Ramakantha was a Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in the Indian Forest Service. He is an academic, author, and wildlife photographer, who manages species-rich ecosystems in India. He is also a member of the Heartfulness Green initiative at Kanha Shanti Vanam.

thumbnail_V-Ramakantha.jpg

V-Ramakantha.jpg

Dr. V. Ramakantha

<h4>DR. V. RAMAKANTHA is a former Indian Forest Service officer and member of the Green Kanha Initiative at
 the Heartfulness Community’s Meditation Center at Kanha Shanti Vanam in India. Having spent most of his working life
 living in forests and jungles, in tune with the natural world, his slant on our current corona crisis is steeped in
 nature and also in the stories and traditions of ancient India.</h4>
While people around the world are worried that shaking hands, hugging and kissing might
 help spread the virus, the Indian traditional greeting of ‘Namaste’ comes in handy. Even Prince Charles and President
 Trump have popularized it as a fashionable corona greeting!
When we fold our hands in greeting, it is to communicate that “You and I are one and the
 same, sparks of the same Divinity; and I salute the Divinity within you.” When the world appreciates this greeting
 with folded hands, it is likely to stay even after the threat of the virus vanishes.
The slowdown and shut down of activities we are facing also offer us an opportunity to
 ponder over some basic issues. There has never been a paucity of wise people, sages and philosophers around the globe
 who can influence society by their reflections on the purpose and goal of human life. Ancient Indian literature, about
 which I am familiar, is replete with analyses, stories and metaphors concerning the transient nature of human life on
 Earth. Also, Indians, like other Asians, stand out in having no compunction in talking about life and death in the
 same breath! In a way, this nonchalant attitude helps us deal with the corona crisis.
Here, the story of ‘The Woman and the Buddha’ is worth recounting. A grief stricken
 woman approached Buddha and pleaded that he should bring back her husband, who had died. The Compassionate One
 pondered for a while, and said that he would help her, but she had to first bring a fistful of mustard seeds from a
 home where there was no death. The lady was pleased with the offer of help. She went looking for the mustard seeds.
 Wherever she went, she was told that there was a death in the family. She eventually discovered the truth that death
 is inevitable. In helping her to discover the truth for herself, Lord Buddha expressed his compassion.

 <img class="lazyload mw-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/humanity2_6420a6e178.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-05T07:48:09.517Z">

There is another piece of great perception in the epic Mahabharata:
In this cauldron fashioned from illusion, with the sun as fire, day and night as
 kindling wood, the months and seasons as the ladle for stirring, Time (or Death) cooks all beings. This is the simple
 truth!
The first thing that we may try to do is not to be obsessively worried about death. Fear
 in the heart of a human being is damaging. It attracts other emotions, like prejudice, hatred and anger, and leads to
 an imbalanced life. Undue worry and excessive fear affect the body and the mind adversely, and can even be the
 premature cause of death itself. Is there a way to overcome the fear of death? Yes there is.
Though it is too naïve to believe that reading literature about the ephemeral nature of
 human existence will help us overcome the fear, such an understanding may propel us to explore the field of
 consciousness, and embark on the path of a meditative practice.
It has been my personal experience during the past 25 years that Heartfulness practices
 have helped me to bring my turbulent mind to stillness and calm. This form of meditation, aided by yogic Transmission,
 has enabled me to overcome the primordial fear of death that is inherent in almost all of us. Cessation of the
 turbulence of the mind is Yoga. When we turn our attention inward, meditate, and achieve stillness of the mind, we
 experience peace, and ultimately joy, which is the quality of the soul. Through such meditative practices, an
 awareness dawns within us that we are in a body, but we are beyond the body. We have a mind but we are beyond the
 mind. Once we experience the immaculate joy stemming from meditative practices, in a mysterious way the fear starts
 losing its grip on us.
The very first blessing that comes our way through yogic practices is Viveka –
 the discriminative ability. It is imperative that all of us must be cautious during a medical crisis such as this,
 taking all the precautions available on the WHO website and through national and local public health authorities.
Those of us suffering from any type of cold, cough, fever, body ache and similar
 symptoms ought to stay at home, avoid public gatherings, and refrain from travel unless absolutely essential. Those of
 us who are lucky enough to have regulated minds through meditative practices will not unduly worry about attending to
 our duties and responsibilities in the face of the pandemic. If travelling is unavoidable, we will embark on it with
 all the necessary precautions (this is specifically for those who are privileged to help their fellow beings, offering
 essential services).
One last thing. In the past five decades or so, many of us have been feeling that the
 world is running too fast for our comfort. Many of us have had everything but time! In our anxiety to earn a living,
 to make a career for ourselves, and for many other reasons, we have been deeply engrossed in so many activities that
 there was no time even to breathe. It is a metaphor, but literally true also, that an expert in Pranayama
 would have no guilt in declaring that most of humanity does not even know how to breathe! In the face of the spread of
 coronavirus, the world has not only slowed down, but quite a few of us would vouch that it has stopped. Staying
 indoors, we have so much time that we do not know what to do with it.
I have a proposition to make. Siddhartha was a prince in India, who was a normal human
 being like any one of us. He wanted to find the truth about human existence, and took refuge in a dense jungle and
 meditated. After many years of tapasya, he came back from the forests as the Enlightened One to show the way
 to the confused world. And the world could not forget him and his teachings. If an ordinary human being by the name of
 Siddhartha could become the Buddha, the worship worthy, can we not explore that possibility?
<img class="lazyload mw-100"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/humanity3_b5720694dd.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-05T07:49:21.819Z" />

It is said in the yogic literature that when we meditate we transcend Time; we transcend
 Space. If that is so, when Time cannot catch us, how then can it cook us? If you have time on your hands, please
 consider making a journey towards inner evolution and enlightenment. You will soon figure out that there is much more
 to human existence than meets the eye.
Every adversity offers an opportunity; we become more sensitive to the miseries of
 others; we understand that one day we too will need the compassion of our fellow beings, as well as their assistance;
 we learn to stick together, and it is softening our hearts.
Some of the WhatsApp messages I receive these days are beautiful. People are voicing
 concern over the insensitivity of humanity, which has been blind to the generosity of this planet that is graced with
 many assets. Probably, this calamity is a prelude for a more just humanity, one that is more refined than that of the
 past.

