Babool Tree Uses, Dose, Side Effects, Ayurvedic Medicines

Babool tree or Babbula – Acacia nilotica Linn.is an ayurvedic herb used in the treatment of skin diseases, dhat syndrome, bleeding disorders and to treat intestinal worms.
Botanical Name-Acacia nilotica Linn. Acacia arabica, Mimosa nilotica
Vachellia nilotica, Acacia scorpioides, Mimosa arabica Mimosa nilotica
Family- Leguminosae (Simbi kula / Babbula upakula)

Babool Tree - Acacia arabica

Vernacular names

Names in different languages:
English name – Babul, Indian gum Arabic tree
Hindi name – Babbul, Keekar
Bengali name – Baabla
Kannada name – Jaali Mara
Tamil name- Karuvel
Telugu name – Nallatumma

Sanskrit synonyms

Sanskrit Synonyms of Babul Tree 
Yugmakanta- Two spikes are seen together
Dridaruha- The stem and branches of the plant are strong
Sookshma patra- The leaves are small in appearance
Malaphala- The fruit pods resemble a chain
Kantaki – has spikes,
Sapeetaka, Peetapushpa – yellow flowers
Kashayakaha – natural astringent
Kinkirata
Aabha – tree will be having attractive yellow flowers during flowering season

Classical categorization, Habitat

Kaiyyadeva Nighantu- Oushadhi varga
Shodala Nighantu- Amradi varga
Bhava Prakasha- Vatadi varga

Varieties

Ra. Ni – 2 types – 1. Babbula, 2. Jala babbula

Habitat
Babbula is a small tree growing to a height of up to 8-10 m containing small spikes. This tree is found in the dry regions of the whole of India.

Properties, part used, dose

Acacia arabica medicinal Properties:
Rasa (taste) – Kashaya – Astringent
Veerya – Sheeta – Coolant
Guna (qualities) – Guru – Heavy to digest, Rooksha – Dry in nature
Vipaka- Katu – Undergoes pungent taste conversion after digestion
Karma- Kapha Hara – Balances Kapha Dosha.
Pharmacological action – Astringent, Analgesic, Styptic

Babbula plant – part used- Stem bark, fruit, gum, seeds.
The Niryasa (Gum resin) is Pitta- Vatahara (reduces pitta and vata dosha). It helps in reducing the swelling of the uterus.
The stem bark and the pods act against the intestinal worms and help in coagulation of the blood.

Dose:
20-30 g for decoction, 50 – 100 ml of Decoction per day, in divided doses.
3-6 g of seed powder
Acacia gum – 2 – 3 grams per day.

Major chemical constituents

The bark and pods contains 12-20% of tannin. Several polyphenolic compounds have been reported from the bark and pods of the plant Acacia nilotica. The gum resin of the plant contain galactose, aldobio uronic acid and arabinobioses.  It also contains about 52% of calcium and 20% of magnesium. The flowers contain flavonoids- kaempferol-3-glucoside, iso-quercitrin and leucocyanidin.

Uses

Uses of Acacia nilotica:

  • The paste of the bark of the plant Acacia nilotica is applied over oozing eczemas.
  • The powder of the dried leaves is sprinkled over fresh wounds to control bleeding.
  • In case of rectal prolapse, the patient is advised sitz bathe over the decoction prepared from the bark of the Indian Babbul plant.
  • The decoction prepared from the bark of the plant Acacia nilotica is used for gargling in the diseases of mouth ulcer and bleeding gums.
  • The paste from the leaves of the plant is applied over wounds and injury caused due to contact with fire.
  • The decoction of the plant is given in a dosage of 40-50 ml to treat diarrhea and to treat intestinal worms.
  • The decoction prepared from the pods of the plant Babbul is used to treat excessive bleeding during menstruation.
  • The decoction of the pods and bark, in a dosage of 45-50 ml is given to treat bleeding piles and hemorrhoids.
  • The leaves are crushed – 2 – 3 grams, and consumed along with a teaspoon of sugar, once or two times a day, for the treatment of spermatorrhoea / Dhat syndrome or nightfall.

Babool for arthritis:
Babool gum powder – 3 grams is added to a cup of water, heated for 2 – 3 minutes and consumed once a day. This is useful in relieving arthritis. This can be continued for 1 month.
Kikar pod powder is made of paste with pain relieving oils such as Mahanarayana taila and applied locally to treat painful joints, arthritis, muscular pain, etc.

