Bibhitaki (Terminalia bellirica)

'Triphala' and each of its three constituents- Haritaki, Bibhitaka and Amalaki are well known Rasayana drugs (rejuvenating agents). They prevent aging and impart longevity, immunity, enhance body resistance against disease and improve mental faculties. The beneficial effects are studied on all seven dhatus. Unripe fruit is purgative. Dried ripe fruit is astringent and employed in dropsy, piles and diarrhoea. It is also used in fever, applied to the eyes, and is useful in sore throat and bronchitis. Clinical trial of Bibhitaka phala churna in 137 cases suffering from kasa, swasa and mixed cases of kasa-swas a indicated that the drug has bronchodilatory, antispasmodic, antiphlegmatic, expectorant and sedative activities. Kernel is narcotic and astringent and is used as an application to inflamed parts. Fully ripe or dried fruit mixed with honey is used as an application in conjunctivitis. It is a constituent of Triphala and is prescribed in diseases of liver and gastrointestinal tract and in a large variety of diseases as a rasayana.