<hr class="vertical-space1"> 
<hr>

<h4 style="text-align: center;">Article by DR. V. RAMAKANTHA 
 Photographs by JOSH BULRISS</h4>
<hr>

A more refined humanity

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<h4>DR. V. RAMAKANTHA is a former Indian Forest Service officer and
 member of the Green Initiative at the Heartfulness Center at Kanha Shanti Vanam in India. Having spent most
 of his
 working life living in forests and jungles, in tune with the natural world, he shares his knowledge about
 some of
 the amazing medicinal plants of India, starting with Parijata, the Queen of the Night.</h4>
[distance2]
Botanical Name:
 Nyctanthes arbor-tristis L. 
 Family: Oleaceae 
 Common Names: Night Jasmine, Coral
 Jasmine

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Parijata is known as Coral Jasmine owing to its snow-white flowers with
 coral-red tubes. This small ornamental tree, with its heavenly-scented flowers and drooping branches, is
 found all
 over the Indian subcontinent, with a special name in every language. It flowers almost the whole year round,
 and
 is known as Night Jasmine because the delicate blooms open by evening and falling off soon after, leaving a
 carpet
 of flowers in the morning. This gives it the epithet “Queen of the Night.”
<h4>Mythology</h4>
Rajanī-hāsa, “the one who forms the night’s smile,” is one of the
 Sanskrit names for Parijata, and there is a story behind this name. Parijata was a beautiful princess who
 fell in
 love with Surya Deva, the Sun God. Initially, Surya Deva, who rode the fiery chariot in the sky from east to
 west,
 did not take a fancy to the princess, but over time, he was won over by the single-minded devotion of
 Parijata,
 and he left the sky and came down to Earth to spend some loving time with her. 
Now, the Earth was not a conducive environment for Surya Deva so, after
 spending a few seasons, he left for his original abode, albeit reluctantly. Heartbroken, princess Parijata
 tried
 to follow her lover, but the intensity of the heat from the Sun God burnt her to ashes. 
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<img decoding="async" alt="Parijata" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Parijata2_6f93c4df2f.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-20T06:07:53.247Z">

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Moved by sorrow and pity, Surya Deva granted Parijata another life in the
 form of a tree with the purest of white flowers with blazing orange hearts, and Surya Deva visits her every
 night.
 The Parijata flowers are very fragrant as they are kissed by the Sun God. Even now the flowers can’t bear
 the rays
 of the sun, and with the first rays at dawn, they are shed. 
In India, the Parijata tree has a close association with Lord Krishna.
 The Vishnu Purana, an ancient text of the Hindus, gives a graphic description of the sequence of
 events
 that led to the descent of this ambrosial tree to Earth. The story goes that Indra, king of the gods, had a
 serious confrontation with the noble-born but despicable Naraka. Naraka was the son of Bhumi, the Earth, and
 he
 possessed some of the powers of Lord Vishnu. He was not happy to confine himself to his home on Earth and
 took
 frequent forays to the heavens, from where he would steal whatever took his fancy before he returned home.
 He was
 so powerful that no god dared stop him, not even when he snatched the nectar-dropping earrings of Aditi, the
 mother of Indra. 
Indra realized that he was no match for Naraka, and needed help. After much
 reflection, he decided that it had to be Lord Krishna, who was happily residing in his newly-built city of
 Dwaraka. So, Indra descended to Earth and beseeched Lord Krishna to put an end to Naraka’s
 atrocities.
Krishna agreed and, accompanied by his wife Satyabhama, he set off to
 vanquish Naraka. With the help of the Sudarshan Chakra, Krishna killed the demon, cutting him in two.
 Krishna
 returned the nectar-dropping earrings to Aditi, who was very happy. She blessed him, saying, “So long as you
 live
 in the world of mortals, you shall be invincible, and no harm shall come to you either from celestials or
 demons.”
 
Indra extended all courtesies to Krishna and Satyabhama during their stay in
 the heavens, including showing them their celestial garden. Satyabhama caught sight of the Parijata tree and
 at
 once fell in love with its beauty and the sweet-smelling flowers. She declared that she would not return to
 Earth
 without the Parijata tree, thus obliging Krishna to request Indra to gift them the tree. 
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 <img class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Parijata1_c083fac7e1.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-10T07:47:12.039Z" />
 

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Indra was polite but firm in refusing Krishna’s request. He told Krishna
 that the Parijata had materialized during the churning of the Milky Ocean by the gods and demons, and was a
 prized
 possession of the gods. Krishna explained to his host the delicate situation of how enamored his wife was of
 the
 tree, and how unwise it was to displease her, especially as she had been a great support in fighting the
 demon
 Naraka. But Indra’s wife, Sachi, was also clearly fond of the Parijata tree, and had refused to offer even a
 few
 flowers to Satyabhama. 
“Impossible,” said Indra with finality. “That low vibratory planet of yours
 does not deserve this ambrosial tree!” Finally, Krishna was forced to tell Indra that he would take the
 Parijata
 tree, whether the king of the gods liked it or not. 
Indra forgot that he had just recently used Krishna’s help in putting an end
 to the life of Naraka. He was also oblivious of his mother’s blessings on Krishna. Incited by his wife, he
 readied
 for an all-out war with Krishna. Indra had in his possession a terrible weapon called the Vajrayudha, which
 in
 utter desperation he hurled at Krishna using all his might. Krishna arrested the weapon and held it in his
 hands,
 unaffected. In the end, Indra had to concede defeat and begged Krishna’s pardon. So the happy Satyabhama
 took away
 the Parijata tree to Earth and planted it in her garden. 
The sacred Parijata tree is often planted near Hindu temples in India and
 Sri Lanka, and also in Malaysia and Indonesia. It is believed that if you approach the Parijata tree
 respectfully,
 you may get a glimpse of events of your previous births!
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Wonderful as a medicinal plant</h4>
Parijata is also known as Amrita, a tree yielding immortal food. It is a
 wonder among medicinal plants, extensively used in the Ayurveda, Siddha and Unani systems of medicine from
 time
 immemorial. The fresh leaves are also used for the preparation of homoeopathic medicines. Moreover, every
 part of
 the tree has been used in household remedies against a host of ailments since ancient times. 

