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, Wax, Sterols
- Also Known As
- English: White Fig, Java Fig
Sanskrit: प्लक्ष, पर्करी, जटी, गृहद्रुम
Hindi: पाकर
What is White Fig?
If you know the Banyan, you already have a sense of the White Fig. It is a large tree that resembles the Banyan, and Ayurveda gives it a very similar job: an astringent, cooling bark for bleeding, loose stools and wounds.
Its botanical name is Ficus lacor, its Sanskrit name is Plaksha, and in Hindi it is Pakar. Another English name is Java Fig. The Sahasra Yoga calls it a sacred fig.
White Fig is one of the "five barks" (Panchavalkala), a classical group of tree barks used together. Its bark, latex, leaves and fruit are all used medicinally.
Benefits of White Fig
White Fig tastes astringent and sweet (Kashaya and Madhura Rasa), is heavy and dry (Guru and Ruksha Guna), and cooling (Sheeta Virya). The Bhavaprakash Nighantu records that it balances Pitta, the dosha of heat, and says its uses are similar to those of the Banyan and Cluster Fig (Udumbara).
Bleeding disorders
It is listed as stopping bleeding (Raktapittahara) and is used in bleeding disorders (Raktapitta). The bark decoction is given for bleeding conditions.
Diarrhoea and dysentery
White Fig is absorbent (Grahi), binding loose stools. Its bark decoction is used in diarrhoea and dysentery.
Skin, complexion and wounds
It is described as a complexion enhancer (Varnya), is linked to skin disorders (Kushtha), and is used for wounds (Vrana).
Women's health
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu also names it as useful in disorders of the female reproductive tract (Yoniroga).
How to Use White Fig
The bark is the most used part, prepared as a decoction (Kashaya): simmered in water and strained.
| Form | Dose | Best For | When to Take |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bark decoction (Kashaya) | 1 to 2 tola (a classical unit of weight) | Diarrhoea, dysentery, bleeding disorders | As directed by a practitioner |
| Panchavalkala (five-bark formula) | As part of a formula | Wounds, skin, bleeding | As directed by a practitioner |
Classical texts also use the latex, leaves and fruit, but give no separate doses for them in our sources.
Safety & Side Effects
The classical sources available to us list no specific contraindications or drug interactions for White Fig.
It is astringent, heavy and binding, so it does not suit people who are constipated or have sluggish digestion. Bleeding and persistent diarrhoea can signal serious illness and need a medical diagnosis before you rely on herbs.
As one of the five barks, it is often used in combination rather than alone. If you are taking a Panchavalkala blend, do not add extra White Fig bark on top without guidance.
Recommended: Start Here
White Fig bark is seldom sold on its own outside India. The most practical way to use it is through Panchavalkala, the classical five-bark blend it belongs to, which a practitioner can prepare or recommend.
If you want the single herb, look for Plaksha or Pakar bark labelled Ficus lacor, and use it as a decoction under guidance.
Find Panchavalkala on Amazon ↗ Plaksha Bark ↗
Safety note: get any bleeding or persistent diarrhoea checked by a doctor, and ask a practitioner first if you are pregnant, nursing or on medication.
White Fig vs Other Herbs & Supplements
White Fig is best compared with the fig trees it is grouped with.
| Comparison | White Fig | Alternative | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Fig vs Banyan | Astringent, cooling bark; bleeding, diarrhoea, wounds | Banyan (Vata), the tree it resembles | The Bhavaprakash Nighantu says their properties and uses are similar. Both belong to the five barks. |
| White Fig vs Cluster Fig | Plaksha, Ficus lacor | Cluster Fig (Udumbara) | Also described as similar. Use whichever your practitioner can source, or the five-bark blend that combines them. |
| White Fig vs White Nagkesar | Cooling bark for bleeding | White Nagkesar, heating stamens for bleeding | Both stop bleeding. White Fig is the cooling option; Nagkesar is heating. |
White Fig for Specific Populations
Classical sources give little population-specific guidance for White Fig, so take the cautious path.
Pregnancy & Nursing
The Bhavaprakash Nighantu names it for disorders of the female reproductive tract, but gives no pregnancy guidance. Avoid it in pregnancy unless a qualified practitioner recommends it.
Children
No dosing for children is given. Do not give it to a child without a practitioner's advice, and see a doctor for diarrhoea in children, which can quickly cause dehydration.
Elderly
No specific guidance is given. Its heavy, binding nature may not suit older adults with weak digestion or constipation.
Athletes
Classical sources say nothing specific about athletic use.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Panchavalkala?
It means "five barks", a classical group of tree barks used together. White Fig (Plaksha) is one of the five.
Is White Fig the same as Banyan?
No. It is a separate tree, Ficus lacor, that resembles the Banyan and has similar properties and uses.
Is White Fig heating or cooling?
Cooling. It tastes astringent and sweet, is heavy and dry, and has a cold potency with a pungent post-digestive effect.
Which parts of the tree are used?
The bark, latex, leaves and fruit. The bark, as a decoction, is the most common.
What compounds does it contain?
Its listed constituents are tannins, wax and sterols.
How to Use Plaksha by Condition
Explore how Plaksha 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.