Bael or wood apple known as belle in Sinhala is also known as Bilva in Sanskrit, Bilva Pazham in Tamil, Bilva or Maredu Phalam in Telugu and Bengal Quince is a native to India, Malaysia, Thailand, Sri Lanka and Southeast Asian countries.  Bael that goes with the botanical name Aegle marmelos is a middle-sized tree, with slender branches, pale brown bark that often oozes an edible gum. The leaves of bael are quite unique, trifoliate in shape which means each leaf consists around 4 to 12 pairs of side veins adjoining at the margin.

Despite interchangeable – the word ‘Wood Apple’ should not be confused with another similar fruit Kaitha Bael in Hindi, Velaga Pandu in Telugu, Vilam Palam in Tamil that goes with the botanical name Limonia acidissima as these both fruits differ in taste, colour and properties.

The Bael fruits are globose in shape, with a hard exterior and it doesn’t split open even upon ripening. The raw fruits look greenish grey while the woody exterior turns yellow upon ripening. The ripened fruit contains aromatic pulp with around 10 to 15 seeds, enclosed in a sac filled with natural adhesive.

Bael tree also has a huge religious significance in Hindu scriptures. Believed as the favourite tree of Lord Maha Shiva, the goodness of this botanical wonder found a special mention in Rig Veda and is also believed as the residence of Goddess Lakshmi for wealth and prosperity. Bilva leaves, fruits form a major part while worshipping Lord Shiva.

Bael fruits are a power punch of various nutrients like beta-carotene, protein, riboflavin and vitamin C. It is loaded with vitamin B1 and B2, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, carotene and possesses good amounts of minerals like calcium, potassium, fiber and good fats.

These fruits are also popular for antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and laxative properties and it has been in use for its medicinal and therapeutic properties in Ayurveda, Siddha and other forms of alternate medicine for thousands of years.

And if you are wondering, how to include these hard-exterior fruits in your daily diet, the best way is to drink homemade bael sherbet. Popular in Odisha and West Bengal this sherbet serves as an instant body cooler and an energizer on a sunny day.

Bael fruits doesn’t split open even after getting ripened. Choose a pale yellow, sweet smelling fruit and try breaking the shell with a hard object. Scoop out the pulp to make this easy sherbet.

How To Make Bael Sherbet or uice At Home:

Bael Sherbet is a traditional recipe, often found in the households of North Eastern India, especially during summers. This natural coolant not only quenches your thirst but also provides instant energy, thanks to its nutrients.

Benefits of Bael

Bael is loaded with a myriad of nutrients which include vitamins A, B1, B2, C and minerals calcium, potassium and iron. The host of plant compounds in bael is beneficial in treating tuberculosis, hepatitis, ulcer and digestive problems. Furthermore, it is also a good source of tannins which aid in treating cholera.

High on Carbs:

Bael being high on carbohydrates provides ample amounts of energy to the body for carrying out various bodily activities. Consumed in a limited quantity, it helps the brain cells to work better, aid in digestion and keeps a check on the cholesterol level.

Rich in Potassium:

The abundance of potassium in Bael makes it an appropriate fruit for people suffering from hypertension. It prevents the arteries from hardening, thus reducing strokes and preventing heart ailments. The richness of potassium in bael helps to eliminate sodium through urine and also eases the tension on the blood vessel walls which helps in lowering the blood pressure and treating the various symptoms of hypertension.

Loaded with Calcium:

Calcium being the second abundant element present in Bael is vital for bone health. It attributes to the strengthening of teeth, bones and prevents osteoporosis. It also plays a major role in in controlling loss of blood in case of injuries.

Iron Rich:

Bael being a rich source of iron acts as a natural blood purifier and increases red blood cell and hemoglobin count in blood. It is extremely beneficial for people suffering from anemia.

Abundance of Vitamins:

Bael being loaded with Vitamins has innumerable health benefits. It is a rich source of Vitamins A, B and C and the presence of these multivitamins make Bael the number one choice among fruits in the treatment of eye problems, digestive disorders, heart ailments, skin diseases and by preventing the body against infections and enhancing the overall immunity.

Powerhouse of Antioxidants:

The high content of phytochemicals such as flavonoids attribute to the antioxidative properties of Bael making it a potent fruit against heart and liver ailments, reduces high cholesterol and is also useful against various infections.