The leaf juice of Parijata and a couple of spoonfuls of honey makes a
 wonderful remedy for dry cough. It is also used for curing enlargement of the spleen, and as a safe
 purgative for
 infants. A decoction of the leaves is recommended specifically for obstinate sciatica, caused by the
 compression
 of a spinal nerve root in the lower back.
Ayurveda gives therapeutic predominance to Parijata for certain diseases
 like chronic fever and worm infestations. In cases of chronic fever, Parijata leaves are used in combination
 with
 other herbs like ginger, tulsi and pippali, the Indian long pepper. 
The leaf juice of Parijata with honey, jaggery and salt, is an effective
 means for getting rid of roundworms and threadworms. It is an age-old practice in India to administer this
 orally
 for expelling intestinal worms in children. The leaf decoction is helpful in cases of malaria and dysentery.
 The
 leaf juice is applied externally on ringworm and other skin diseases. Three fresh leaves of Parijata with
 five
 pepper grains are traditionally taken orally to overcome several gynecological problems. 
The flat, compressed, heart-shaped fruits of Parijata have two compartments,
 each having a seed. A decoction of seeds is useful as a hair tonic and also to get rid of dandruff and lice.
 A
 paste of the seeds is used in the treatment of piles. A decoction of the roots helps to deal with
 enlargement of
 the spleen. In case of gout, a flower decoction (which has a yellow color and mild fragrance) is taken as a
 remedy. 
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<img decoding="async" alt="Parijata" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/Parijata4_c5a45a1cb8.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-20T06:07:53.272Z">
<hr class="vertical-space1">
It is used in the following Ayurvedic medicines:
Manasa Mitra Vatakam: Treatment of epilepsy,
 autism, psychiatric conditions, and to improve intelligence and speech problems.
Bala Taila: Treatment of bloating wounds,
 spleen diseases, epilepsy and asthma.
Arthrella Ointment: Treatment of rheumatic
 disorders.
Ashwagandharishta: General debility, piles, low
 digestive power, loss of memory. 
<h4 style="text-align: left;">What does science know about
 Parijata?</h4>
Chemical and phyto-chemical analyses reveal that Parijata, with its many
 active principles and different bio-markers, is recognized as one of the most versatile medicinal plants,
 having a
 wide spectrum of biological activities. 
A paper published in the International Journal of Herbal Medicine
 in 2016 throws light on anti-pyretic, antibacterial, anti-viral, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective,
 antihistaminic, anti-filarial, anti-oxidant, immune-protective activities of phyto-chemicals found in the
 Parijata
 tree. According to a study published in Phytopharmacology in 2012, the bark has bronchodilation and
 mast
 cell stabilizing properties and, hence, can be used in the treatment of asthma.
A study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 1984
 confirms anti-inflammatory property of the leaves. Another paper published in the same journal in 2013
 provide
 some evidence for its effectiveness in the treatment of fevers related to malaria and protozoan
 diseases.
A research work published in the Brazilian Journal of Botany in
 2016 says that the ethanolic extract of the flower was most potent in antioxidant activity, and recommends
 that
 the same can be used as an inexpensive natural source of antioxidants.
A paper published in Applied Biology &amp; Biotechnology in 2020
 makes a comprehensive review on Parijata’s pharmacological, antioxidant, and anti-cancer activities and
 maintains
 that each part of Parijata may have some medicinal value, noting that the pharmacological studies done so
 far are
 preliminary.
In the ancient literature of India, Parijata is also described as an
 ecstatic drink of the gods. Incidentally, science could throw some light on various hypnotic, anesthetic,
 and
 tranquillizing activities of this tree. 
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Other uses</h4>
The flower tubes contain an orange coloring matter, nyctathin, used for
 dyeing silk, sometimes in conjunction with safflower (Carthamus tinctoria), turmeric (Curcuma
 longa) and indigo (Indigofera spp.). The corolla tubes are also used in dyeing cotton
 cloth. The
 essential oil extracted from the flowers is similar to jasmine oil, and is used in perfume. The flower tubes
 are a
 preferred natural coloring for food. 
While the large and attractive leaves of the Parijata are rough and hairy,
 dipping them in a batter of chickpea flour and spices, and deep frying them transforms them into a delicious
 snack
 called bajji. 
<h4 style="text-align: justify;">How does your Parijata grew?</h4>
This hardy plant grows in a large range of climatic conditions from Pakistan
 to South-east Asia, and also in other parts of the world. It grows well under partial shade, and the trees
 need
 pruning to ensure a good yield of flowers. As it is not eaten by cattle, it is useful in afforesting denuded
 forests. Seeds easily germinate, and Parijata coppices readily. The only disadvantage is that it is
 short-lived (5
 to 10 years).
<h4 style="text-align: left;">Finally …</h4>
The story of the descent of the Parijata tree has a twist at the end. When
 Satyabhama grew the Parijat tree in her garden, to her great dismay all the flowers fell at night in the
 adjoining
 compound of Rukmini, the wisest, gentlest and most spiritual wife of Lord Krishna. 
Parijata’s Latin name, Nyctanthes arbor-tristis, literally means
 “night-blooming sad tree.” Why sad? We have no clue.
Online references
<a
 href="https://www.easyayurveda.com/2016/11/30/ha-nyctanthes-arbor-tristis-night-jasmine-coral-jasmine/">https://www.easyayurveda.com/2016/11/30/ha-nyctanthes-arbor-tristis-night-jasmine-coral-jasmine/</a> 
 <a
 href="http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Nyctanthes+arbor-tristis">http://tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Nyctanthes+arbor-tristis</a> 
 <a
 href="https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/265609">https://indiabiodiversity.org/species/show/265609</a> 
 <a
 href="https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/shephalika">https://www.wisdomlib.org/definition/shephalika</a>

<hr class="vertical-space1">
<hr>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">Article &amp; Photographs by DR. V. RAMAKANTHA 
 Illustrations by KANIKA SINGH</h4>
<hr>

Queen of the night

<h4>
 DR. V. RAMAKANTHA
 retells the legend of Savithri and Satyavan, which is centered around the
 Banyan tree, also known as the Tree of Life in India. The story is
 accompanied by a beautiful mural by the German artist,
 CHRISTIAN MACKETANZ.
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 The Banyan tree is an evergreen fig which is known in Hindu mythology as the
 wish-fulfilling tree and the tree of life and fertility. Every year, in many
 parts of India, the festival of Vat Purnima1 is observed. During
 those three days, women fast and pray for the well-being of their husbands,
 as they walk around a chosen Banyan tree and tie a thread around its trunk.
 This festival is associated with the legend of Savithri.&nbsp;


<h4>
 The legend of Savithri
</h4>


 The noble king Aswapati reigned over Madra, a prosperous country. As the
 years rolled by, worry gripped his mind, for he had no children. With the
 aim of seeking a boon, Aswapati undertook austerities and prayed to the
 goddess Savithri to appear before him. After eighteen years of penance, one
 fine day the goddess Savithri appeared and offered to grant the king a
 favor.