Sanskrit verse

Acacia arabica uses

Indications

Traditional indications of Babbul plant:
Kaphaja Kasa – cough, cold with sputum and heaviness, due to Kapha Dosha
Ama – A product of indigestion and altered metabolism
Raktatisara – diarrhea with bleeding, as in ulcerative colitis
Pittahara – useful in Pitta imbalance disorders such as gastritis, burning sensation, etc.
Daha –  burning sensation, as in gastritis, neuropathy, burning sensation in eyes etc
Arti – relieves pain
Kushta – skin diseases
Krimi – worm infestation
Visha – Toxic conditions, poisoning
Vrana – Ulcers, wounds
Karnaroga – ear disorders with discharge
Asya roga – mouth ulcers
Nadivrana – sinuses
Sara – induces mobility, causes diarrhea, purgation, relieves constipation

Babbul fruit is –
Rooksha – dryness
Vishada – has clarity
Stambhana – blocks the channel, useful in diarrhea, bleeding disorders
Guru – heavy to digest

Ayurvedic medicines

Ayurvedic medicines containing Babul tree:
Dasanakanti churnam- It is an herbal tooth powder used for strengthening of the gums and tooth.
Trayodashang guggulu- It is an ayurvedic tablet used for low back ache, sciatica, arthritic pain, and locked jaw.
Pepcer capsule- It is a capsule used to treat peptic ulcer, gastritis, heart burn condition.
Khadiradi gutika- The decoction of babbula plant bark is used in binding the powders used to prepare khadiradi tablets, which are used to treat cough.

Substitute

Anogeissus latifolia

Research, Side effects

Research articles on Babool tree:
Multiple health benefits:  Different parts of this plant such as the leaves, roots, seeds, bark, fruits, flowers, gum and immature pods act as anti-cancer, antimutagenic, spasmogenic, vasoconstrictor, antipyretic, anti-asthmatic, cytotoxic, anti-diabetic, antiplatelet aggregatory, ant plasmodial, molluscicidal, anti-fungal, inhibitory activity against Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-I and antioxidant activities, anti-bacterial, antihypertensive and anti-spasmodic activities, and are also engaged for the treatment of different ailments in the indigenous system of medicine.

Anti-cancer activity: The outcome of the animal study indicates that Acacia nilotica extract could be used as a natural anticancer agent for human health. – reference: APOC control, Volume 13-8, 3989-95.

Anti-microbial and anti oxidant:  The study suggest that the phytochemical properties of the herb possess potential antimicrobial, antioxidant property.

Anti-fungal activity: The bark of the plant showed antifungal activity in in vitro study. It proved its action on candida albicans.

Medicinal attributes of Acacia nilotica:

  • Antimicrobial activity: O. Solomon-Wisdom et al (2010) has investigated in vitro antimicrobial activity of the crude ethanolic leaf extract of Acacia nilotica Linn. against Campylobacter coli isolated from goats.
  • Anti-bacterial activity: Mahesh et al (2008) has observed antibacterial activity study of methanolic extracts of Acacia nilotica, showing highest antibacterial activity against B. subtilis. and Staphylococcus aureus.
  • Anti- malarial activity: The root extracts of A. nilotica were active against Plasmodium berghei and Plasmodium falciparum in mice (42). In vitro Antimalarial activity against CQ sensitive (3D7) and CQ-resistant (Dd2 and INDO) strains of P. falciparum in culture using the fluorescence-based SYBR. A. nilotica was reported with significant activity and IC50 was found as 13μg/mL.
  • Anti- helminthic activity: In vitro methanolic extract of Acacia nilotica fruit exhibit anthelmintic activity against Haemonchus contortus.

Side effects:
There are no known side effects with this medicine.
It is best to avoid this herb during constipation.

Interaction with medicines, supplements

Can this be used while taking Homeopathic medicine?
Yes. This product does not react with homeopathic medicine.

Can this medicine be continued while taking supplements like multivitamin tablets, Omega 3 fatty acids etc?
Yes. Generally, this product goes well with most dietary supplements. However, if you are taking more than one product per day, please consult your doctor for an opinion.

With western medicines
Seek your doctor’s advice if you are taking this product along with other western (allopathic / modern) medicines. Some Ayurvedic herbs can interact with modern medicine.
If both Ayurvedic and allopathic medicines are advised together, then it is best to take Allopathic medicine first, wait for 30 minutes and then take the Ayurvedic medicine.

Babul for strong bones

Kind of formulation: This is a medicated powder.

Ingredients:
Abha-Acacia arabica -Stem bark- 50 gram – Wound healing, stabilizer, strenghthener, tissue binding etc.
Madhu (Honey)-100 gram – Energizer, stabilizer, adaptogenic, rejuvinative, scraping etc.

