Bibhitaki or Belleric {Terminalia Belerica}
Belleric Myrobalan is called Bibhitaki in Ayurveda and is good for Kapha. Bibhitaki is also a key ingredient in an Ayurvedic herbal medicine called Triphala.
Ayurveda Characteristic and Uses
- Effect on doshas – Balancing for Kapha and also Pitta
- Taste – Astringent
- Energetics – Heating
- Main Traditional Action: expectorant, laxative as part of Triphala, antiseptic
- Other Traditional Uses: Improves overall bodily tone and is useful in cough, asthma, congestion, and migraine headaches
Modern Research
Bibhitaki was found to have anti-asthmatic, anti-spasmodic, expectorant and anti-tussive activities. It has also been shown to have hepatoprotective activity and in a reduction of lipids in hypercholesterolemic animals. It has been shown in in vitro studies to have antimalarial, antimutagenic, and antifungal activity.