Bael Tree (Aegle marmelos)

Bael Tree (Aegle marmelos) is a member of the Rutaceae family, native to India, Sri Lanka, and Southern Asia. Traditionally, its fruits, leaves, and bark have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its anti-inflammatory, bitter, and astringent actions, and has a long history of use in ayurvedic medicine, unani medicine, and traditional chinese medicine.

Bael Tree (Aegle marmelos) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Bael Tree (Aegle marmelos) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Bael Tree
Scientific Name	Aegle marmelos
Plant Family	Rutaceae
Genus	Aegle
Species	marmelos
Native Range	India, Sri Lanka, Southern Asia
Plant Parts Used	Fruits, Leaves, Bark
Primary Medicinal Actions	Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter, Astringent
Primary Traditional Systems	Ayurvedic Medicine, Unani Medicine, Traditional Chinese Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Aegle marmelos
Common Name: Bael Tree
Synonyms / Alternative Names: Bael Tree, Karpas Tree, Indian Banyan
Plant Family: Rutaceae
Genus: Aegle

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically reaches a height of 5 to 12 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with dorsiventral arrangement, upper surface glabrous and dark green, lower surface pale green with prominent stomatal bands.
Flowers: White flowers arranged in clusters, actinomorphic, with five petals and five sepals, featuring a tubular corolla and stamens equal in number to the petals.
Stems: Woody, erect, simple branching, smooth surface, persistent lenticels, nodes with distinct leaf scars.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

Ayurvedic Medicine
Unani Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Anti-inflammatory: Traditionally described as a warming anti-inflammatory, for general calming applications.
Bitter: In herbal texts, considered a gentle bitter, for flavor-based applications.
Astringent: Historically regarded as a mild astringent, for surface-level applications.
Tonic: As described in traditional systems, a cooling tonic, in whole-system applications.

Active Compounds

Flavonoid: Naturally occurring polyphenols that contribute to pigmentation and structural chemistry.
Tannin: High-molecular-weight phenolic compounds found in many plant species.
Coumarin: Organic compounds biosynthesized as part of plant secondary metabolism.
Phenolic Acid: A group of plant-derived compounds frequently identified in herbal material.

Modern Research Overview

Contemporary research on this plant includes areas such as chemical analysis, laboratory-based studies, and observational research. Detailed summaries of published findings are not included at this stage and will be added during future content updates.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Some general precautions have been associated with the use of this herb.
Contraindications: Specific contraindications associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Available information regarding interactions with pharmaceutical drugs is limited.
Toxicity: Reports indicate that this herb may exhibit toxic properties in some contexts.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Available information regarding use during pregnancy or breastfeeding is limited.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: This method uses sustained heat to extract compounds from firm plant structures.
Poultice: Fresh or dried plant material is applied externally to the skin.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.
Culinary Use: Culinary use includes adding plant material to recipes or beverages.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers well-balanced moisture levels. Tolerates variable moisture levels.