Bael for Diabetes:

The active constituent “Feronia gum” present in the bark and branches of the bael tree have reportedly shown helpful properties in controlling diabetes. It regulates the production of insulin from the cells into the blood stream and low glycemic index of bael maintains the blood sugar level.A glass of Bael juice (not on empty stomach) every morning has proven beneficial for people suffering from diabetes. (BBC)

Bael for Digestion and Constipation:

Bael is an apt fruit for curing many digestive issues due to its anti- bacterial, anti- fungal properties. It is recommended for people suffering from stomach ulcers as the high content of tannin in its leaves reduces inflammation. The laxative properties of Bael help in cleaning the intestines and prevent constipation.

Regular consumption of Bael juice with a pinch of salt and pepper has been known to show wonders in treating cBael for Scurvy:

Scurvy is a disease caused due to the deficiency of Vitamin C in the body resulting in sore arms and legs and weakness. Bael having a load of vitamin C acts as a boon for people suffering from Vitamin C deficiency and cures the disease in no time.

Bael for Earaches:

This is one of the least known benefits of Bael but holds much importance in getting effective results. The anti-bacterial properties of Bael help in treating infections and removing solidified wax from the ear, thus, preventing problems related to hearing.

Bael for Skin Problems:

Due to the presence of the anti-bacterial properties in Bael, it is highly effective against skin infections, cures many skin disorders and promotes skin health.

Bael For Blood Purification:

Bael also plays a key role in lowering the levels of cholesterol of the blood. It is useful in treating heart, liver and kidney problems. Due to the high amount of potassium, it purifies the blood, removes toxins and boosts the overall immunity of the body.

Bael For Heart:

Being a natural antioxidant and a cardio-protective fruit, Bael has been found to have a positive effect on the heart and hence plays a pivotal role in treating a host of heart ailments. It not only strengthens the heart muscles, drops cholesterol levels in the blood but also prevents lipid accumulation, which in turn reduces the risk of atherosclerosis, heart blocks, heart attacks, blood clots, etc.

Bael For Respiratory Anomalies:

Imbued with anti-inflammatory, anti-biotic, and anti-asthmatic properties, bael holds high significance in treating the common cold, cough and flu symptoms. It also thins and loosens rheum deposits within the chest and nasal cavities and hence eases breathing and helps the body to get rid of mucus. It is also beneficial in treating bronchitis and asthmatic conditions.

Bael For Hair:

Apart from uplifting overall health, Bael has been a boon for promoting hair growth since ancient times. The anti-microbial nature of the plant treats various scalp and hair infections like folliculitis, itching and dandruff. It nourishes the hair follicles with essential nutrients, improves blood circulation and strengthens the hair strands from the roots. By normalizing the secretion of the stress hormone, it also prevents hair fall and breakage due to stress and anxiety.

Bael For Lactation

On daily consumption, bael or any of its formulation help increase the production of prolactin and corticoids, which in turn induces galactagogue action and thereby helps in improving lactation and the quality of breast milk. This is extremely beneficial towards the young ones since breast milk is ideal for their nourishment and helps strengthening their immune system.

Consume juice of bael along with dry ginger powder and a pinch of jaggery to improve galactagogue action.

Bael For Controlling Cholesterol

Bael plays a quintessential role in detoxifying the body by removing AMA toxins from the body. It controls triglycerides, serum and tissue lipid profiles and also reduces the accumulation of LDL cholesterol (i.e. Low-Density Lipoproteins or bad cholesterol) within the body. This action in turn improves metabolism and helps the body to shed weight faster.

Bael For Mouth Ulcers

The glycoprotein secretions of bael have been found in various studies to be extremely effective in treating different types of stomach ulcer including peptic and ulcerative colitis and even treat colic pain. Owing to its soothing properties, the pulp of bael when applied on ulcers or blisters within the oral cavity helps in speeding up the healing process.

 Bael in Ayurveda

Bael or Bilva holds much significance in Ayurveda due to its wide range of benefits. Ancient Ayurvedic scriptures also mention Bael as one of the “Dashamoolas” i.e. roots having anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties. Each and every part of the tree has a therapeutic benefit.The fruit has Katu (pungent), Tikta (bitter) and Kashaya (astringent) properties. It has Ushna Virya (hot potency) and Katu Vipaka (i.e. pungent metabolic property). It aggravates the Pitta doshas (digestion) and pacifies Vata (air) and Kapha (earth and water) doshas.

The fruit when taken unripe is very effective in improving digestion and preventing constipation.The ripe fruit has Madhura ras (sweet taste) but aggravates all three doshas. However, it plays a key role in treating and curing diarrhea and cholera.

The roots of the plant prevent vomiting and nausea.Churna from the leaves of the plant balances the three doshas and is effective in preventing abdominal colic pain, dyspepsia and gastritis.Decoction of the stem or bark of the plant plays a key role in treating heart related ailments, improves digestion and treats rheumatoid arthritis.