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Origin, Distribution and Composition
Belleric myroblan is a large tree, often with buttresses. It has large
leaves, 10 to 25 cm long, clustered near ends of branches; small pale
green foul-smelling flowers in simple spikes and egg-shaped, brownish long
fruits densely covered with hair.
The word Belleric is taken from the scientific name which distinguishes
this myroblan from the other one, that is, chebulic myroblan, (harad).
The dried fruits of the tree constitute the drug bahera. The trade
name bahera is based on the Indian name of the tree.
This tree is indigenous to India. It occurs almost throughout the country
up to about 1,000 meters excepting the dry regions of Western India. It is
more common in mixed deciduous forests. The herb contains substantial
amounts of tannin substances.
Healing Power and Curative Properties
The herb is bitter in taste. It is a tonic and a laxative and arrests
secretion or bleeding. It is also useful in reducing fevers. The bahera
fruit is one of the three constituents of the famous Indian preparation
triphala, the other two being embelica myroblan (amla) and
chebulic myroblan (harad).
Coughs
Belleric myroblan is a household remedy for coughs. A mixture of the pulp
of the fruit, salt, long pepper and honey is administered in the treatment
of cough. The fried fruit covered with wheat flour and roasted, is another
popular remedy for cough and catarrh.
Stomach Disorders
The herb is extremely useful in stomach disorders such as indigestion and
diarrhea. A decoction or infusion of 1 to 3 grams of the pulp of the fruit
should be administered in these disorders.
Sore Throat
The same mixture as for cough treatment is also a useful remedy for sore
throat and hoarseness of voice. The fried fruit is another remedy for
treating sore throat. It should be given in the same manner as for cough.
Chronic Constipation
The half ripe fruit is considered useful as a purgative. It can be used
beneficially in the treatment of chronic constipation. However, the ripe
and dried fruit has the opposite property.
Intestinal Worms
Belleric myroblan, mixed with the seeds of butea (palash) is very
effective anthelmintic. It should be taken in doses of one teaspoon thrice
a day. It helps remove all intestinal parasites.
Eye Disorders
The herb can be applied on the eyes as a soothing lotion. Its fine powder
can be used beneficially in epiphora—that is watering of the eyes, in
which tears flow onto the cheeks due to abnormality of the tear drainage
system.
Other Diseases
Belleric myroblan can be used with gratifying result as a brain tonic. It
is also useful in leprosy, piles, dropsy and fever.
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