Bel patra refers to the leaf of the wood apple or bel tree. These trees are found widely across the Indian subcontinent and are an important part of people’s daily lives. Among various other useful parts, the leaves of this tree are a storehouse of various beneficial properties and hold immense significance in multiple religions. In this article, we discuss the various qualities of bel patra and how you can tend to them at home.
Bel patra: Fact file
| Botanical name | Aegle marmelos |
| Plant height | 5 – 10 m |
| Leaf size | 5 – 14 cm x 2 – 6 cm |
| Leaf shape | Ovate with pointed tip |
| Leaf colour | Pale green with a pinkish touch when young, dark green when mature |
| Other usable parts of the tree | Root, bark, flower, fruit, seeds |
Advantages of bel patra
Wondering why you should have bel patra at home? Bel patra is best known for its diverse medicinal and healing properties. Here are a few of them:
Medicinal properties
Compounds like alkaloids and tannins are some of the key components of bel leaves. These bestow upon them various anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. They are useful in treating several bacterial and fungal infections. Moreover, bel patra is known to improve insulin release and lower blood sugar levels, thereby helping manage diabetes.
Digestive health
Bel patra has properties that relieve symptoms of indigestion, constipation and diarrhoea. Consuming these leaves directly or in the form of a decoction is helpful for gut-related issues. Consuming the fruit of this tree also yields similar benefits.
Respiratory health
Leaves of the bel tree possess the ability to clear out mucus from the respiratory tract. Therefore, bel patra can be used in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis and cough-related symptoms.
Skin health
Bel patra is a highly soothing remedy for rashes and itching. Its anti-inflammatory properties work wonders on skin problems by mere physical application on the affected area.
Oral health
Chewing on bel patra on a regular basis can help strengthen teeth and gums and promote better oral health. Moreover, they also help in preventing bad breath and microbial infections of the mouth.
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Religious significance
Bel patra is revered as sacred by several religions. Here is an overview of the religious significance of the leaves:
Hinduism
The trifolate shape of bel patra is believed to symbolise the holy trinity of Hinduism comprising Brahma (the creator), Vishnu (the protector) and Shiva (the destroyer). Similarly, in ayurveda, the trifolate is believed to symbolise the three basic human temperaments or gunas, namely sattva (consciousness), rajas (activity) and tamas (stability).
Bel patra is associated with the worship of Lord Shiva and is offered to Shiva lingams along with water and milk. They are widely used for various religious rituals, particularly those carried out during Mahashivaratri, the festival that celebrates the wedding of Lord Shiva to Parvati, wherein devotees keep a fast and pray all night.
Due to its religious significance, bel patra is believed to be blessed with detoxification properties that absorb negative energies and purify the surroundings. They are often placed at the entrance of homes to protect the space from evil spirits and negativity.
Buddhism
Bel patra holds ritual significance in various sects of Buddhism as well. The conservative Theravada Buddhists offer bel leaves to shrines and statues of the Buddha as a form of reverence. Just like in Hinduism, bel patra is used for its purification qualities in monasteries as well to keep negative energy at bay.
See also: 40 lucky plants for home to invite wealth and good luck
Growing bel patra at home
Bel patra can be easily obtained from homegrown bel trees. These trees are resilient and can withstand harsh conditions with minimal maintenance.
How to grow a bel tree at home?
To plant a bel tree at home, you must ensure that the chosen spot receives adequate sunlight and the soil possesses sufficient drainage properties with a moderately alkaline pH. Next, you would need to obtain the seeds from a ripe bel fruit.
Plant the seeds about 2 inches deep in the soil and keep the region moist by watering regularly. Make sure to keep weeds at bay and watch the tree grow! You can easily obtain bel patra once the tree attains considerable growth.
Maintaining a bel tree
Once the tree starts growing, it is important to keep a check on dead or diseased branches and prune them regularly. Pruning also helps in maintaining a manageable shape and size of the tree and ensuring its overall health.
Moreover, the tree would also require protection from pests and other creatures that might prove harmful, especially in its early stages. Therefore, adequate usage of pesticides is necessary to prevent damage from harmful creatures.
Bel trees grow faster during spring and summer. Despite not requiring excessive care and attention, they definitely yield better results if provided with ample fertilising. Make sure to fertilise the soil as per the instructions provided on the pack for a fruitful growth of the tree.
FAQs
Why should I consume bel patra?
Bel patra has several health benefits and medicinal properties and is good for respiratory, digestive and oral health.
How to recognise bel patra?
Bel patra has a round base with a pointed tip with up to 12 veins joining in the middle and is dark green in colour.
Can I grow bel patra at home?
Yes, bel trees can easily be grown at home.
What are the advantages of growing bel tree at home?
Growing your own bel tree will give you access to not only its leaves but also other useful parts such as fruits, seeds and bark.
Why is bel patra believed to be sacred in Hinduism?
Bel patra is believed to symbolise the Hindu holy trinity of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva and is an important part of worship rituals associated with Lord Shiva.
What maintenance does a bel tree require?
Bel trees require minimal maintenance once fully grown, regular pruning is a must to ensure overall tree health.
Can I take care of a bel tree by myself?
Yes, growing and maintaining a bel tree is very easy and can be managed at home without much technical difficulty.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