Method of preparation: The stem bark is made into fine powder and kept on immersion in honey for 3-5 days. Daily this is stirred well with a spatula or a rod. Thereafter it is used for intake.

Dose: Altogether it is taken in the dose of 5-6 grams daily twice, after food.

Vehicle and indications: As honey is already added no separate vehicle is needed.

If the patient feels dryness, lightness of the body parts or limbs, aching pain in the extremities, neuritis/neuralgia etc followed with the features of calcium deficiency etc this is better to administer along with ghee or jaggery or both altogether.

Action: Strengtheners of the bone tissues, healing ability of the un union joints/fractures

Clinical experience

My experience with this formulation – Dr MS Krishnamurthy
This is a confident formulation that can be used in cases like osteoporosis, subluxation of the joints, minor fractures, ligament tear etc. In menopausal age this can be used daily for possible complaints about what they are prone to get. The action will be multi-fold when the proper adjuvants or formulations are prescribed along with this. Abha guggulu, Lakshadi guggulu, Gandha taila etc are such formulations which will surely enhance the effect of this formulation.

Morphology

Medium sized spiny tree
Root – Tap root
Stem – Woody, Solid, Cylindrical, branched and having white spines
Leaf – Compound, Bipinnate, stipulate, Alternate with unicostate reticulate venation
Inflorescence – Compound, Cymose head
Flowers – Yellow and fragrant
Fruit – Pod
Seed – Non endospermic

Author:
Dr.B.K.Prashanth M.D (Ayu), Ph.D | E mail: drprashanthbk@gmail.com

Systemic Action

External – Constricts peripheral blood vessels, Styptic, Wound healing properties. Powder can be used externally in bleeding conditions, Burns, wounds etc. Bark decoction can be used in leukorrhea for basti purposes. In rectal prolapse bark decoction can be used for pouring externally. It can also be used for mouth gargling in tooth ache, diseases related to mouth and oral cavity etc. ,

Digestive System – Bark and fruit are beneficial in diarrhea, Hemorrhoids, Helminthiasis, etc. . Bark and fruit has absorbent and Anthelmintic action. Resin has unctuous and absorbent properties.
Circulatory System – indicated in bleeding disorders.
Respiratory system –Pacifies kapha dosha. useful in cough
Excretory system – Bark decoction is indicated in diabetes. Resin in beneficial in Dysuria
Reproductive system – Resin is indicated in low semen count. Dried raw fruit power along with sugar can be used for Premature ejaculation, Nocturnal emission etc. Resin has Aphrodisiac action, fruit has styptic action. indicated in Leukorrhea, Menorrhagia etc.
Skin –Bark is indicated in skin diseases.
Tapakrama – Indicated in burning sensation and diseases due to pitta origin.
Satmikarana – Laddu prepared out of its resin can be advised in general weakness and Bark decoction has an ant poisonous effect. 

34 comments on “Babool Tree Uses, Dose, Side Effects, Ayurvedic Medicines

  • vinod

    03/06/2016 - 9:45 pm

    Dr Any treatment for PSORIASES ?

    Reply to comment
  • Vasanthkumar Mysoremath

    24/11/2016 - 7:52 pm

    Dr, Press report from Mysore – Star of Mysore – an evening paper 24-11-2016 has reported that Governent of Karnataka has proposed to pass a bill banning planting of Acacia trees, like Eucalyptus etc., based on Forest Department Report based on experts research findings. It is not clear which species of Acacia is being banned. However, Iaccording to ayurveda, if Acacia tree and its parts are useful for treating various ailments, why Ban Acacia? Whereas Tobacco, a known soil depletor, and also kills a person every 7th second due to diseases directly attributable to non-communicable diseases directly attributable to consumption of tobacco products, and known as a soil depletor is not being banned.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      25/11/2016 - 8:22 pm

      Hi, I guess, Acacia species for medicinal usage might not be banned.
      Acacia on road side and in free lands, which was previously thought for being useful to absorb more water and grip the land firmly, is found to be false. Hence, the government order (I guess).

      Reply to comment
  • Jay Deshpande

    07/12/2016 - 2:15 am

    Dr I heard that Babhul is very effective in arthritis pain and regular use will avoid knee replacement . I am in USA , any medicine of babhul you suggest ?
    My friend is visiting India and can even get it for me .
    Thanks n regards

    Reply to comment
    • Sunil

      13/06/2017 - 10:41 pm

      Babul truly is very effective against arthritis pain. My father had this pain and now his pain is slowly going away. I believe , this is one of the best ayurveda medicine to cure arthritis pain. He is taking seed powder prepared at home with a glass of water very early in the morning with empty stomach.

