Banyan - traditional medicine

Various parts of the banyan tree are used in traditional forms of South Asian medicine. The sap is frequently used. it is applied externally to treat inflamed skin and bruising. Infusions of the plant are also prepared to treat a variety of conditions. Research is now being conducted to find out if there is any scientific evidence to support its traditional use.

Banyan as a remedy

Reports show that the whole leaf is applied to the external parts of the body that are red and inflamed. In Ayurvedic, Unani and Siddha medicine, the milky latex from the stems and leaves of the banyan tree is applied to bruises and to parts of the body that are causing pain. The feet are frequently treated to decrease pain.

A photograph of banyan bark from Kew's Economic Botany Collection.
Image: Banyan bark has been used in India to make toothpastes and tooth powders.

Infusions of the bark and seeds are used in Ayurvedic medicine as a tonic and to cool the body, whereas infusions of the bark have been traditionally used to treat patients with diabetes.

Skin ulcers are treated with a paste made from mixing water with ground plant material from the aerial roots of the tree. Healers make a dilute drink from the latex to treat children suffering from dysentery.




Tooth care

Many parts of the tree are used in caring for teeth. For example, the latex is applied to the gums to treat toothache and twigs are sold as toothpicks in markets in parts of India and Pakistan. These twigs can be used to physically clean the teeth and they are chewed to help keep the teeth clean and also to prevent gum diseases. Companies in India now make extracts from the twigs and bark of the banyan tree to make toothpaste and tooth powders.

This information is provided for general interest only. It is not intended as guidance for medicinal use. Further information on using herbal medicines is available.

More images of Banyan