 When Aswapati asked for many sons worthy of his lineage, the goddess
 Savithri smiled and said that he would soon beget a daughter of great
 energy. Saying so, she disappeared. Soon, the king’s wife had a daughter,
 and he named her Savithri in honor of the goddess who had bestowed the gift.



 When she came of age, Savithri resembled a celestial being, but she also
 possessed such a burning splendor that no man came forward to marry her.
 Ultimately, her exasperated father Aswapati told Savithri to find a partner
 for herself. Taking her father’s words as a command, Savithri set forth on a
 journey to find her life partner.



 In a distant forest, Savithri came upon a handsome young woodcutter. He was
 graceful in limb, tall, broad-shouldered, gifted with the strength of mad
 elephants, and free from fear or affliction. He had sparkling eyes and great
 sensitivity. It was love at first sight.&nbsp;


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<img decoding="async" width="700" height="611" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/everlasting_love2_8e131538c8.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T06:01:36.709Z" />


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 His name was Satyavan, and he was just as happy to see this extraordinarily
 beautiful princess. He was unaffected by her burning aura, and they talked
 for hours. Satyavan told Savithri that he was passing through a lean period,
 but he took her to his hut and introduced her to his parents. His father,
 Dyumatsena, was an old man who had lost his kingdom and been blinded in both
 eyes. On being introduced to his ageing mother, Savithri figured out that
 she was in the company of saintly people. Savithri returned to the palace to
 tell her father that she had found her life partner.



 The sage Narada was with her father, and told Savithri that she was making a
 terrible mistake. He foretold that Satyavan was destined to die exactly one
 year after the marriage. Despite the warning, and the knowledge of impending
 catastrophe, Savithri chose Satyavan to be her husband.



 Living deep inside the forest, the couple led a minimalistic but blissful
 life, however the words of sage Narada were ever-present in the mind of
 Savithri, and as one year drew near, realizing that her husband would die in
 four days’ time, Savithri took to fasting.



 On the day Satyavan was expected to die, Savithri followed him into the
 jungle and watched over him as he worked. A moment came when Satyavan felt
 exhausted and lay down under a Banyan tree. Savithri gently placed his head
 on her lap and stayed alert. Suddenly, she felt the presence of a large
 being of bluish hue clad in red attire, his head decked with a diadem.
 Savithri gently placed Satyavan’s head on the ground, stood up, and after
 salutations inquired who it was. It was indeed Yama, the Lord of death.


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<img decoding="async" width="700" height="454" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/everlasting_love3_213c75b042.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T06:05:51.449Z" />


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Yama did not stand on formality. He took the soul and subtle bodies of
 Satyavan in his noose and started his journey towards the region inhabited
 by the Pitris, a heavenly destination for the departed soul of Satyavan. Sad
 but determined, Savithri ran behind Lord Yama and followed her husband’s
 soul. Seeing Savithri following him, Lord Yama asked Savithri to return to
 where she belonged and make arrangements for the funeral of her husband.



 Savithri offered great eulogies to the shining divinity in Lord Yama. With
 folded hands she said, “O, son of Vaivasvan the great, you are the dispenser
 of justice. Snatching away the life of my youthful husband, who was leading
 a virtuous life on Earth, can in no way be considered an act of kindness on
 your part. Please have mercy on me and my husband’s ageing parents. Please
 spare my husband’s life or else take me also to the land of the dead.”


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


<img decoding="async" width="700" height="454" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/everlasting_love4_cda94f6821.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T06:07:11.167Z" />


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Lord Yama is known to treat the virtuous with respect and sinners with
 rudeness. Savithri’s humility and wise words pleased the god of death. He
 said, “You are virtuous, so you could behold me with your eyes,” said Yama.
 “You are ascetic, so you could follow me where no mortal could travel. I
 agree that Satyavan was indeed an ocean of noble qualities, and my
 assistants could not seize his soul. Hence, I am here.” Lord Yama then
 concluded, “As your time has not yet come, you cannot come to the land of
 the dead. Nevertheless, I am pleased with you. You may ask a favor of me –
 anything except the return of your husband.”



 Savithri asked that her father-in-law, Dyumatsena, regain his eyesight. Lord
 Yama happily granted her wish and asked her to return to Earth and not tire
 herself further. On the path taken by Lord Yama there was no shade where
 Savithri could rest, and no foods with which she could satiate her hunger,
 however, she pursued her soulmate Satyavan, much to the frustration of the
 god of death.



 Upon Lord Yama again asking her to return, Savithri spoke of the duty and
 responsibility of a virtuous wife and explained what compelled her to follow
 him. The logic in her reply mightily pleased Lord Yama. He granted her a
 second favor, except the life of Satyavan. Savithri asked that her
 father-in-law regain his throne. Yama granted her wish and appreciated her
 all the more for her selflessness.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


<img decoding="async" width="700" height="598" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/everlasting_love5_4a631e3cb3.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T06:19:07.539Z" />


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Never suspecting that a human could continue to follow him, Lord Yama
 proceeded without glancing backward. Savithri followed him to where twelve
 suns blazed. There was no water to quench her thirst, but nevertheless she
 followed with sheer determination. When Lord Yama noticed her presence for
 the third time, he advised her to return to the material world, telling her
 that she had come too far, but Savithri had something special to say which
 surprised Lord Yama. He realized that he was happy to be interacting with
 the virtuous Savithri. He offered her yet another favor, except the life of
 her husband, and this time Savithri asked that her father be granted a
 hundred sons. Lord Yama had no difficulty in granting that wish.



 Savithri then followed Lord Yama beyond the Vaitarani River, the mere sight
 of which inspires misery. Unmindful of the hostile environment and the
 torments of her body, Savithri kept pace with Lord Yama.



 Lord Yama could not believe that Savithri was still following him. Yet
 again, he paused and looked at her with great astonishment, mockingly
 saying, “You want your husband back on Earth?” and letting out a loud laugh
 that was like thunder in the sky. “Most of humanity does not know the divine
 laws that govern life, death, the aftermath of death, and the reincarnations
 of souls. No one seems to have time to reflect on those things.” Lord Yama
 concluded, “Divine laws are strict and unsparing. It would be wise to go
 back where you still have a role to play.”


