive aid. The ripe fruit is Sweet and Unctuous soothing Vata and Pitta doshas while the dried fruit pacifies Kapha and Vata. It is renowned for alleviating excessive thirst fatigue and burning sensations making it a valuable cardiac tonic. Therapeutically it is a key ingredient in formulations like Eladi Churna and Drakshadi Churna used to treat vomiting nausea and complications of alcoholism known as Madatyaya. The stem bark and dried fruit possess astringent properties useful in managing diarrhea. However the sour unripe fruit is heating and heavy potentially aggravating Kapha and Pitta if consumed in excess.
Ziziphus, commonly known as the Jujube or Ber fruit, is a medicinal plant deeply rooted in Ayurvedic tradition. In Sanskrit, it is known as Kola, Badara, or Karkandhu depending on the variety and size of the fruit. While widely enjoyed as a nutritious fruit, Ayurveda classifies it as a therapeutic agent valuable for balancing body humors (Doshas), particularly Vata and Pitta. It is renowned for its ability to soothe the stomach, alleviate vomiting, and provide nourishment to the body.
Ziziphus is a branched, spiny tree that grows in dry regions. It produces small, round or oval fruits that turn from green to reddish-brown upon ripening. In Ayurveda, the fruit is highly valued as a Hrdya (cordial/pleasing to the heart) and Rucya (appetizer). While the fresh fruit is sweet and cooling, the dried fruit is specifically used in medicine to treat digestive disorders like vomiting and diarrhea, and respiratory issues like cough.
According to Charaka Samhita and Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India:
Ziziphus is indicated in Ayurveda for the following conditions:
(General guidance based on Ayurvedic texts):
Ziziphus is generally considered safe for consumption as a fruit and in traditional medicinal dosages. It is a common ingredient in safe, commonly used formulations like Drakshadi Churna.
Ziziphus mauritiana: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology – Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23376243/
Phytochemical and pharmacological properties of Ziziphus jujuba – Phytotherapy Research
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21312272/
Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of Ziziphus mauritiana – Food and Chemical Toxicology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20655921/
Immunomodulatory effects of Ziziphus jujuba fruit extract – International Immunopharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17335942/
Hepatoprotective activity of Ziziphus mauritiana leaves – Journal of Ethnopharmacology
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15652285/
Antimicrobial activity of Ziziphus mauritiana extracts – African Journal of Biotechnology
https://academicjournals.org/journal/AJB/article-full-text/6F8F30E30956
Nutritional composition and health benefits of Ziziphus jujuba fruit – Molecules
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/22/12/2140
Pharmacological properties of Ziziphus species – A Review – Frontiers in Pharmacology
https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2017.00445/full
** **Q. Can it be taken daily?
Yes, the ripe, sweet fruit can be eaten daily in season. However, medicinal powders should be taken as per a physician's advice.
Q. When should it be taken?
As a medicine for digestive issues, it is often taken with honey or sugar. As a fruit, it is best eaten during the day.
Q. Can it be taken with milk/water?
Medicinal powders (Churnas) containing Ziziphus are often taken with honey or sugar. Ayurveda generally advises caution when combining sour fruits with milk, so sweet varieties are preferred if milk is involved.
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