Nalpamaram is an ayurvedic combination of four ficus tree barks used in skin care, with Arayal as one of the ingredients in the Nalpamaram formulation.
The Peepal tree, or Ficus religiosa, part of the Moraceae family, is a variation of the fig tree known as the Bodhi tree.
The word ‘Ficus‘ in Latin refers to ‘fig’, the fruit, and ‘religiosa‘ to ‘religion’, as it is sacred in both Buddhism and Hinduism.
The tree is revered in many spiritual and religious traditions; meditating under it is considered auspicious, promoting mental clarity and spiritual growth.
Habitat
The Peepal tree is a large deciduous tree, reaching up to 30 meters in height, with leaves shaped with an extended drip tip (10cm to 16 cm long, and 9–12 cm wide).
The fruits are 1cm to 1.5 cm in diameter, initially green, turning purple when ripe. The bark and wood are used in Ayurveda treatments.
Ficus religiosa, commonly called bo tree, Bodhi tree, peepul, and sacred fig, is native to Southeast Asia, southwest China, India, and the Himalayan foothills.
In native monsoon climates, this tree is semi-deciduous to deciduous. It is epiphytic, with tree seed germination leading to non-parasitic, aerial roots.
Bo tree develops an attractive pale gray bark. Ovate-rounded, glossy, dark green leaves (up to 7″ long) are cordate with distinctive, extremely narrow, elongated tips.
In its native habitat, the fruits of this tree (globular figs to 1/2” diameter) appear solitary or in pairs, emerging green but ripening to purple.
Phytochemistry
F. religiosa fruits contain flavonols namely kaempeferol, quercetin, and myricetin.
Leaves and fruits contain carbohydrate, protein, lipid, calcium, sodium, potassium, and phosphorus.
The aqueous extract of dried bark of F. religiosa has been reported to contain phytosterols, flavonoids, tannins, furanocoumarin derivatives namely bergapten and begaptol.
The stem bark of F. religiosa is reported to have phytoconstituents of phenols, tannins, steroids, alkaloids and flavonoids, β-sitosteryl-D-glucoside, vitamin K, n-octacosanol, methyl oleanolate, lanosterol, stigmasterol, lupen-3-one.
The fruits contain 4.9% protein with essential amino acids, isoleucine, and phenylalanine.
The seeds contain phytosterolin, β-sitosterol, and its glycoside, albuminoids, carbohydrate, fatty matter, coloring matter, caoutchoue 0.7–5.1%.
Nutritional Prowess
Its wood is used to treat liver problems, and seeds and young branches are used to treat skin diseases, wounds, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, infections, diarrhea, gastric problems, inflammatory disorders, and sexual disorders.
The leaves of the Pipal tree are believed to have digestive properties and may be used to alleviate digestive disorders like indigestion and constipation.
Some Ayurvedic practitioners use the leaves in remedies for respiratory issues, such as coughs and asthma.
The paste made from the leaves of the Pipal tree is sometimes applied externally to aid in wound healing.
The Pipal tree is believed to have properties that can help manage joint pain and arthritis.
Some Ayurvedic formulations may include parts of the Pipal tree for their potential benefits in managing blood sugar levels.
In Ayurveda, extracts from the tree may be used for oral health, helping to address issues like gingivitis and bad breath.
The Pipal tree is considered sacred in many cultures and is associated with spiritual and mental well-being. It is believed to have a calming effect on the mind.
Dermatological Perks
It may be used in the treatment of skin conditions, including itching, rashes, and other dermatological issues.
The tree’s various parts are believed to possess anti-inflammatory properties, making them potentially useful in conditions involving inflammation.
Helps lighten pigmentation, dark spots, blemishes, and stretch marks. Peepal tree leaves have antiseptic and healing properties, often used to heal and soothe cracked heels. It also helps to soothe itchiness caused by bacterial skin infections.
Tree bark can be used for preparing tea that is helpful in treating eczema and itching
The powder prepared from peepal tree barks can be used in face packs by combining it with gram flour. This face pack helps brighten the complexion.
Its bark is rich in vitamin K, a good complexion corrector. It minimizes skin inflammation and treats hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.