      Reply to comment
  • zohra khan

    15/02/2017 - 4:29 pm

    Any side effects of taking Trayodashang guggulu tablet – 2 tablets 2 times a day with allopathic medicines.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      10/03/2017 - 11:18 pm

      Usually there are no side effects.

      Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    03/03/2017 - 3:21 pm

    It is good for arthritis. If you take it to any drug testing lab, they can tell if it contains any steroid.

    Reply to comment
  • M bhattacharjee

    25/03/2017 - 7:43 am

    Hell dr. I am getting noise in my knees when I bent down and also sometimes from shoulders. Should I start taking babul seed powder

    Reply to comment
  • Shruti Sud

    21/04/2017 - 1:38 pm

    My left knee is quite painful these days. I was advised to eat babool phali powder…. one spoon in the motafter breakfast. I have made the powder myself and started eating it 4-5 days ago. Please advise if it is safe and useful in my knees problem. Also should I take it twice?

    Reply to comment
  • Mahesh vitekar.

    21/05/2017 - 1:01 pm

    Dear doctor, can babool help regenerate cartilage in arthritic joints? Regs. Mahesh Vitekar.

    Reply to comment
  • Srirama Datta

    26/06/2017 - 7:45 pm

    DEAR DOCTOR,
    CAN WE FRY THE GUM OF THE BABOOL TREE IN GHEE AND TAKE IT FOR ARTHRITIS PAIN- IF SO WHAT IS THE DOSAGE & FOR HOW LONG

    Reply to comment
  • naveen

    20/09/2017 - 5:47 pm

    your website was fabulousy good and also thanks

    Reply to comment
  • n arolkar

    23/10/2017 - 2:13 pm

    where do we get babul seed powder ?

    Reply to comment
  • yogesh lalwani

    04/03/2018 - 10:50 am

    sir my knee legament is damage its grade injury dr says do orthoscopy, can bamura leaves are help ful for me,, pls reply sr

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    25/03/2018 - 1:10 am

    Phali is fruit powder and other is seed powder. They are different.

    Reply to comment
  • kapadiya seema

    24/04/2018 - 7:30 pm

    any homeopathy medicine found from babool tree????

    Reply to comment
  • Nimmi Parikh

    25/04/2018 - 2:49 pm

    For knee pain which is advisable to use- babool phali powder or the seed powder?Can any of the above 2 powders be useful for joint pains other than knee pain. Please guide. What would be the dosage and method of taking the powder for knee pain. Please guide.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      31/05/2018 - 6:37 am

      Hi, phali powder is useful for knee and all joint pains.

      Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    04/06/2018 - 5:47 pm

    It should not be taken while having constipation.

    Reply to comment
  • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

    22/07/2018 - 3:20 pm

    Hi, it looks fine. Please continue.

    Reply to comment
  • Vikaas

    04/08/2018 - 9:05 am

    Babul fali powder. Is good for ulcer on tongue, or stomach, or acidity,

    Reply to comment
  • Vikaas

    04/08/2018 - 9:08 am

    Fali powder is good for ulcer or not,
    And Its Its effect on
    Acidity, anexity,
    Body heat

    Reply to comment
  • Vishal

    18/08/2018 - 8:19 pm

    My mother suffer from low back pain L5. Please advise if babol phali powder is ok to consume.

    Reply to comment
  • Vikaas

    19/08/2018 - 6:27 pm

    Maximum kitne gram le sakte h, mujhe constipation kbi nhi hoti.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      21/08/2018 - 5:46 pm

      About 5 – 6 grams per day.

      Reply to comment
  • Maria

    01/09/2018 - 11:32 pm

    Can my mother use kikar gum to trear her diabetes? And she also has constipation problem.

    Reply to comment
    • Dr J V Hebbar MD(Ayu)

      02/09/2018 - 4:12 pm

      With constipation, it is best to avoid this.

      Reply to comment
  • Shereen Gul

    14/11/2020 - 1:03 am

    Are babool flowers helpful in reducing weight?how much amount should be taken daily?

    Reply to comment
  • Samy

    23/01/2021 - 10:29 pm

    Thank you for this article it was very well written. I would like to buy Acacia nilotica/ babool powder in bulk. Do you know of a reliable supplier that I can purchase from. I live in the USA. I would appreciate your help in this matter. Thank you!

    Reply to comment

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