Botanical Name: Ficus religiosa L
Family: Moraceae
Synonyms: Significant scientific synonyms include Urostigma religiosum (L.) Gasp. In the Sanskrit tradition, it is synonymous with Pippala, Chalachitra (referring to its constantly moving leaves), and Bodhidruma (the tree of enlightenment).
Vernacular Names: The tree is recognized across various regions as Peepal (Hindi), Sacred Fig (English), Ashathwa (Bengali), Arasa Maram (Tamil), and Ravi Chettu (Telugu).
Classification: In terms of habit, Ficus religiosa is a large, deciduous or semi-evergreen tree that often begins its life as an epiphyte. Within the Moraceae family, it is classified as a “strangler fig,” though it frequently grows independently, reaching massive proportions and living for centuries.
Habitat: Native to the Indian subcontinent and Indochina, it is widely distributed across India, Nepal, and Sri Lanka. It thrives in a variety of environments but prefers well-drained alluvial soil and hot, humid climates. It is famously hardy, often found growing in the crevices of old buildings or rocky outcrops.
Morphology: The tree can reach an immense height of 20–35 meters with a wide-spreading crown and a trunk that becomes irregularly shaped with age. The leaves are its most identifying feature: they are heart-shaped (cordate) with a distinctively long, slender “drip tip” that allows rainwater to run off easily. The leaves are attached to long, flexible petioles, causing them to rustle even in the slightest breeze. The flowers are hidden within a specialized structure called a syconium (fig). The fruit consists of small, globose figs that turn purple-black when ripe.
Useful Parts: Multiple parts of the tree are utilized in medicine, most notably the bark, leaves, tender leaf buds, fruits, and the milky latex.
Chemical Composition: The bark is rich in tannins, phytosterols (such as beta-sitosterol), and flavonoids. The leaves contain significant amounts of amino acids, stigmastrol, and campesterol. The fruit contains various amino acids (including phenylalanine and tyrosine) and flavonols like quercetin and rutin. The latex contains digestive enzymes and caoutchouc.
Pharmacological Action: Ficus religiosa exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and hemostatic (blood-stopping) properties. It is widely used to treat respiratory disorders such as asthma and cough, as well as skin diseases and non-healing ulcers. The bark is highly effective as an astringent for managing diarrhea and dysentery, while the fruits act as a mild laxative and digestive tonic.
Formulation/Usage: Traditional applications involve the use of Panchavalkala Kwadha (a decoction of five barks including Peepal) for vaginal washes and wound cleaning. A paste of the bark is applied to inflammatory swellings, and the juice of the leaves, mixed with honey, is used to treat aphthous ulcers in the mouth. The dried fruit powder is often administered to manage reproductive health issues and to strengthen the nervous system.
Rasa: Kashaya and Madhura
Guna: Guru , Ruksha .
Virya: Sheeta
Vipaka: Katu