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


<img decoding="async" width="600" height="900" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/everlasting_love6_5dd2594d70.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T06:20:33.407Z" />


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 With all humility, Savithri pointed out that Lord Yama was carrying out his
 duty as a functionary of Nature, but that his heart was not in his deeds.
 She wondered if he could have some say in this business. Bemused Yama, who
 had started enjoying this conversation with Savithri, pondered over what she
 said and had to agree with her logic. He was merely carrying out tasks
 dictated by Nature, and he was surprised that no one till now had requested
 that he intervene in the tasks he carried out automatically. Appreciating
 her unique perspective, Lord Yama granted her yet another favor, except for
 Satyavan’s life. Savithri expressed her gratitude. This time, she asked to
 be the mother of one hundred children, to which Lord Yama agreed; soon he
 realized the implication of this gift.



 The company of Savithri, her devotion to her husband, and her wise words
 impressed Lord Yama beyond measure. He told Savithri that intellect and
 willpower are the two most distinctive characteristics of human beings, that
 they are rare even among gods and angels, and that Savithri had utilized
 both for the good. He granted her the life of Satyavan, and then blessed the
 couple with an enjoyable earthly existence for a further four hundred years.
 Love was overflowing in the heart of Lord Yama.



 Before departing, he addressed Savithri with compassion saying, “Once in a
 while, gently remind your husband that he should not forget the other world
 while living in this sensory world; that giving a small portion of each day
 to spiritual sadhana will beget him an eternal life of bliss. You,”
 concluded Yama, “do not need any advice.”


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


<img decoding="async" width="600" height="882" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/everlasting_love7_70dfa0d019.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T06:21:56.773Z" />



<hr class="vertical-space1" />
 


<hr />

<h4 class="text-center">
 Gently remind your husband that he should not forget
 the other
 world while living in this sensory world; that giving a small
 portion of each day to spiritual sadhana will beget him an
 eternal life of bliss.
</h4>


<hr />
 


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Lord Yama happily returned to his abode. When Savithri returned to the
 Banyan tree, Satyavan’s body came back to life. Savithri had chosen to
 confront her destiny, and she was successful in weaving it through her
 indomitable will. The Banyan tree plays a very small role in this story,
 which comes from the epic Mahabharata. However, it takes a great deal of
 strength to give birth to one hundred children, and we may conjecture that
 the banyan tree played a role in this. Since time immemorial, Indian women
 have used different parts of the banyan tree for gynecological issues, so
 the connection between Savithri and the banyan tree becomes a little
 clearer. During the Vat Purnima festival, eating a shoot apex of the Banyan
 tree is an integral part of the ritual performed by the women of India. It
 is also a ritual that heralds the importance of the Banyan tree in their
 lives.&nbsp;


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />


 1 Vat Purnima usually falls on the 13th, 14th, and
 15th days in the month of Jestha (May–June) of the Hindu calendar.



<hr class="vertical-space1" />
 


<hr />

<h4 class="text-center">Art by CHRISTIAN MACKETANZ</h4>


<hr />

A story of everlasting love

<h4
 id="h-dr-v-ramakantha-shares-some-insights-into-the-science-history-and-mythology-of-the-banyan-tree-also-known-as-the-bengal-fig-or-indian-fig-the-banyan-is-one-of-those-mythical-trees-that-has-had-an-important-place-in-the-life-and-history-of-the-people-of-india-since-ancient-times-it-is-also-home-to-many-species-of-birds-animals-and-epiphytic-plants">
 DR. V. RAMAKANTHA
 shares some insights into the science, history and mythology of the Banyan
 tree, also known as the Bengal Fig or Indian Fig. The Banyan is one of
 those mythical trees that has had an important place in the life and
 history of the people of India since ancient times. It is also home to
 many species of birds, animals, and epiphytic plants.
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h4>
 Description
</h4>


 The Banyan or Bargad tree, Ficus benghalensis L., is an evergreen with a
 deeply fluted trunk and horizontal branches that grow to huge proportions.
 Aptly called Bahu Paada in Sanskrit, meaning a plant with many
 feet, the Banyan has aerial roots, which grow down and penetrate the soil,
 supporting the massive weight of its spreading branches. With its canopy of
 thick, dark-green leaves year-round, the Banyan occupies more and more space
 every passing year. As flowering and fruiting take place across seasons, it
 offers food for many species, making it an ideal home for birds and small
 animals. This colossal ornamental plant is the National Tree of India.


<h4>
 The Banyan in Mythology and
 History
</h4>


 The Banyan is known in Hindu mythology as the tree for fulfilling wishes
 (Kalpavriksha), and the tree of life and fertility. With its unique
 ability to spread in an ever-widening circle with the help of its aerial
 roots, the tree achieves a long lifespan. In this world of evanescence, it
 has become a symbol of stability, constancy, and permanency, and represents
 immortality.



 The Vedic fire ritual known as Yagna, is a process of burning plants and
 herbal medicines to purify the environment, and the twigs of the Banyan tree
 are invariably used. The sacredness of the tree also comes from the ancient
 stories that it was the residing place of Lord Kubera, the god of wealth,
 and Lord Krishna used to rest on Banyan leaves.



 The tribal people of Maharashtra and Telangana, Pardhans, who are
 traditionally bards and singers, consider the hanging roots of the Banyan
 tree to be the long and matted hair of their Guru, Jalranda. The story goes
 that after he passed away, Guru Jalranda was buried under a Palasa tree
 (Butea monosperma), and later a Banyan tree emerged out of his grave. In a
 dream, Guru Jalranda revealed to his eldest son that the Banyan emerged out
 of his body, and he commanded that it must be served and revered. Needless
 to say, Pardhans hold Banyans tree to be sacred and protect them.


<hr />

<h5 class="text-center">
 In this world of evanescence, the Banyan has become a
 symbol of
 stability, constancy, and permanency, and represents
 immortality.
</h5>

<hr />


 For some tribal people of Odisha, the trees are shrines of the gods, and it
 is sacrilege to cut them. Such belief is prevalent amongst most communities
 of India.



 The Banyan has been introduced into several other countries in Asia. It is
 considered sacred in the Philippines, where many people believe that it is a
 home for both benevolent and evil spirits. It is customary not to point a
 finger directly at a Banyan tree, as it may offend the spirits dwelling in
 it, a belief often shared in South India. In Indonesia, the Banyan tree has
 become a symbol for unity and power. There, people have built shrines
 beneath gigantic Banyan trees.&nbsp;



 A colossal Banyan tree begins its life from a minute seed, and as an
 epiphyte the plant grows on another plant. When the scarlet red fruits of
 the Banyan are enjoyed by birds and animals, those tiny seeds pass through
 their alimentary canals unharmed. The seeds germinate in cracks or crevices
 of other trees, which often results in the hosts’ death. It is no wonder
 that in Buddhist literature the Banyan tree is often used as a metaphor for
 lust overcoming humans.



