What to know about Ficus benghalensis (banyan) before using it medicinally

Ficus benghalensis, commonly known as banyan, is an herb that has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions, including inflammation, fever, and digestive issues, due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

This herb is a popular choice among gardeners and horticulturists due to its unique ability to thrive in a variety of environments and its adaptability to different soil types. From a botanical standpoint, Ficus benghalensis is a member of the Moraceae family and is characterized by its distinctive aerial roots and ability to grow up to 100 feet in height.

Historically, this herb has been referenced in ancient Ayurvedic and Unani medicine texts, where it was used to treat a range of health conditions and was considered a sacred tree by many cultures.

This article explains the medicinal, horticultural, botanical, and historical aspects of Ficus benghalensis .

What are the medicinal properties of Ficus benghalensis ?

Ficus benghalensis helps with various ailments, including fever, rheumatism, and skin conditions. Its medicinal uses include treating diarrhea, dysentery, and urinary problems. The plant is also used to treat snakebites and insect stings.

The active constituents of Ficus benghalensis include flavonoids, triterpenoids, and phenolic acids. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, which contribute to the plant's medicinal effects. Research has also identified the presence of alkaloids and glycosides.

The parts of the plant most used for medicinal purposes are the roots, leaves, and fruits. The roots are used to treat fever and rheumatism, while the leaves are used to treat skin conditions and wounds. The fruits are eaten fresh or dried to treat digestive problems.

Ingestion of excessive amounts of Ficus benghalensis can cause gastrointestinal upset, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Improper use of the plant may also lead to allergic reactions, such as skin rashes and respiratory issues.

To use Ficus benghalensis medicinally, several precautions must be taken. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare professional before using the plant. Additionally, individuals with kidney or liver disease should use caution when consuming the plant, and its use may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and diabetes medications.

What are the horticulural aspects of Ficus benghalensis ?

Ficus benghalensis grow in a humid subtropical to tropical climate with high temperatures and rainfall. It thrives in USDA zones 10-12, requiring full sun to partial shade. Average annual rainfall of 2,000 mm to 4,000 mm is ideal. Soil pH between 6.0 and 7.0 supports healthy growth.

Proper planting of Ficus benghalensis requires selecting a well-draining site with adequate moisture. Dig a hole twice the width and depth of the root ball, then fill with a mixture of soil and organic matter. Water thoroughly and mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.

Harvesting Ficus benghalensis involves selecting mature fruit with a deep green color and a slightly sweet aroma. Figs are typically ready to eat in late spring to early summer, with optimal harvest timing around 40-60 days after pollination. Use clean, sharp tools to prevent damaging the fruit or plant. Harvest only when the fruit is fully ripe to ensure sweetness and flavor.

Common pests affecting Ficus benghalensis include mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. These sap-sucking insects can cause leaf curl, yellowing, and defoliation. Regular inspections and treatment with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can prevent infestations. Root rot and fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, also threaten the plant's health. Proper sanitation and fungicides can mitigate the risk of infection.

What are the botanical aspects of Ficus benghalensis ?

Ficus benghalensis is a dioecious, deciduous tree characterized by aerial prop roots, buttresses, and large, palmate leaves. It can grow up to 30 meters in height with a trunk diameter of up to 3 meters. The bark is greyish-brown, smooth, and peels off in thin layers.

The taxonomical classification of Ficus benghalensis is as follows: Kingdom: Plantae, Clade: Angiosperms, Clade: Eudicots, Clade: Rosids, Order: Rosales, Family: Moraceae, Genus: Ficus, Species: F. benghalensis. It belongs to the banyan group of figs, which are characterized by their aerial roots.

The variants of Ficus benghalensis include Ficus benghalensis var. benghalensis, Ficus benghalensis var. aurantiaca, and Ficus benghalensis var. microcarpa. These variants differ in their leaf shape, size, and color, as well as in their growth habits.

Ficus benghalensis has a wide geographical distribution, found in the wild in tropical and subtropical regions of Asia, including India, China, and Southeast Asia. It is also cultivated in many parts of the world, including Africa, Australia, and the Americas.

The life cycle of Ficus benghalensis typically lasts around 100-150 years. It begins with a seed germinating and growing into a seedling, which eventually develops into a sapling. The sapling then develops into a mature tree, producing flowers, fruits, and seeds. The tree eventually reaches the end of its life cycle, after which it dies and is replaced by a new sapling.

What are the historical aspects of Ficus benghalensis ?

Ficus benghalensis is a plant with a rich history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in Ayurveda and Unani systems. In these ancient practices, the plant's bark and leaves are used to treat various ailments, including fever, digestive issues, and skin conditions.

In Hindu mythology, the banyan tree is associated with the god Krishna, who is said to have rested under one of these trees. The tree is also mentioned in the Mahabharata, where it is described as a symbol of spiritual growth and enlightenment. In Buddhist tradition, the banyan is considered a sacred tree.

The banyan tree has been imbued with various symbolic meanings across cultures. In Hinduism, it represents eternity and the cycles of life, while in Buddhism, it symbolizes the interconnectedness of all beings. In many Asian cultures, the tree is also associated with good fortune and prosperity.

The historical texts of Ficus benghalensis can be found in ancient Sanskrit texts, such as the Charaka Samhita and the Sushruta Samhita, which describe its medicinal properties and uses. The plant is also mentioned in the Atharvaveda, an ancient Hindu text, where it is described as a symbol of spiritual growth.

The historical artifacts related to Ficus benghalensis include ancient temple carvings and sculptures, which depict the tree as a sacred symbol. In many Indian temples, banyan trees are still revered and worshipped today, with intricate carvings and sculptures adorning their trunks and branches.