Vata or Nyagrodha (Ficus bengalensis Linn.) or Banyan Tree or Bargad is a sacred medicinal plant known since Vedic times. The word “Nyagrodha” means which obstruct or which covers while word “Vata”, denotes that which surrounds. Banyan tree or Vat is considered as an immortal tree because its life span being more than 100 years & the tree expands with the help of its prop roots. Nyagrodha is one among the five “Panchkshiri Vruksha & Nalpamara Vruksha” (tree sources of Lac) and is considered as the National tree of India.
According to Hindu Mythology, God Shiva as Dakshinamurthy nearly always sits in silence under the Banyan tree. It is notion of as flawlessly symbolizing perpetual life due to its seemingly incessant expansion. In Hinduism, the leaf of this tree is believed to be the resting place for the Lord Krishna. To most Indians it is Sacred and symbolizes all three Gods of Hindus. The bark represents Lord Vishnu, Brahma the roots and Siva the branches. Since Vedic times its small branches have been used in Yajna (a sacrificial rite). Nyagrodha tree in Hindu mythology is called “Kalpavriksha” the wish fulfilling tree, a tree that gives food, drink, clothes, ornaments, gifts of children and even beautiful maidens to the worshipper. According to Buddhism, Lord Buddha sat for seven days under an Ashvatta tree, the tree of Enlightenment, growing on the banks of river Nairanjana absorbed in the bliss of his enlightenment. Then he rose and sat under a Nyagrodha tree for seven days, absorbed in the bliss of his illumination. As per Veda it checks the environmental pollution.
According to Indian Astrology, Banyan Tree is considered one among the 12 Rashi Vruksha (for Meen Rashi or Pisces). There are 12 rashis like 12 months of a year. According to Vedic astrology, people born under a particular rashi will have some common features related to the respective rashi. The people born under this rashi are shy and versatile. Banyan tree symbolises long life span, strength and prosperity. Vata is said to be very sacred to Hindus and the Shathpatha brahmana stated that Nyagrodha was named due to its downward growth bending its branches down to the ground and developing new secondary trunks. So that single tree in course of time from a large grove. The English name Banyan is given by the British to this tree because under this tree Banias i.e., the Hindu merchants used to assemble for business. It grows throughout the forest tracts of India both in sub Himalayan region and in the deciduous forest of Deccan and South India. It is native to the wild i.e. India, Burma, Southeast Asia, Southern China, Thailand, and Malaysia. It is found throughout the year and grows in evergreen except in dry localities where it is leafless for a short time. It is hardy and drought-resistant; it withstands mild frost.
Different parts of the Nyagrodha are used as a traditional medicine to get remedies for several ailments. The bark is useful for burning sensations, haemorrhages, diarrhoea, dysentery, diabetes, ulcer, and skin diseases. Banyan tree leaves have powerful healing and anti-microbial properties and can be used for treating disorders like dysentery, chronic diarrhoea, cleansing of abscess, ulcers, leprosy, skin allergies, swelling & painful joints, rashes, freckles & intrinsic haemorrhages.. The buds are used in diarrhoea and dysentery. Latex is useful in rheumatism, haemorrhoids, inflammation, and skin diseases. When latex is applied externally in gums, it will relieve bad breath, gum infections and loosening of teeth. This is widely used in eye diseases like corneal opacity, conjunctivitis etc. In curing cracked heels, the latex of Vata is applied. Moreover, taking a few drops of sap with a glass of milk will cure bleeding piles.
Aerial roots powder of Nyagrodha is made into paste and applied externally can remove pimples. Aerial root powder is found to be beneficial in conditions like diarrhoea, toothaches, gum diseases, hair problems etc. The root extract of the banyan tree shows prominent antibacterial activity against many bacterial species responsible for tooth decay and gum disorders. The banyan tree bark powder is efficient in removing mouth ulcers, bad breath, Skin disorders and venereal health. Banyan tree has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory (effective against inflammation, that is, swelling, pain, and redness) and analgesic (pain relieving) properties.
Banyan tree buds are taken internally for increasing breast milk. The use of leaves and extract of the banyan tree has been found in the treatment of vaginal infection, particularly leucorrhoea. In such conditions, the bark or the leaves are crushed to make a powder, which is then mixed with water to prepare a vaginal wash for the treatment of the infection. The extract of the banyan tree leaves and barks has been found to have skin protective properties. It can block the toxic effects of several allergens (allergy-causing agents) and provide a soothing feeling. It is also used to prevent skin damage. They are also used in the wound healing process. The extract from the bark of the banyan tree is a good agent for boosting the immune system. The fruits of the banyan tree have been found to possess the compound serotonin which can act against anxiety and depression. The bioactive compounds also can enhance memory and moderate the levels of seizures in case of a panic attack. Leaf extract of banyan tree has been found to lower low-density lipoprotein or LDL (bad cholesterol) and increase the percentage of the highdensity lipoprotein or HDL (good cholesterol). The Banyan tree is good for strengthening the joints and bones of the body. In case of fracture or broken bone, the scream of Banyan tree and Asthi-shrunkhala should be tied with hot pulp and taken along with ghee.
When World is eagerly waiting to celebrate the “World Environment Day 2024” on June 5 which focuses on land restoration, desertification and drought resilience under the slogan “Our Land Our Future. We are #Generation Restoration”, our kalpavruksha can be a game changer as these trees can hold the soil & water on a large scale while withstanding even the harsh climatic condition. So today we can pledge to create awareness among the masses and revive the ecosystem around the world by planting a Sapling of our kalpavruksha “Nyagrodha”.
