In Ayurvedic system of medicine Ficus bengalensis or Banyan tree is well known for managing diabetes. The bark of Banyan tree has anti-diabetic properties. Studies have confirmed hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effect of extract of bark in alloxan diabetic rabbits, rats and in humans. The bark also reported to have hypocholesterolaemic (cholesterol lowering) and hypolipidaemic (lipid lowering) effects.
The anti-diabetic effect of bark is due to presence of flavonoids, water soluble and insoluble glycoside. In studies, the decoction and infusion was found effective in moderate diabetes but ineffective in severe diabetes.
Common names of Banyan Tree
Sanskrit: Vata; Hind Vata, Bargad; English: Banyan tree; Nepalese: Bar; Sinhalese: Nuga; Unani: Bargad; Arabian: Zatuzzawanelia; Persian: Darakht-e-reshah; Burmese: Pyinyuang; French: Figuier due bengal: Tibetan: Nya-gro-dha; Tamil: Alamaram
How to use Banyan tree bark for Diabetes
- Take bark (2 inch) of Banyan tree. Soak this in a glass of water at night. Next morning mash the bark, filter the liquid and drink.
- Dry and pulverise the bark of Banyan tree. Take of 1 tablespoon bark powder and prepare decoction by boiling in 2 glass of water till volume reduces to 1/2 cup. Filter the decoction and drink regularly.