 In 1989, a Banyan tree in Anantapur District of Telangana State, India, was
 recorded as the largest tree specimen in the world in the Guinness Book of
 World Records. Its canopy covered 19,107 m2 (4.721 acres).



<img decoding="async" width="602" height="494" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tree_of_life_fertility2_14fe2efe58.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T12:26:38.699Z" />


<h4>
 Ethnomedicinal Uses
</h4>


 Parts of the Banyan are used in traditional medicinal practices, such as
 Ayurveda, Unani, Siddha, and Homoeopathy. In Ayurveda, it is one of the
 PanchaValkala (five barks) used in treating various human ailments.
 The Banyan plays an important role in the treatment of diabetes, and
 gynecological and fertility issues.



 The bark is prepared as an infusion, to be used as a tonic, while a
 decoction is used in treating vaginal problems. During pregnancy, the tender
 leaves are boiled in water and administered orally to strengthen the uterine
 muscles.



 The bark and aerial roots are used in treating diabetes. The decoction is
 also gargled frequently to counter bad breath and mouth ulcers. The tender
 aerial roots are chewed and used as a toothbrush.



 The aerial roots are also pounded and consumed with buttermilk to cure
 diarrhea, and the leaf buds are boiled in water for the same purpose. A
 paste made out of Banyan bark is a remedy for sunburn, as it gives an
 excellent cooling effect and reduces the burning sensation when applied.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="text-center">
 The Banyan plays an important role in the treatment of
 diabetes,
 and gynecological and fertility issues.
</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 It is considered to be one of the best remedies for controlling hair fall.
 300 grams of dried and powdered aerial roots are immersed in one liter of
 coconut oil for fifteen days. After straining, some of the oil is applied to
 the scalp before sleeping and is washed out the next morning.



 The milky latex of the Banyan is used to overcome bad breath, gum
 infections, and for strengthening loose teeth. The latex, which is obtained
 from the leaves or branches, is mixed with honey and applied to the gums,
 rinsing with lukewarm water after ten minutes.&nbsp;



 A few drops of the latex are taken orally with milk in the treatment of
 bleeding piles.&nbsp;The milky latex is also applied to bruises and cracked
 soles, and to relieve rheumatic pains. Banyan fruit and its juice are used
 in rheumatism and also in cases of pain in the muscles and joints of the
 lower back (lumbago).



 The leaf powder mixed with coconut oil is applied to wounds. The fruits are
 eaten raw to cure problems relating to bile production and the bile duct.
 The seeds are used in curing excessive urination.



 Nyagrodhadi Kashayam, Sarivadyasava, Ushirasava, and Paranthyadi Taila are
 some of the Ayurvedic medicines containing Banyan as a major constituent.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


<img decoding="async" width="602" height="494" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tree_of_life_fertility3_d28ece0810.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T12:41:05.772Z" />



<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h4>
 What Does Science Know About the Banyan
 Tree?
</h4>


 An article published in the
 British Journal of Pharmaceutical and Medical Research (Tadulkar,
 2015) supports the anti-rheumatic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic
 properties of bark extracts of the Banyan tree. A phytochemical
 investigation published in the
 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Research and Analysis
 (Shiva and Singh,2018), revealed the presence of as many as 63
 phytochemicals (including two new ones) in the tincture of the stem bark of
 the Banyan.



 A number of scientific publications advocate the presence of many
 phyto-constituents with a wide spectrum of biological activities, justifying
 the use of different plant parts of the Banyan in combating various
 diseases, environmental stresses, and maintaining human and animal health.
 Most authors hold the view that a lot of research is still needed on this
 important plant.


<h4>
 The Enigmatic Tree of Ecology
</h4>


 Recent ecological studies have also added to the mystery of this tree. The
 gigantic Banyan tree is entirely dependent on a miniature wasp for its
 perpetuation, and the wasp too cannot survive without the Banyan trees. Only
 one species of wasp, Eupristinamasoni, can pollinate the inverted
 flowers or synconium, which are concealed within the figs. The intricate
 relationship between the mighty tree and the miniature insect serves as an
 extraordinary example of adaptation and co-evolution between plants and
 animals. In fact, the Banyan does not yield viable fruit in cold countries
 where the wasp does not exist.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


<img decoding="async" width="602" height="494" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tree_of_life_fertility4_7d31d7388e.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T13:05:57.417Z" />


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h4>
 Other Uses of the Banyan
</h4>


 The wood of the Banyan is used for door panels, well curbs, furniture, and
 boxes. Paper is made from the bark and the leaves make good fodder. The sap
 is used to produce shellac, a strong adhesive. It can also be used to make
 surface-finishers and for polishing brass and copper.



 In the olden days, during family gatherings and functions, people would eat
 on Patravali, organic disposable plates made with the leaves of
 selected trees like the Banyan. These plates are still very popular in rural
 regions of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and
 Karnataka. In some parts of Karnataka, Banyan leaves are used for wrapping
 idli batter, which is later on steamed. The tender leaves of the Banyan are
 used as food.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="text-center">
 A lot of research is still needed 
 on this important plant.
</h4>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h4>
 A Recipe for Banyan Chutney
</h4>


 Chutney made of tender Banyan leaves and other ingredients is an excellent
 source of Selenium, an element that plays a crucial role in metabolism and
 thyroid function.



 Ingredients


<ul>
 <li>Grated coconut 1 cup</li>
 <li>Tender Banyan leaves 1/4 cup</li>
 <li>Cumin seeds 1 tsp</li>
 <li>Peppercorns 1 tsp</li>
 <li>Buttermilk 1 cup</li>
 <li>Salt to taste</li>
</ul>


 Heat 2 tbsp of ghee in a pan and add cumin seeds and peppercorns. When they
 splutter, add Banyan leaves, and fry them over a low flame until they become
 crisp. Cool the mixture and grind them with coconut, adding a little water.
 Add the buttermilk. Season with mustard and curry leaves. Add salt to taste.
 It goes very well with steamed rice.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


<img decoding="async" width="602" height="494" alt="" class="lazyload has-img-center"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/tree_of_life_fertility5_224aa9970c.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-11T13:07:13.833Z" />


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h4>
 Propagation
</h4>


 Seeds from bird droppings serve as an excellent source for raising new
 Banyan plants. Branch cuttings can also be planted. There is also
 translocation – a massive Banyan tree that was rescued and translocated from
 the Thumkunta area of Hyderabad has bounced back to life in Kanha Shanti
 Vanam.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 References



 Narayanan, N. and U. Patil, 2019. Vata (Ficus benghalensis) a Detailed
 Review from Classical Texts.
 International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 7, 11:
 64-69.



