Ayurvedic Properties
- Taste (Rasa)
- Astringent (Kashaya), Sweet (Madhura)
- Quality (Guna)
- Heavy (Guru), Dry (Ruksha)
- Potency (Virya)
- Cold (Sheeta)
- Post-digestive (Vipaka)
- Pungent (Katu)
- Key Constituents
- Tannins, Flavonoids, Sterols
- Also Known As
- English: Sacred Fig, Peepal Tree, Bo Tree
Sanskrit: अश्वत्थ, बोधिद्रुम, चलदल, गजाशन, पिप्पल
Hindi: पीपल
What is Sacred Fig?
You may know the Sacred Fig as the Bodhi tree, the tree planted beside temples across India and held sacred in both Hinduism and Buddhism. Ayurveda knows it as Peepal or Ashvattha (Ashvattha, its classical Sanskrit name), and treats it as a working medicine as well as a holy tree.
Botanically it is Ficus religiosa Linn., a large deciduous tree found throughout India. Unusually, almost every part is used: the bark, leaves, fruits, milky latex and tender shoots. Other English names include Peepal Tree and Bo Tree.
Its bark is the star. It is astringent and cooling, and the Bhavaprakasha uses it for bleeding disorders (Raktapitta, the Ayurvedic term for heat-driven bleeding), uterine disorders and skin diseases. It is also one of the five classical astringent barks (Panchavalkala) that are used together.
Benefits of Sacred Fig
Sacred Fig bark is astringent (Kashaya) and sweet (Madhura) in taste, heavy (Guru) and dry (Ruksha) in quality, cold in potency (Sheeta Virya, its cooling effect on the body) and pungent after digestion (Katu Vipaka). That cooling, astringent profile is why it balances Pitta, the dosha of heat.
Bleeding Disorders
The Bhavaprakasha lists alleviating bleeding (Raktapittahara) as one of its actions. The bark is used for bleeding disorders, and so are the tender leaf buds.
Skin and Wounds
The bark is used for skin diseases (Kushtha), and its listed actions include complexion enhancing (Varnya) and wound healing (Vranashodhana). The latex is applied to cracked skin, which is why it is also used for dry skin that cracks.
Women's Health
Classical texts describe it as correcting uterine disorders (Yonidoshahara), and the bark is used for these conditions (Yoniroga). This is practitioner territory rather than self-care.
Mouth and Gums
A decoction of the bark is used as a gargle for oral diseases and stomatitis, meaning inflammation and sores inside the mouth.
Digestion and Breathing
The fruit is described as laxative and digestive. The dried fruits are given in asthma.
Modern analysis identifies tannins, flavonoids and sterols among its constituents. Our sources do not hold clinical research on these effects.
How to Use Sacred Fig
Most classical uses of the Sacred Fig rely on the bark, either as a decoction taken internally or used externally as a gargle or wash. The bark is also used in combination with the other astringent barks of the Panchavalkala group.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bark decoction (Kashaya), internal | 1 to 2 tola (a classical measure), per the Bhavaprakasha | Bleeding disorders, uterine disorders, skin diseases | Under practitioner guidance |
| Bark decoction as a gargle | No standard amount in our sources | Mouth sores and stomatitis | As directed |
| Latex, applied externally | A small amount on the affected spot | Cracked skin | As directed |
| Dried fruit | No standard dose in our sources | Asthma, digestion | Under practitioner guidance |
| Tender leaf buds | No standard dose in our sources | Bleeding disorders | Under practitioner guidance |
Because the bark is dry and astringent, people using it on the skin often follow with a little oil so the area does not over-dry. Our sources give no seasonal guidance.
Safety & Side Effects
Our sources do not list formal contraindications or drug interactions for the Sacred Fig. Thin safety data is not proof of safety, so internal use is best kept under a practitioner's guidance.
Drying Nature
The bark is astringent and dry (Ruksha). Used externally without an oil follow-up, it can over-dry the skin, and it is not a natural fit for someone whose main problem is plain dryness without heat or inflammation.
Heavy Quality
It is also heavy (Guru), and the fruit is described as laxative. If your digestion is weak or loose, mention this to your practitioner before taking it internally.
Bleeding and Uterine Conditions
Its main internal uses are for bleeding and uterine disorders. Both need a proper medical diagnosis first, so see a doctor before using any herb for them.
Recommended: Start Here
The simplest way to start with the Sacred Fig is the bark. A bark powder lets you make a decoction for a mouth gargle or a cooling skin wash, two of its classical external uses, without committing to internal dosing.
If you want to take it internally for bleeding, skin or uterine concerns, bring the bark to a practitioner, who can set the dose using the classical 1 to 2 tola guide. Look for products labelled Peepal, Pipal or Ashvattha bark.
Find Peepal Bark Powder on Amazon ↗ Panchavalkala Powder ↗
Safety note: the bark is drying, so follow skin washes with oil, and keep internal use under practitioner guidance, especially in pregnancy.
Sacred Fig vs Other Herbs & Supplements
The Sacred Fig is a specialist cooling, astringent herb. These are the comparisons that come up most, drawn from herbs it is used with or weighed against on our site.
| Comparison | Sacred Fig | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| vs Banyan, Udumbara and the other Panchavalkala barks | One of the five astringent barks | Banyan, Udumbara, Plaksha and Parisha make up the rest of the group | Not rivals: the classical approach is to use the five barks together |
| vs Guduchi for skin | Focused and mostly external: latex on cracks, bark washes, Pitta skin | An internal rejuvenating herb (Rasayana) that balances all three doshas | Guduchi for deeper internal support; Sacred Fig for the affected patches. They are often used together |
| vs Brahmi for the mind | Cooling, but not described as a brain herb | The main Ayurvedic herb for memory and focus, also cooling | Choose Brahmi for brain fog and memory; Sacred Fig is at most a minor support |
In short: pick the Sacred Fig when the problem is heat showing up as bleeding, inflamed skin or mouth sores.
Sacred Fig for Specific Populations
Our sources have little population-specific guidance, so the advice below is cautious.
Pregnancy & Nursing
The bark acts on the uterus in the classical sense, being used to correct uterine disorders. Our sources do not say whether it is safe in pregnancy or while nursing, so do not take it internally during these times unless a practitioner advises it.
Children
No specific guidance for children appears in our sources. Keep any internal use under a practitioner's care.
Elderly
Nothing specific is recorded. Because the bark is heavy and dry, older adults with weak digestion or very dry skin should check with a practitioner before using it.
Athletes
Our sources describe no athletic or performance use for the Sacred Fig.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Peepal tree the same as the Bodhi tree?
Yes. Peepal, Ashvattha, Sacred Fig, Bo Tree and Bodhi tree are all names for Ficus religiosa. Other Sanskrit names include Bodhidruma and Chaladala.
Which part of the Peepal tree is used in Ayurveda?
The bark is used most, but the leaves, fruits, latex and tender shoots are all medicinal. Each part has its own use, for example latex for cracked skin and dried fruits in asthma.
What is Panchavalkala?
It means "five barks." It is a classical group of astringent barks, one of which is the Sacred Fig, used together especially for skin conditions.
Can I gargle with Peepal bark?
Yes, a bark decoction used as a gargle is a classical remedy for mouth diseases and stomatitis. See a dentist or doctor for sores that do not heal.
Which dosha does Peepal balance?
It balances Pitta. Its cold potency and astringent, sweet taste make it a cooling herb for heat-driven problems.
How to Use Peepal Tree by Condition
Explore how Peepal Tree is used for specific health concerns — with dosage, preparation methods, and classical references for each.
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.