Bael / Terminalia Officinalis

The tree grows up to 15 meters tall and has a straight trunk with a wide, spreading crown. The leaves are green and shiny, and the flowers are small and greenish-yellow. The fruit is round, about the size of a large grapefruit, and has a hard, woody shell that must be cracked open to reveal the pulpy flesh inside.

The flesh of the bael fruit is aromatic and tangy, with a flavor that is often described as a mix of sweet and sour. It is commonly used in Indian cuisine, particularly in drinks and desserts, and is also used in traditional medicine for its various health benefits.

Bael is believed to have many medicinal properties and has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries to treat a range of ailments, including diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, and respiratory infections. The fruit is also high in vitamins and minerals, particularly vitamin C, calcium, and phosphorus.

In addition to its medicinal properties, the wood of the bael tree is also valued for its durability and strength. It is often used to make furniture, boat-building, and other construction projects.

• Wood apple: This name comes from the hard, woody shell of the fruit.

• Stone apple: This name also refers to the hard texture of the fruit’s shell.

• Bel: In Hindi and many other Indian languages, bael is known as “bel.”

• Bilva: In Sanskrit, the fruit is known as “bilva.”

• Kavath: In the Marathi language, bael is known as “kavath.”

• Maredu: In the Telugu language, bael is known as “maredu.”

• Vilva: In the Tamil language, bael is known as “vilva.”

• Kavitha: In the Bengali language, bael is known as “Kavitha.”

• Maja pandu: In the Kannada language, bael is known as “Maja Pandu.”

These are just a few examples of the many names for bael in various languages and regions.

1. Digestive health: Bael is known for its ability to promote digestive health and alleviate digestive problems such as constipation, diarrhea, and dysentery.

2. Respiratory health: Bael is believed to have anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties that can help treat respiratory problems such as asthma and bronchitis.

3. Immune system support: Bael is rich in vitamin C, which can help boost the immune system and protect against infections.

4. Anti-inflammatory properties: Bael is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce inflammation in the body.

5. Antimicrobial properties: Bael contains compounds that have antimicrobial properties, which can help protect against bacterial and fungal infections.

6. Heart health: Bael is rich in potassium, which can help regulate blood pressure and promote heart health.

7. Anti-cancer properties: Bael contains compounds that have been shown to have anti-cancer properties, which may help prevent or slow the growth of cancer cells.

8. Diabetes management: Bael is believed to help regulate blood sugar levels, making it a potential aid in the management of diabetes.

9. Skin health: Bael contains antioxidants that can help protect the skin against damage from free radicals, which can lead to premature aging and other skin problems.

10. Wound healing: Bael is believed to have properties that can help speed up the healing of wounds and injuries.

1. Tannins: Bael contains high levels of tannins, which are a type of polyphenol that has antioxidant properties and can help reduce inflammation in the body.

2. Flavonoids: Bael is also rich in flavonoids, which are a group of phytochemicals that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Flavonoids are also believed to have potential anticancer properties.

3. Essential oils: Bael fruit contains essential oils, which contribute to its distinctive aroma and flavor. These oils also have potential therapeutic benefits and are used in aromatherapy and other natural health treatments.

4. Carotenoids: Bael contains carotenoids, which are pigments that give fruits and vegetables their bright colors. These compounds have antioxidant properties and may have potential health benefits.

5. Fatty acids: Bael seed oil contains fatty acids, including oleic, linoleic, and palmitic acids. These compounds have various health benefits, including promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.

6. Vitamin C: Bael is a rich source of vitamin C, which is an important antioxidant that can help protect against oxidative damage and boost immune function.