Parcel from the UK warehouse Terminalia bellirica – also known as Bibhitaki or Barro, is a tropical tree species native to Asia. The fruit of this plant has a long tradition in Ayurvedic medicine. This raw material contains, among others, tannins, ellagic, gallic and chebulinic acid, sterols (beta-sitosterol), lignans and mannitol.
Bibhitaki fruits have a positive and normalising effect on digestive function – they stimulate intestinal motility, reduce bloating (flatulence), have hepatoprotective properties and increase appetite. Due to the content of tannins, which have an astringent effect on mucosa, terminalia fruits are helpful in diarrhoea. The raw material is also widely used for respiratory diseases – asthma, cough, cold and laryngitis. It demonstrates mucolytic properties, thereby dissolving mucus in the respiratory tract and facilitating expectoration.
Bibhitaki fruits have antihypertensive, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, aid in the maintenance of optimal blood cholesterol levels and influence positively sugar balance. Extracts from this raw material are reported to inhibit the development of atherosclerotic plaque. Terminalia bellirica supports neurological function, consequently calming the body and reducing nervous tension.
Along with amla and haritaki, bibhitaki has been a component of triphala, an Ayurvedic formulation which has a tonic and cleansing effect on the digestive system, thereby promoting its function and weight loss.