 Talukdar, S.N. et al., 2015. Screening of Pharmacognostical, Phytochemical
 Profile and Traditional Application of Ficus benghalensis.
 British Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 8, 3: 1-17.



 Shiva, S.S. and S.K. Singh, 2018. Investigation of phytoconstituents in stem
 bark of Ficus benghalensis Linn. using GC-MS technique.
 International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, 9,
 6: 2478-83.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<hr />

<h4 class="text-center">
 Illustrations by KANIKA RAJ SINGH&nbsp; &amp; JASMEE MUDGAL
</h4>

<hr />

The tree of life and fertility

<h4><hr class="vertical-space1" /></h4>
<h4>
 V. RAMAKANTHA, Ph.D., is a former Indian
 Forest Service officer and member of the Green Initiative at the international
 Heartfulness Center, Kanha Shanti Vanam, India. Having spent most of his
 working life living in forests and jungles, in tune with the natural world, he
 shares his knowledge about some of the amazing medicinal plants of India, in
 this case the Ber tree.
</h4>

<hr class="vertical-space1" />
Botanical Name:&nbsp;Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.


 Common Names:
 Indian Jujube, Indian Plum, Chinese Date, Ber, Gangaregu, Badar


 The Ber tree is a much branched, thorny deciduous tree with a spreading crown,
 growing to a height of about 45 feet. It is a hardy species with its origin in
 India. Its presence is unmistakable in the sandy soils of arid and semi-arid
 zones of India, and it is widely cultivated for its fruits. The dried fruits
 purify the blood and are used in the treatment of chronic fatigue, loss of
 appetite, diarrhea, pharyngitis, bronchitis, anemia, irritability and
 hysteria. The seeds are used in the treatment of insomnia and nervous
 exhaustion.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />
<img
 class="w-100 lazyload"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/ber_tree2_c21600b4cd.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T11:54:22.066Z"
/>
<hr class="vertical-space1" />

<h4>Mythology &amp; History</h4>

 Ber fruits have an association with Shabari, one of the extraordinary
 characters in the epic Ramayana. Shabari exemplifies the fact that the
 spiritual quest is not a prerogative of any sex, creed, class or community,
 but the birth right of all human beings.


 Shabari was born into a hunter-gatherer community, and lived much of her life
 in Dandakaranya, the jungles of the Deccan Peninsula. At one moment in her
 life, she started observing in herself the loss of interest in anything other
 than the deep void engulfing her. To begin with, she developed an aversion to
 meat eating, and dropped the habit. There was a growing restlessness in her
 heart, and she did not know what would quench her thirst for the unknown. One
 fine day, with an overwhelming sense of dejection, she left her abode, and
 started wandering in the jungles, with no particular aim in life.


 Having mastered the ability to eke out a living and sustain herself from the
 bounty of nature, she spent days alone, moving wherever her whim led.
 Fortunately for her, she reached the ashram of Matunga, a hermit who was
 seeking enlightenment. Sage Matunga could perceive Shabari’s noble intentions,
 the spiritual yearnings in the heart of this tribal woman, so he took her into
 his care .


 Shabari spent several years serving Matunga and the other followers in the
 ashram. However, just as had happened to her life in her tribal hamlet, she
 remained dull in spirits, and the monotony haunted her. One day, sage Matunga
 summoned her and told her something that shook her to the core. He told her
 that his death was imminent. Second, he told her that Lord Rama, the avatar of
 that era, would pass by the ashram sometime in the future, and that meeting
 him would result in her discovering her life’s purpose.


 Shabari’s miseries increased. She lost her mentor in Matunga and she had no
 idea who Lord Rama was. What would he look like? Would he come today,
 tomorrow, at all? How would she address him? Would he even notice her
 presence? As the cravings in her heart grew, doubts also assaulted her heart,
 “Will he understand my language? What shall I tell him? What shall I offer
 Him?” The dull heart of Shabari turned into a volcano.


 Months passed, and eagerly Shabari awaited the arrival of Lord Rama. Years
 passed, and still there was no sign of Lord Rama. Shabari was growing old and
 frail, but there was no stopping her heart that craved the appearance of Lord
 Rama.


 Lord Rama was exiled in the forests of India. The evil Ravana had abducted his
 wife Sita, and he was searching for her with a heavy heart. It was in those
 times that Shabari got to see her Lord. The cry of the heart of Shabari, the
 true seeker, brought Lord Rama to her door.


 Shabari could easily see the Divinity in the human frame of Lord Rama. She
 fell at his feet, and her tears washed the feet of her Lord. When the mother
 in her woke up, she quickly gathered some Ber fruits. However, she couldn’t
 trust those fruits. Were they sweet or sour? So she tasted each one, and only
 when she was satisfied with the quality of each fruit, she fed them to Lord
 Rama.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />
<img
 class="w-100 lazyload"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/ber_tree3_f335a10c9c.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T11:55:43.851Z"
/>
<hr class="vertical-space1" />


 Ultimately, Shabari was able to host Lord Rama in her own little way. Lord
 Rama’s heart was touched by her love, and he forgot his personal misery while
 in her company. Needless to say, Shabari was liberated during that
 incarnation.


 Ber is one of those monumental trees that are unique to every historical Hindu
 temple. Ber fruits are offered to Lord Shiva, and in all Shiva temples, the
 fruit is given great importance, especially during Maha Shivaratri, the Hindu
 festival in honor of Lord Shiva.


 The Ber tree is also considered sacred by Sikhs. It is often grown around
 gurdwaras, as Guru Nanak is believed to have received enlightenment beneath a
 Ber tree. Probably, the oldest Ber tree is at Amritsar in the Punjab. Known as
 “Dukh Bhanjani Beri,” it was already in existence when the fourth in the
 lineage of Sikh gurus, Shri Guru Ram Das, founded Amritsar city and the holy
 sarovar in the 16th century. This particular Ber tree is now over 400 years
 old and still fruiting! The devotees coming to the Golden Temple complex do
 not pluck the fruits, but sit under the tree in the hope of a fruit falling.
 It is believed that if you pray in front of this Ber tree and then take a holy
 dip in the Golden Temple waters, it will cure you of all your ailments and
 diseases.


