Stone apple or Bael: Bilva fights cholera germs

By Syed Akbar

Stone apple, Bael or Bilva is interlinked with religious rituals and customs in India. For thousands of years Bilva fruit and leaves have found their way in religious functions. Many associate this sacred tree with Lord Shiva and thus, it is often called Shivafal (Shiva fruit).

Apart from its religious significance, Bilva finds its use in several Ayurvedic and Unani medicines. In Naturopathy too, Bilva fruit and leaves are used extensively.

Bilva is considered as the best natural remedy for cholera thanks to the high content of  tannins present in it. Bilva kills cholera bacteria. It is also prescribed for a number of stomach disorders including constipation and diarrhoea.Bilva has laxative properties and cleans the digestive system.
--------------------
Home Remedies
=============
For immediate relief from painful haemorrhoids, Bilva is the best natural herbal medicine. You may either purchase readily available Bilva formulations from a reputed herbal store, or take a Bilva fruit, wash it properly and prepare decoction from it. You may added a few drops of ginger juice to the Bilva decoction 
before consuming it.

Bilva leaves have temperature lowering properties. Take a few fresh Bilva leaves and wash them properly. Mix them in a grinder to obtain juice. Take a few drops of this freshly prepared juice of Bilva leaves for relief from fever. For taste you may add some honey.

Ayurveda and Unani doctors believe that Bilva has anti-malarial properties. Besides, Bilva extract is administered for cholera patients to kill the bacteria and reduce water loss (dehydration).

It is also believed that Bilva extract will provide relief from ulcers in the stomach and intestines.

Paste made from Bilva roots, bark, fruit or leaves are applied on wounds for quick healing. Some herbal doctors consider Bilva extracts obtained from bark and leaves contain anti-venom properties i.e. 
fight snake poison. But it is always better to administer an anti-venom dose at the nearest hospital as one cannot take chances with bites of poisonous creatures.