Overview
Banyan is one of the herbs traditionally used in Ayurveda for skin disorders. The Banyan tree (Vata/Nyagrodha) is one of the most important trees in Indian culture and medicine. It is a massive tree with aerial prop roots that grow downward from branches to form secondary trunks. The tree can spread over a very large area. The milky latex, bark, leaves, tender buds and aerial roots are all used medicinally. The bark and latex are astringent and are used in Raktapitta (bleeding disorders), Yoniroga (uterine disorders), Prameha (diabetes), and Vrana (wounds). The latex is applied externally on cracked heels and joints. The tender leaf buds are used in diarrhea and dysentery. The aerial root is useful in dental problems. The bark contains Kino tannic acid. The chemical composition of the latex includes tannins, wax, and resin. The tree is considered sacred and is associated with longevity. Dose: Bark decoction 1-2 tola; latex externally. Verses: 1-4.
How Banyan Helps with Skin Disorders
According to Ayurvedic pharmacology, Banyan has specific properties that make it valuable for addressing skin disorders:
- Potency (Virya): Sheeta (cold)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka): Katu (pungent)
- Taste (Rasa): Kashaya (astringent), Madhura (sweet)
- Qualities (Guna): Guru (heavy), Ruksha (dry)
Other Herbs for Skin Disorders
See all herbs for skin disorders on the Skin Disorders page.
▶ Classical Text References (2 sources)
On the day of the appearance of the auspicious pushya nakshatra, one should collect two fresh leaf-buds from a banyan tree (Ficus religiosa Linn), growing in a cow-pen (typically, an open ground or range where cows are kept), from its eastern or northern side branches.
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)
Source: Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana — Human Body & Embryology, Chapter 8: Guidelines for Lineage (Jatisutriya Sharira / जातिसूत्रीय शरीर)
Surrounded by peaceful animals, near a banyan tree root, sat Atreya — the ocean of knowledge — attended by twice-born scholars.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 12: Convulsive Dance Disorder (Tandava Roga Adhikara)
The banyan tree setting is a traditional Gurukula teaching environment.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 12: Convulsive Dance Disorder (Tandava Roga Adhikara)
Surrounded by peaceful animals, near a banyan tree root, sat Atreya — the ocean of knowledge — attended by twice-born scholars.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 12: Convulsive Dance Disorder (Tandava Roga Adhikara)
The banyan tree setting is a traditional Gurukula teaching environment.
— Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 12: Convulsive Dance Disorder (Tandava Roga Adhikara)
Source: Sharangadhara Samhita, Parishishtam, Chapter 12: Convulsive Dance Disorder (Tandava Roga Adhikara)
Medical Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Ayurvedic treatments should be pursued under the guidance of a qualified practitioner (BAMS/MD Ayurveda). Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment. Content is sourced from classical Ayurvedic texts and may not reflect the latest medical research.