 Much is written about how the humble Ber fruits sustained certain historical
 figures in periods of their distress. The heroic deeds of Maha Rana Pratap
 Singh of Mewar, Rajasthan, remains etched in the annals of Indian history. The
 poet Kavi Bhushan lucidly described the struggles of Rana Pratap Singh against
 the Mughal emperor, Akbar. He described how the ousted king and his family
 faced the turbulence of their life, and how the humble Ber fruits in the
 forests of the Aravalli Hills provided nourishment to the royal family.

<h4>Ethnomedicinal Uses</h4>

 The Ber fruits vary greatly in size and shape. They are green at first,
 turning yellow or reddish as they ripen. The fruits are delicious eaten fresh
 or dried like raisins. They are also made into pickles and beverages. The raw
 seeds have a sweet flavor and are eaten as a snack. Apart from being tasty,
 Ber fruits offer an effective herbal remedy for a wide range of
 ailments.&nbsp;In Ayurveda, the Ber plant parts are used for treating bleeding
 disorders, excessive thirst, and bronchial asthma. The dried fruits are
 considered to purify the blood, improve digestion, and offer relief from
 constipation. They are used to treat chronic fatigue, diarrhea and anemia. Ber
 fruits have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce swelling in the
 joints.

<hr class="vertical-space1" />


<hr />

<h5 style="text-align: center">
 Eating Ber fruit is also considered&nbsp;to be good for diabetes, and&nbsp;Charaka has placed the Ber tree among
 the group of plants that is a tonic for the heart.
</h5>

<hr />

<hr class="vertical-space1" />

 Ripe Ber fruits help in quick healing of wounds, decrease swelling and bring
 back normal texture of the skin. Ber fruit powder with honey is applied on the
 face in the form of a face mask to attain a glowing skin, help manage skin
 infections, and promote healing of wounds (it should be rinsed off after four
 to five minutes).


 Dried Ber fruits are good for maintaining bone density. Ber fruit powder is
 very useful for reducing the burning sensation and swelling of piles. Charaka
 Samhita, one of the principal contributors to Ayurveda, recommends a Ber
 decoction sitz bath for treating hemorrhoids.


 Ber fruit powder and its leaves help to control hair fall. When applied on the
 scalp, it also promotes new hair growth and removes dryness.


 Ber fruits, including the seeds, are considered to have sedative qualities and
 they are natural sleep inducers. They also provide relief from anxiety and
 cure hysteria. The fruits and seeds are also used to treat vomiting,
 flatulence, nausea, leprosy, and ulcers.


 A paste made out of Ber leaves is applied externally to relieve burning
 sensations and fever. The leaf paste is also used to treat boils and
 abscesses. Ber leaves are also a part of Panchamla Thailam oil, used for the
 treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.


 Ber bark is used to treat diarrhea, dysentery, gingivitis and boils, and a
 decoction of Ber bark is used to treat bloating and abdominal distention. Ber
 roots are also used in case of fever, wounds, ulcers, etc.


 Eating Ber fruit is also considered to be good for diabetes, and Charaka has
 placed the Ber tree among the group of plants that is a tonic for the heart.

<h4 style="text-align: justify">
 What Does Science Know About the Ber Tree?
</h4>

 The presence of a diverse group of secondary metabolites found in the Ber tree
 makes it a remarkable medicinal plant. Ber fruits are very rich in vitamin C
 (188 to 544 mg per 100 gm pulp), B1 (thiamine) and B2 (riboflavin). They also
 have a high Vitamin P (bioflavonoid) content (354 to 888 mg per 100 gm pulp).
 The fruits are also filled with minerals like potassium, phosphorus,
 manganese, iron, and zinc.


 In research published in the journal Pharmaceutical Biology, in 2009,
 extracts and fraction of the Ber plant have shown appreciable results in
 decreasing serum glucose level and other complications associated with
 diabetes. E.E. Jarald et al. support the inclusion of Ber plant parts in
 traditional anti-diabetic preparations. And according to a study published in
 the Iranian Journal of Basic Medical Sciences in 2015, the fruit pulp
 can prevent diabetic neuropathy.


 An article published in Phytochemistry in 1996 confirms the sedative,
 analgesic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, antibacterial and antifungal
 activities of Ber. The seed contains a number of medicinally active compounds,
 corroborating the traditional use of Ber plant parts in the treatment of
 palpitations, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, night sweats, and excessive
 perspiration. A study published in Pharmacognosy Reviews in 2015
 attributes anti-cancer properties to Ber fruits.

<h4 style="text-align: justify">
 Other Uses
</h4>

 The reddish wood of Ber is strong and durable, used in making agricultural
 implements, axe handles, toys etc. The Ber tree is a good source of wood fuel,
 and also high-grade charcoal. The young leaves can be cooked as a vegetable.


 The leaves make for nutritious fodder, which are also used for growing tassar
 silk. It is a good host for the lac insect, which deposits an orange-colored
 resin that is collected and processed to make shellac. Ber bark, when pounded
 and mashed in water, yields brown and reddish dyes.


 The Ber tree is an important source of nourishment for the endangered
 antelopes of India, like the Indian Gazelles and Black Bucks, while its fruits
 are relished not only by birds but a wide range of mammals, like jackals, wild
 dogs and honey badgers.


 The fruits are very much liked by children. Delicacies are made from them, and
 a tea is made from a decoction of the fruit with cinnamon and ginger.

<h4 style="text-align: justify">
 Propagation
</h4>

 Ber is propagated through seeds, and through other vegetative means. Storing
 of seeds for over four months, or the scarification of seeds, helps better
 germination. To germinate, seeds need full sunlight. Ber grows in a wide
 variety of soils and withstands extreme temperatures, thriving under dry
 conditions. There are numerous cultivated varieties of Ber in India, so it is
 difficult to identify the original wild variety.


<hr class="vertical-space1" />
<img
 class="has-img-center lazyload"
 src="https://cdn-prod-static.heartfulness.org/ber_tree4_3cd2febe7d.jpg?updated_at=2023-04-12T11:57:22.290Z"
/>
<hr class="vertical-space1" />

Dr. V. Ramakantha

Ramakantha was a Principal Chief Conservator of Forests in the Indian Forest Service. He is an academic, author, and wildlife photographer, who manages species-rich ecosystems in India. He is also a member of the Heartfulness Green initiative at Kanha Shanti Vanam.

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