Popularly called Athipalam | Athipazham | அத்திப்பழம் | Athi Fruit in Tamil and Gular Fruit in Hindi, these fruits have amazing health benefits. In fact, all parts of the athi tree have medicinal uses. I am sure everyone will be very familiar with regular figs (Ficus carica) we get in the markets but there is an Indian variety of fig tree called Gular Tree (North India) | Athipalam Tree (South India) | Udumbara (Sanskrit) that many of us are not familar off.
It produces ample fruits (but much smaller) in clusters, closer to the trunk. The botanical name of gular tree is Ficus Racemosa and it is commonly called Cluster Fig | Indian Fig | Gular Fig in English. Athipalam has been used in all 4 major branches (Ayurveda, Unanai, Homeopathy and Siddha) of medicine in India from ancient times!
Athi Palam Tree | Gular Tree:
Athipalam tree is very commonly found in India and has been used for medicinal purposes from ancient times. Athipalam tree is native to India, South East Asia and Australia.
This tree is medium to large sized and can be found growing throughout India, it is considered very sacred in India and is grown both in homes and temples. You can also find this tree in evergreen forests, river banks and usually you will find it in many villages as it offers both fruits and shade.
The fruits are dull red in color when ripe and usually a single tree will produce ample fruits. The flowers are referred to as gular ka phool in Hindi. Though the tree produces ample fruits, you will rarely find the fresh fruits in the markets as most of the fruits are usually infested with worms.
Athipalam (Gular Fruit) Common Names:
Athipalam (Gular Fruit) Nutritional Value:
Athipalam Tree Traditional Uses:
Almost all parts of the tree including bark, fruits and latex are generally used for medicinal purposes but the bark followed by fruits are the most used parts. The leaves and bark are also used in spiritual practices, the bark is used in homam fire.
Traditionally athipalam tree has been used for treating dysentery, mumps, piles, swelling of ears, mouth disorders, stomach pain, fistula, dysuria, burning sensation, ulcers and urinary disorders.
Athipalam Tree Medicinal Uses:
1. Athipalam For Diabetes:
2. Hypolipidemic Properties:
3. Anti Bacterial & Anti Fungal Properties:
4. Wound Healing Properties:
5. Antidiarrhoeal Properties:
6. Anti Inflammatory Properties:
7. Athipalam For Anemia:
8. Anti Ulcer Properties:
9. Analgesic and Antipyretic Properties:
10. Anti Carcinogenic Properties:
Athipalam Dosage:
Athipalam Side Effects:
Medicinal Uses & Health Benefits Of Athipalam | Gular Tree:
1. Athipalam Tree Leaf Decoction:
a. The leaf decoction has wonderful anti bacterial and wound healing properties. For making the decoction, tear the leaves into pieces and boil in water till the color changes.
b. Strain and use the water to wash the wounds.
2. Athipalam Juice:
The fresh fruit drink is very very good for relieving fatigue, improving immunity and general strength. For the drink, collect fresh ripe athipalam fruits. Cut in half and check for any insects and then grind it together with milk and honey, a wonderful drink for children!
3. Athipalam Tree Bark Decoction:
Athipalam tree bark decoction has multiple uses as it has the most medicinal uses. This decoction can be used as a gargle for sore throat. When consumed, it reduces high blood sugar levels and is also a good remedy for dysentry, fever, inflammation and pain!
For the decoction take a small bark of athipalam tree and boil it in water and strain. Usually the dosage is around 2 to 3 tbsp of the decoction. The bark can also be rubbed on a sandalwood stone along with little water and applied for treating mosquito bites and skin problems like acne and freckles.
4. Athipalam Unripe Fruit Pachadi:
a. Unripe athipalam fruits are usually pickled and used in gravies but this practice is slowly diminishing, I would kindly suggest not giving up on these old traditions. This pachadi has a cooling effect on the body and is perfect for hot summers.
It is also very very good for the stomach especially, people suffering from gastric ulcers will greatly benefit from it. For the pachadi, take fully developed but unripe athipalam fruits. Don’t use too unripe fruits, they won’t taste good. Cut the fruit in half and then into quarters.
b. Check for insects and remove the inner fibrous part with a sharp knife.
c. Boil in water till they turn soft.
d. Mash the cooked fruits using a fork.
e. Add finely cut shallots, green chilies, salt and thick homemade curd and mix well. You can also add tadka to the pachadi. For the tadka, heat little oil in a small pan, once hot add mustard and once it splutters add curry leaves and then add to the pachadi. Have this pachadi along with rice in summers.
5. Athipalam Tree Latex:
If you break the leaves or the fruits a milky latex will flow out, the latex can be used for treating wounds and boils.
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